A three-day burst of coding challenges, engaging workshops and inspiring role models has set the stage for a new generation of tech innovators. Murdoch University’s recent CodeCrush event provided 30 year 8 students from across Western Australia with an immersive experience that not only demystified the world of IT but also shone a spotlight on the importance of diversity and representation within the sector.
A Shift in the Narrative
At the heart of CodeCrush was a challenge to the stereotype that technology is only for men—a notion that many still grapple with in WA’s tech community. Associate Lecturer Despoina Giannakaki, who has led the initiative, stressed the necessity for young women to recognise the many diverse career pathways within IT. “Women have repeatedly proven themselves to be brilliant in all fields of IT,” she explained, emphasising the essential need for role models who not only guide but also validate young women’s ability to excel in technology.
Drawing inspiration from a similarly themed event at the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2014, the Murdoch adaptation took much more than a one-off approach. The enriched programme spanned hands-on activities, inspiring panel discussions and real-world excursions, all designed to create an environment where young participants could visualise themselves as future tech leaders.
The Power of Representation
Representation in the tech sector is not a new conversation, but CodeCrush has brought it into vivid focus. Among the event’s notable speakers was Kate Kirwin, the CEO of She Codes and 2024 WA Young Australian of the Year, who epitomises the success that comes when determination and expertise are matched with opportunity. Her presence amplified the message that success in IT is attainable regardless of gender.
Panel discussions featuring industry stalwarts like Vannessa van Beek—Women in Security Award winner—and international conference speaker Michelle Sandford from Microsoft reinforced this point. Moderator Senior Lecturer Dr Joo Yeon Park noted that exposing young women to successful female mentors is crucial. “When young women see other women working in IT, they begin to believe it’s possible for them too. That belief can change their lives and the industry,” she remarked.
Workshops Spark Curiosity and Creativity
Among the multiple activities on offer, the ‘Byte Club – Girls that hack!’ workshop stood out for its innovative approach to cybersecurity education. Led by Donna Buckley, an award-winning STEM teacher and Murdoch alumna, the session allowed students to toggle between roles as codemakers and codebreakers. In a practical demonstration of encryption techniques, the young participants gained insight into the world of cyber security—a field increasingly recognised as critical to WA’s emerging tech industry.
Participants also benefited from hands-on coding sessions, interactive problem-solving exercises and the chance to work with mentors who have carved successful careers in various facets of IT—from financial analysis and data management to teaching and IT management. As Associate Lecturer Giannakaki reflected on her diverse career experiences, she recognised that the ‘a-ha!’ moments during these workshops were invaluable. “There is no better feeling than seeing that moment when someone understands something you have explained,” she said.
Bridging Education and Industry
CodeCrush was not just an academic exercise; it was a carefully orchestrated effort to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry realities. Excursions to sponsoring companies, including Immersive Technologies and Bankwest, allowed the students to explore modern IT workspaces firsthand. These visits provided tangible insights into how theoretical knowledge translates into everyday practice and underscored the role of industry partnerships in nurturing future talent.
Associate Professor Pol Koutsakis, the CodeCrush programme coordinator, highlighted the significance of these collaborations. “This event underscores the University’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry,” he said, adding that such opportunities enable young women to see the myriad of career pathways available to them. In regions like Western Australia, where the digital economy is rapidly evolving, these real-world experiences can ignite a passion for innovation and technology that lasts a lifetime.
A Broader Commitment to Diversity in Tech
CodeCrush is part of a broader movement within Western Australia to address the gender imbalance that has long been a challenge in the IT and tech sectors. National statistics indicate that women represent only a fraction of the ICT workforce, and WA’s figures are no exception. Initiatives such as She Codes Australia and strategic government policies aimed at increasing female participation in STEM fields are reshaping the landscape.
Murdoch University’s initiative builds on this momentum by actively reaching out to secondary school students and engaging them at a formative age. By combining practical learning experiences with meaningful mentorship, the event not only challenged existing stereotypes but also offered a roadmap for aspiring tech professionals.
Echoes from the Past and Hints of the Future
Historically, WA has seen several initiatives aimed at encouraging youth participation in STEM. However, the depth and intensity of CodeCrush set it apart. Unlike shorter workshops or career days, this three-day immersive programme allowed young women to dive deep into technical challenges, engage directly with industry veterans and understand the multifaceted nature of modern IT careers.
In comparing CodeCrush with initiatives from institutions like Curtin University’s STEM outreach or the annual RoboCup Junior competition, it is clear that the event’s unique blend of hands-on learning, panel discussions and industry exposure creates an environment where passion for technology can truly flourish.
Looking Ahead
As the digital economy continues to evolve, the need for diverse perspectives in tech has never been more pressing. CodeCrush has demonstrated that by instilling confidence and providing practical experiences, universities and industry partners can significantly influence the next generation of tech professionals. The hope is that the enthusiasm ignited during this event will translate into sustained interest and long-term careers within the IT sector.
For Western Australia—where geographic isolation has historically posed challenges to building local tech ecosystems—events like CodeCrush offer a glimpse of an inclusive, innovative future. With continued commitment from educational institutions, industry leaders and policymakers, WA is well positioned to lead the charge in nurturing a diverse and vibrant tech community.
Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures
The success of CodeCrush is a testament to the power of role models, practical learning and strategic partnerships. As young women left the event with certificates presented by member of the Parliament for Bibra Lake and Murdoch alumna Sook Yee Lai, the message was unequivocal: the future of IT is bright for anyone who dares to pursue it.
This event is more than just a career day—it is a catalyst for change, a signal that Western Australia is not only recognising the importance of inclusivity in tech but is actively working to redefine what it means to be a tech professional in today’s world.
For readers keen to explore more about gender diversity initiatives in WA’s tech sector or to learn about upcoming events, resources like the WA Women in STEM strategy and statements from the Australian Government’s National Science Statement provide further insight into these pivotal efforts.
As WA continues to push towards a more inclusive digital future, initiatives like CodeCrush serve as a reminder that every innovative breakthrough starts with a single inspired idea, nurtured by mentorship and a supportive community.
