Technology, Supercars & Cricket collide for a day at DXC Arena

This initiative, which has tripled in size in the last 12 months, is the second collaboration between DXC, NT Cricket and the Shell V-Power Racing Team, including contributing partners Viva Energy Australia (Shell Licensee), Penske Australia and New Zealand, Repco and LiteHaus International. 

DXC is also pleased to continue its partnership with DeadlyScience, an Indigenous STEM organisation, who delivered a joint STEM session at the three schools with the Shell V-Power Racing Team on Tuesday, 11 June 2024. 

Ahead of the Repco Supercars Championship Darwin Triple Crown, which is the annual Indigenous Round, 100 students from Malak, Ludmilla and Millner Primary Schools were invited to the DXC Arena in Darwin where they were presented with the donated laptops by the Shell V-Power Racing Team’s Drivers, Anton De Pasquale and Will Davison, along with the Minister for Education Hon. Mark Monaghan MLA, Northern Territory Government.

The Minister and drivers were joined by student representatives from the three primary schools to showcase a special reveal of the Shell V-Power Racing Team’s 2024 Indigenous Livery.

Students were also treated to STEM sessions with DeadlyScience, truck tours by Penske Australia and New Zealand, interactive tours of the two Shell V-Power Mustangs, and cricket games by NT Cricket, who in the lead up to the event at DXC Arena, had been running clinics in the three respective schools.

“We are pleased to be able grow this wonderful initiative with our partners in the Northern Territory. Whether it be introducing cricket clinics with NT Cricket, donating laptops or visiting schools to advocate STEM learning and pathways with DeadlyScience and the Shell V-Power Racing Team, it is important for likeminded organisations to come together and give back to schools and communities,” said Seelan Nayagam, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, DXC Technology.

“DXC is committed to reducing barriers and contributing to the educational success of Territorians. We are once again thankful to our partner, LiteHaus International for their efforts in the preparation of the 90 laptop devices to meet the Department of Education’s requirements. Initiatives like this play a critical role in laying the foundations to help students participate more meaningfully in society and achieve better life outcomes,” added Nayagam. 

The laptop donation and STEM in schools experience is part of DXC’s Digital Futures Program, which to date has donated over 1,000 laptops and impacted over 20,000 students. The program provisions refurbished technology equipment and introduces STEM Pathways opportunities to foundations, not-for-profit organisations, schools, community student programs, community-controlled health services and community councils.

DXC is committed to building sustainable and responsible business practices, and through a circular economy approach, the organisation is re-using or recycling 99% of its IT equipment, supporting a target of zero e-waste to landfill. 

Gavin Dovey, CEO, NT Cricket: “Today is all about connection and partnerships, and the great things that are possible when communities come together, and people are given opportunity. We feel excited and proud to have such an amazing premier partner in DXC Technology who continue lead with their actions share our vision of uniting and inspiring communities.” 

David Noble, Chief Executive Officer, Shell V-Power Racing Team: “We’re delighted to be a part of DXC Technology’s Digital Futures Program for a second consecutive year. This event is a highlight of our community engagement program which is growing in its significance connecting our partners, government, and schools. After the success of 2023, our combined effort will deliver 90 laptops as a commitment to growing the program. This will have a significant benefit and impact on many young students. On behalf of the Shell V-Power Racing Team, I would like to thank our partners DXC Technology, Viva Energy Australia, Penske Australia & New Zealand, and Repco Australia for contributing to this wonderful program. We look forward to setting new and increased targets in years to come.” 

Corey Tutt, founder and CEO, DeadlyScience: “At DeadlyScience®, we understand the profound impact of representation, after all, 'you can't be what you can't see.' That's why it's important to offer avenues that empower and inspire Australia's First Scientists to explore careers in STEM fields. DeadlyScience were delighted to run our Deadly STEM in Schools Program at Malak, Ludmilla and Millner Primary Schools this week. The sessions saw Indigenous learners from the primary schools engage in culturally appropriate STEM activities in an interactive and engaging way. The support of DXC Technology through their Digital Futures Program will help to fuel Indigenous futures in STEM and provide opportunities for Indigenous youth through supplying technology that facilitates access to further education and learning.” 

Mina McCarthy, Assistant Director, School Improvement, NT Department of Education: “We are excited to see the Digital Futures program expanded to 3 schools this year! This means more students having opportunities to improve their digital literacy through access to additional devices. The STEM workshops were a fantastic addition this year linking Indigenous Science Knowledge with sustainability and engineering. Students were also introduced to future learning and work pathways in STEM.”

About DXC Technology
DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) helps global companies run their mission-critical systems and operations while modernising IT, optimising data architectures, and ensuring security and scalability across public, private and hybrid clouds. The world's largest companies and public sector organisations trust DXC to deploy services to drive new levels of performance, competitiveness, and customer experience across their IT estates. Learn more about how we deliver excellence for our customers and colleagues at DXC.com.

About Shell V-Power Racing Team
The Shell V-Power Racing Team (Dick Johnson Racing) is one of the most successful and longest-standing motorsport teams in Australia. The Shell V-Power Racing Team compete in the Repco Supercars Championship, which is Australia’s premier motorsport series, and one of the largest touring car championships in the world. At the helm of the team is racing legend Dick Johnson, who with his team Dick Johnson Racing (DJR), won multiple championship titles and is respected and admired nationally.  Shell has been part of Dick Johnson’s journey since he began in 1967. It is the longest motorsport partnership in Australia (and one of the longest sports partnerships). The team have won 10 drivers championships (3 back to back between 2018-2020), four Bathurst 1000’s and three teams championships (2017, 2019 and 2020).  

About DeadlyScience
DeadlyScience is an Indigenous run charity that provides Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) programs and resources to Indigenous learners across Australia. DeadlyScience aims to create STEM equity for Indigenous learners by providing programs and resources that these learners may not have access to otherwise.

Contacts: 
•    Sheila Dhillon, Director, Corporate Communications, DXC Technology – sdhillon@dxc.com
•    Emily Dickson, Media Manager, Shell V-Power Racing Team – emily.dickson@djr.com.au 
•    Olivia Sherlock, Communications & Marketing Manager, NT Cricket – Olivia.Sherlock@ntcricket.com.au 
•    Tara Van Toorn, Marketing and Communications, DeadlyScience - marketing@deadlyscience.org.au 
•    Jane De Gault, Media Manager, Department of Education, Northern Territory Government - jane.degault@education.nt.gov.au