Fourteen-year-old Robert Hay really loves a long hot shower, even when he's camping in the bush.

This week year-9 Queensland student Robert was awarded Australia's first Gold CREST Award, for his development of a portable solar-powered shower.

To achieve gold, a student must work with a mentor on a science project for more than a hundred hours.

Robert investigated many portable hot water systems before designing and constructing his own. Robert's device has the added bonus that the components are used to transport goods to the camp grounds, where it is asembled.

Seeking a mentor to advise him on the project, Robert was unable to find a local expert. He contacted Brenden Bourke, an engineer with Rheem Australia in Rydalmere, NSW and asked him for help.

Brenden gave Robert the technical advice he needed. With encouragement from local science teacher at Pioneer High School, Mackay, Brad Simpson, and his Dad, Malcolm Hay, Robert produced working drawings, a report to the Canberra CREST office, and finally the heater.

The Awards are given to secondary school students who show creativity in science and technology ('CREST'). The scheme is an initiative of CSIRO Education Programs, supported by the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs.

Schools can register to become CREST centres so that their students can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold CREST Awards. More than 1000 students around Australia have achieved Bronze CREST Awards in the two years that the scheme has operated.

Robert is the first to achieve Gold

More information from Nola Shoring, National CREST Coordinator on 06-276 7576