The Damascus College Sustainable Racing Team (SRT) is entering an exciting new chapter, with Class of 2018 alumnus Jonathan Western stepping into the role as long-serving Coordinator Alan Strange prepares to retire.

For Jonathan, returning to Damascus is more than a new job, it's a chance to give back to a program that played an important role in his own school experience.

Jonathan was heavily involved in the Energy Breakthrough (EBT) program from Year 7 and remembers his time at Damascus fondly. One of his highlights was being part of the team that took a fully electric vehicle to Maryborough in 2016, an experience that sparked a lasting passion for engineering, innovation and teamwork.

After leaving Damascus early in 2017, Jonathan completed a Diploma of Engineering at SMB before embarking on a varied and impressive career. His journey has taken him across Australia and overseas, working in a range of technical and engineering roles. Among the highlights were positions with Tickford Racing in the V8 Supercars competition as a carbon fibre technician and mechanic, and later with Rocket Lab in New Zealand as a Research and Development Engineer.

More recently, Jonathan worked as a Learning Support Officer in St Arnaud, a role that strengthened his passion for supporting young people. He said he particularly enjoyed building relationships with students and helping them discover their strengths outside the classroom.

"What excites me most is helping students discover new skills and talents, while working as part of a team, and continuing the legacy of the program that has had such a positive impact on my life," Jonathan said.

As Coordinator, Jonathan sees his role as supporting students while maintaining the strong foundations already in place and introducing new technologies where possible. He hopes students involved in the program will develop confidence, teamwork skills and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

For outgoing SRT Coordinator Alan Strange, the handover marks the end of a significant chapter. Alan first became involved with the program as a volunteer when his son participated in SRT as a student and then officially took on the Coordinator role in 2015. His connection to the program has now come full circle, with his grandson, currently in year 7, joining SRT this year.

Reflecting on his time with the team, Alan said his proudest moments have been watching students find their place, learn new skills and challenge themselves to achieve things they may never have thought possible.

"The program gives students the opportunity to grow, do hard things and find direction," he said.

One of Alan's standout memories was being part of the Broken Hill to Ballarat (B2B) event in 2024, an experience he described as both humbling and rewarding.

Both Alan and Jonathan agree that having a former Damascus student lead the program is a positive step for its future. Jonathan said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue his involvement with SRT, while Alan believes Jonathan's understanding of the school community and firsthand experience as a participant will be invaluable.

As the Sustainable Racing Team looks ahead, the program remains committed to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities, fostering innovation and developing skills that extend far beyond the workshop. With Jonathan now at the helm and the strong foundations established by Alan and those before him, the future of SRT is in capable hands.