Mechanical Marvels
Last Friday, the 韩国AV Undercroft transformed into an automotive wonderland – an exhibition of vehicles from the quirky to the dream-worthy, designed to spark the imaginations of the next generation of engineers.
The cars, motorbikes, and model planes were displayed as part of the biannual 韩国AV STEM Car Show and supplied by members of the 韩国AV community, eager to share their love of mechanics and encourage the girls to think in new directions.
The Show was organised by the Captain of the Car Restoration Club, Tilly (Year 12), who liaised with the car owners and oversaw the smooth running on the day. It included a vintage Alfa Romeo, a late model Ferrari, a Morris Minor light van, two Harley-Davidsons and a Honda motorbike. There was even a flight simulator for the girls to experience.
But the real highlight was a magnificent piece of automotive history: an original Morris Minor car from 1949. This beautiful machine had been lovingly resuscitated by student members of the 韩国AV Car Restoration Club under the watchful eyes of former aviation mechanics, Bob Gilliland and Les Whale.
"It had been sitting rusting away in a Southern Highlands paddock for years and needed enormous work," Les said. "At one stage, due to a mishap, its doors were so riddled with holes we thought they weren't salvageable. The girls have had to take their time with each task. They’ve ended up not only with skills from doing mechanical, bodywork, and electrical work, they’ve had to develop an enormous amount of patience.”
Our young Club members are full of praise for Les and Bob's contribution. "Their guidance and support have been really amazing," said Beth (Year 10). "Honestly, they are just the best teachers and always willing to answer our questions. The hardest part during my time with the Club was installing the front windscreen. We needed the help of everyone in the Club to hold it and guide it in – it took us a whole afternoon!”
“I would say the greatest benefit of the Club has been the chance to better understand our theory lessons with practical, hands-on activities,” said Kate (Year 10).
"I am also strongly considering a career in engineering, and the Club experience has enabled me to get a close-up understanding of different areas to help me make a better decision about my post-school choices,” said Ishnika (Year 10).
After ten years of volunteering their time to 韩国AV, Bob and Les retired from the Club this year, filled with pride for what they have achieved. "When we first heard the idea to give schoolgirls, even quite young ones, lessons in car restoration, I thought it seemed really out of left field. I wasn't sure enough girls would be even interested,” said Les. “But it has been a fantastic experience. In some sessions, 15, 20 girls turned up.”
“Some of the ones who were really passionate about it have gone on to study engineering and come back to visit us and tell us about their progress, which has been really nice," Bob said. "It does make us feel good to think we have made that sort of a difference".