2003 Aurora Unveiled

MINISTER TIM HOLDING LAUNCHES AURORA'S ADVENTURES FOR 2003-4

25 June 2003

Having rolled out of the workshop for the first time just 3 days earlier the newly painted 2003 Aurora 101 solar from the city of Melbourne was launched by the Hon Tim Holding, State Minister for Manufacturing and Export.

Some 65 guests including most of Aurora's terrific supporter companies attended a breakfast on the 23rd floor of the Rialto Towers headquarters of Foundation Sponsor Minter Ellison. Partner Peter George got the event rolling and was followed by a memorable talk from Ford Australia's Vice president for Product Development Trevor Worthington. Trevor reminded the audience of the fact that Ford had backed this team since it began solar car development for the first World Solar Challenge in 1987. Aurora is please to still retain the membership of two of these pioneers from 1987, Viv Baddeley and David French..

Minister Holding impressed the audience with his grasp of the history and knowledge of the achievements of the Aurora team. Speaking without notes he described the plans encompassed in the Aurora 'Beaming' program for 2003-04 and endorsed the project as well worthy of support.

Cell Owners, Y4 Penleigh & Essendon Grammar School representatives Arthur Spathis (right), and Rachit Datta (centre) enjoy meeting Minister Holding
Cell Owners, Y4 Penleigh & Essendon Grammar School representatives Arthur Spathis (right), and Rachit Datta (centre) enjoy meeting Minister Holding



After breakfast the Minister met the spectators and friends assembled in the foyer of the Rialto Towers to officially unveil the new solar car. Aurora team members Sylvia Seldon and Eli Thurrowgood assisted in this.

The 2003 Aurora 101 solar car is painted in Black, red and yellow, the colours of the aboriginal flag. This has been done to reinforce the long-term association that Aurora has been privileged to enjoy with aboriginal painter Lin Onus. Although he passed away in 1996, his work was featured in a retrospective exhibition staged during the Sydney Olympics. Some of his work and that of his son Tiriki is on display at the Melbourne Museum in Carlton.

This launch commences the biggest and most international program ever undertaken by the volunteer Aurora Vehicle Association. Members and supporters from the public have a great chance to join in this program financially by having one of the triple junction galium arsenide solar cells carry their name.

Within two days of the launch the Aurora 101 solar car was despatched to Japan to compete in the Suzuka 'Dream Cup', which will run from 25-27 July, 2003. Watch for daily reports.

Lynda Gilbert, Aurora's membership officer and Professor Ian Bates from RMIT and Co Chairman of Aurora Peter Young, Managing Director of 101 Collins Street, a Foundation Supporter of Aurora
Lynda Gilbert, Aurora's membership officer and Professor Ian Bates from RMIT and Co Chairman of Aurora

Peter Young, Managing Director of 101 Collins Street, a Foundation Supporter of Aurora