The FIRST LEGO League Robotics team is made up of Mim Macdonell from Ulladulla High School, Lachlan Hollier, Lilli Stiff-Marr and Michael Blundell from Shoalhaven High School and Dylan Hollier and Lucas Solari from Sussex Inlet Public School.

The team placed equal eighth in the Robot Games and was awarded third Overall Champions at the Australian National Tournament at Macquarie University in December. 

Coach Natalie Macdonell from Berrara said it was a nervous wait to hear their names announced. 

“We were amazed when we just got to go to the nationals and then we were in the ceremony and thought maybe we would get a trophy for our project but then there was just one big trophy left and we thought ‘that’s okay, we’ve done well anyway’ and then they announced us,” she said. 

“We just couldn’t believe we were at the nationals with all these teams who’ve competed overseas and now that’s us.” 

The Sussex Smashers competed in three areas – Robot Judging, Project Judging and Core Values Judging. 

Working to the Hydro Dynamics theme, the team came up with the concept of a turbine that fits into a downpipe so that even when it rains, electricity is still generated. 

The Sussex Smashers formed in 2015 with students from Sussex Inlet Public School entering a team in the FIRST LEGO League competition. 

The team members now range in age from 11 to 13 and are spread across the Shoalhaven. 

While distance has presented challenges, Natalie said the students are dedicated to their passion. 

“Over the season which starts end of July we were meeting twice a week, once day on the weekend and one afternoon a week,” she said. 

“Before that it was easier because they were at school together but now there’s a lot of travel but they work so hard and they’ve done an amazing job.

“They were also up against kids aged up to 16 so some of the teams are made up of much older students and they really held their own.”

The team has been mentored by some of Team 6035 Ulladulla’s FIRST Robotics team who competed in America in 2016. 

Now it's the Sussex Smashers’ turn to rack up some passport stamps. 

The team is set to compete in Houston in April and is busily hosting various fundraising stalls to raise the $50,000 needed to allow all students and one parent to travel. 

They’re also seeking sponsorship from local businesses to help achieve their goal. A sponsorship of $500 or more will see sponsors mentioned on the team banner and shirts. 

For more information or to make a donation contact Natalie Macdonell at nat_mac68@hotmail.com or 0421 778 082. 

Donations can also be made to N K Macdonell (Sussex Smashers) BSB: 633 – 000 Account number: 158187468 

Find out more about the Sussex Smashers here.