The President of the Board of Studies, Professor Gordon Stanley, today said the Higher School Certificate exhibition of some of the State's best young designers would be staged in Griffith this month.

Professor Stanley said the DesignTECH exhibition, which opens at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery on 6 March 2008, would include works by five HSC students from the Riverina.

DesignTECH features 21 outstanding projects from 2007 HSC Design and Technology students, covering a wide range of designs and inventions.

"Outstanding works by five students in the Riverina area have been chosen for the local version of the DesignTECH exhibition," Professor Stanley said.

"They include a peacock-inspired gown, a unique coffee table, a water-saving device for air conditioners, a brake system for skateboards and a model of an environmentally friendly house," he said.

"Among the designs from other parts of the state are a cup with two handles that allows a person with low gripping ability to lift it, a fold-up boat that can be transported in the boot of a car, two unique gowns and a man's suit that is several suits in one.

"The Board of Studies NSW runs DesignTECH in association with the Department of Education and Training to highlight the talent and skills demonstrated by HSC Design and Technology students."

Professor Stanley encouraged students and residents of Griffith and the Riverina region to visit the exhibition.

"DesignTECH gives the community the chance to see the innovative work and technological applications emerging from the Design and Technology curriculum in NSW," he said.

"The projects, which meet a need in the community and enhance the environment, are immensely creative, innovative and practical.

"I invite as many people as possible to go along and see the innovative designs and inventions of some of the State's and the Riverina's best young designers."

The DesignTECH exhibition will be open to the public until 16 March 2008.

Media Contact: Natalie Laharnar 02 9367 8066 or 0438 497 766

Local students featured in DesignTECH exhibition at Griffith

Vanessa Buchan, Wagga Wagga Christian College

Peacock Couture

The flow and grace of peacock feathers inspired the colour, shape and decoration of Vanessa's gown and coordinating fascinator. Vanessa developed her sewing skills during the process of making the garment and is planning to pursue a career in the fashion industry.

Brenton Chauncy, Wade High School

Coffee Table

Brenton used contrasting materials combined with complementary use of lines and shapes to create this interesting coffee table. Features include bold spherical balls, twisted metal and a hexagonal, red gum tabletop. Lots of experimentation was carried out in the development of his design. Brenton has gained an appreciation of the complexity of the design process and furniture construction.

Samuel Frogley, The Riverina Anglican College

Evaporative Air conditioner Waste Water Kit

Evaporative air conditioners bleed off water when in use. This high-quality water is usually run off as waste. After thorough investigation Samuel designed a system that allows the waste water to be put to use and also features overflow protection. The aim of Samuel's design was to help save water in drought-affected rural Australia.

Sebastian Gregory, Albury High School

SKATE STOP - Skateboard brakes

As a skateboard rider himself, Sebastian identified the need for safety devices in the broader skateboard community. The brake system he designed transfers the linear movement of the brake cable in a downwards force on both rear wheels, which slows the skateboard. Samuel's design changed continuously throughout the development of the project. He plans to pursue a career in engineering or industrial design.

Mark Higginson, Junee High School

Modern Environmentally Friendly House

This house model is based on similar building designs for an estate development at Lake Mulwala. Mark incorporated as many environmentally friendly design factors as possible to minimise the environmental impacts of modern living. The model is a visual aid to raise awareness of environmental issues in modern architectural designs for suburban living.