GoSH, Western Australia's biggest regional tech-innovation event, is a two-day experience unlike anything else happening in regional WA. GoSH showcases emerging technologies and innovation, raising awareness and aspirations by exploring future skills and career pathways within a regional context. The 2026 Mid West edition took place in early May, bringing that energy to Geraldton, and it was sold out.

Held over two days, GoSH is a collection of events for regional youth with a focus on future skills, diverse education pathways and building capable communities in WA's regions. Day One is a tech-career extravaganza with speakers, live demos, and hands-on innovation, called GoSHowcase. Day Two is a no-barrier hackathon competition customised to the region, called GoSHackathon.

The format is deliberately inclusive. GoSHackathon uses the term "hack" as a clever solution to a problem. Participants don't have to be tech wizards, but they do need to be creative thinkers and cooperative collaborators. Teams work together to tackle real-world challenges relevant to their local region, guided by mentors drawn from industry, education, and the technology sector. GoSHackathon is an epic teamed hackathon encouraged for all ages, with all students in the host region from Year 5 through to Year 12 invited to attend this inspiring free event.

GoSH is on a mission to inspire students across WA by bringing industry and opportunity to the regions and empowering young people through disruption, aiming to showcase their unique skill sets and creativity. This year when GoSH visited Geraldton in the Mid West, the response was overwhelming. The GoSHowcase had 501 participants from 17 schools, while the GoSHackathon attracted 27 teams. In total, over 600 participants engaged across the two days, with young people travelling from across the Mid West and remote communities to take part.

One of the most significant milestones in 2026 was the introduction of remote participant camping at Geraldton Grammar School. Students were bussed in from Cue, Mt Magnet, and Carnarvon, many of whom had never previously left school for a STEM-related excursion. They camped on-site, with Geraldton Grammar Principal Brad Gill personally preparing meals and staying overnight to ensure the young visitors felt welcomed, safe, and valued. The Wooree Scouts ran activities, and innovation provider Bloom delivered a customised Innovation 101 program to prepare the students ahead of the event. Transport was made possible by the Gascoyne Development Commission and the Shire of Cue, who provided buses, drivers, and fuel. The results were striking. After attending GoSH, 90% of those remote students reported they could now see a STEM or innovation career pathway within their own community.

The GoSHackathon itself was free to enter, with 52% female participation across the 27 competing teams. Teams chose from real-world local problems revealed on the day, kept under wraps until the competition began. Problems are framed around the UN Sustainable Development Goals, connecting local challenges to a global framework and encouraging young people to think beyond their immediate environment.

Aligning with GoSH's visit, a broader pipeline of opportunities surrounded the event. Bloom visited 15 schools ahead of the day to deliver pre-GoSH Innovation 101 workshops. A careers event run by Young Engineers attracted 20 families. A professional livestream, funded by Lotterywest, allowed 26 individuals to tune in remotely, supporting students and communities who couldn't make the trip.

Participant data from across the event underscored the impact. Among all attendees, 91% reported using teamwork skills, 91% problem-solving, 86% critical thinking and empathy, and 84% innovation. 77% said what they learned at GoSH would help them in future jobs, and 88% said they simply enjoyed it. For teachers, 64% saw a connection between GoSH content and the curriculum, and 55% said GoSH demonstrates that thinking differently can lead to real career pathways.

GoSH events don't happen without community. The organisation relies on a passionate team of supporters including sponsors, patrons, and forward-thinking associations, and welcomes judges, mentors, and event support volunteers from education, technology, and industry backgrounds.

For many regional students, a career in technology or innovation can seem distant or inaccessible. GoSH brings that world directly to them: exposing them to possibilities they might never have considered, and connecting them to the role models, tools, and pathways to get there.