Media release: 21 April 2026
Engineering the Future of the Regions
REROC and COMPACT’s Enduring Regional Legacy
For almost two decades, REROC and COMPACT have been shaping the future of regional engineering, opening doors for young people to explore Civil Engineering careers through immersive, hands-on learning.
The Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) (www.reroc.com.au), in partnership with regional career development organisation COMPACT Inc. (www.compact.org.au), will host the Build a Bridge…& get over it! Engineering Camp from 20–22 April 2026 at Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre, near Wagga Wagga. Now in its 18th year, the camp is proudly supported by Evolution Mining – Cowal, IPWEA (NSW & ACT), Southwest Group, Goldenfields Water and Riverina Water.
Since its inception, the Build a Bridge…& get over it! Engineering Camp has influenced almost 400 regional students; with many participants reporting the experience played a significant role in their decision to pursue further study and careers in engineering.
A unique engineering experience for regional students
The Build a Bridge…& get over it! Engineering Camp offers regional high school students a rare opportunity to experience what a career in Civil Engineering looks like in practice. The program is open to students from the REROC member council areas of Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Greater Hume, Junee, Lockhart and Temora, as well as the Goldenfields Water and Riverina Water County Council regions.
Following a highly competitive application process, 24 students in Years 10–12 were selected to take part in this intensive, real-world learning experience, where teamwork, problem-solving and engineering theory are brought to life.
REROC Chief Executive Officer Megan Mulrooney said the program’s longevity reflects the strength of regional collaboration.
“The ongoing success of this camp demonstrates the power of partnership between education, industry and local government.”
“The Build a Bridge…& get over it! Engineering Camp continues to thrive because of the commitment of our industry partners and practising engineers, who generously give their time to mentor students. The camp provides young people with genuine insight into engineering careers and supports informed decisions about their future.”
Real-world engineering, led by industry professionals
The 2026 camp is led by Dr Austin Morris, Director of Engineering at Lockhart Shire Council, in his first year as Program Lead. Dr Morris is supported by a team of engineers, engineering professionals, surveyors and environmental scientists who mentor students, deliver skill-based sessions and share their own career pathways.
Over three days, students move from concept to construction, applying engineering theory in a practical environment to deliver a fully functional bridge.
COMPACT Acting Executive Officer Courtney Johnson said the camp plays a critical role in regional workforce development.
“The camp helps young people make informed career decisions while responding to workforce challenges in professional and technical fields,” Ms Johnson said. “It shows students they don’t need to leave regional areas to build fulfilling and impactful careers.”
REROC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Mulrooney said the initiative is increasingly important for Local Government and other key industry sectors.
“Civil Engineers are in high demand not only across NSW, but nationally and globally, driven by sustained regional development, major infrastructure investment, population growth, climate resilience planning and the renewal of aging assets. Programs like this are essential to building the skilled engineering workforce needed to support communities now and into the future.”
From theory to construction
The camp blends classroom learning with fieldwork and teamwork to build a strong foundation in civil engineering practice:
Day one introduces students to foundational engineering skills, including laser levelling, feature surveying, spatial coordinates, basic soil testing and field measurements, guided by experienced REROC engineer mentors.
Day two challenges teams to design a bridge spanning an 11-metre-wide creek within the Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre grounds. Designs are presented to a panel of engineers and peers and assessed using a structured selection-criteria matrix.
Day three sees construction of the winning design, with the successful team acting as Project Managers and remaining teams forming the construction crew under professional supervision.
Graduation over the bridge
On the afternoon on Day 3, local councillors, industry representatives, schools, families and invited guests attend a presentation commencing at 3.45pm, followed by the official unveiling of the completed bridge. Students “graduate” by walking across the bridge they have built to receive their certificates.
Media invitation
Media outlets are invited to visit the camp before 2.00pm on Wednesday 22 April 2026 for photography and interview opportunities, with the main bridge construction taking place on this day.
On arrival, please register at Reception in the Administration Building at Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre, Sturt Highway, Wagga Wagga, and report to Megan Mulrooney (REROC) or Courtney Johnson (COMPACT).
Further information
Megan Mulrooney
Chief Executive Officer – REROC
M: 0417 939 199
E: ceo@reroc.com.au
Courtney Johnson
Acting Executive Officer – COMPACT Inc.
M: 0428 639879
E: Courtney.johnson@compact.org.au