Doggie Come Home
Georgina Long
Myrrhee Primary School

Judge’s Comments: Doggy Come Home is a dog collar device activated by a mobile phone. The Judges could see quite plainly that this invention addresses the problems of dogs straying and will be of benefit to dog owners, the public, the environment, and of course, the dogs.

Georgina’s Perspective: Georgina thought of this idea because her dog never comes when she calls it. She discussed her idea with her classmates, teachers and her Mum. She used the computer to find sounds suitable for the dog, as well as her teacher’s mobile phone. Georgina’s dream for her idea is that there won’t be so many lost dogs and that everyone with a dog will have one of these devices.

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Bird Scarer 2002
Blake Sheather
Myrrhee Primary School

Judge’s Comments: Bird Scarer 2002 is a vineyard bird scaring speaker set-up activated by birds. The speakers produce a range of sound affects to frighten the birds from the ripening grape vines when birds land in the vineyard. Birds get used to the currently used timer activated scare guns. The Judging Panel believes that this invention should be of commercial benefit to farmers

Blake’s Perspective: Blake says that his great idea will help farmers that need to go away from their vineyards when the grapes are ripening. The device would be automatic and would be really helpful. Blake started off with four great ideas, before finally rolling them all into the final concept of the Bird Scarer 2002.

The Watch Watch
Ronan Burder
Myrrhee Primary School

Judge’s Comments: Ronan’s invention is the Watch Watch where a wrist watch acts as both a screen and remote control for cameras situated in a vineyard. Ronan realised the potential of his device to be applied to the wider general security of commercial premises. He had researched the needs of the vineyards thoroughly. The Judging Panel could see wider application for such a device.

Ronan’s Perspective: Ronan told us that the steps that he took to develop his great idea were to first think of something safe and to imagine something better than a thing that is already made. He needed to make it easy to use and useful, and also to make it look good and make it cheap so that lots of people would want to buy it. Ronan’s dreams are that his great idea will develop into the most famous thing in the vineyard and that every grape grower will have one

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The Marc Pot
Jessica Graham
Myrrhee Primary School

Judge’s Comments: The Marc Pot combined problem solving with environmental awareness. There is considerable waste production from the wine industry in the form of Marc, a mixture of grape skins, pips, juice, stalk, pulp and leaves. The product was extensively trialed and tested. The Judging Panel liked the work and testing done, and felt that if there is no other standard recycling method for Marc, this product would be an ideal value-adding invention.

Jessica’s Perspective: Jessica believes her great idea will help people, the environment and the community. This biodegradable pot made from the waste products of the wine industry will cut down on the number of plastic pots that eventually end up in the rubbish and in landfill. If something can be done to reduce the amount of plastic pots that are generated from gardening, this great idea will really help the environment

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The Gadget Tray
Matt Duncan & Patrick Jackson
Southmoor Primary School

Judge’s Comments: This invention showed strong originality, and was driven by a clear need, ie. it addressed a well-defined problem. The idea was extensively tested and well thought out. Though simple, it provides a clear solution for many wheel chair bound people in the community. Even if not directly commercialisable, it shows how young minds can successfully come up with innovative solutions. The Judging Panel thought that the wheelchair manufacturers would take on board the principle of designing and building customised wheelchair trays for disabled people.

Matt & Patrick’s Perspective: Matt and Patrick’s great idea is the Gadget Tray and it fits into Matt’s wheelchair. Matt has Muscular Dystrophia and he uses this tray every day. It is very important to him. They would like a company to market their invention worldwide. Many countries overseas and in Australia which market equipment for people with special needs would be delighted with their invention. This invention would greatly benefit the elderly and people in aged care facilities. There would also be a need for use in hospitals and child-care facilities.