MakMax Supports the Skin Care and Sun Safety Workshops
The Skin Care and Sun Safety Workshops are a student-led initiative designed to raise awareness of sun safety and skin cancer prevention among young people by Promoting Sun Safety in Schools. Founded by the Student Skin Safety Committee at Kambala School in Sydney, the workshops are supported by Kambala teacher Simon Board, alongside a team of dedicated Workshop Ambassadors and health professionals.
The program is backed by Dr Phillip Tong of Dermscreen, a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, and Kirstie Fitzpatrick, Channel 7 Canberra News & Weather Presenter and Skin Cancer Ambassador. These workshops bring together education, science and student engagement to address a significant gap in the NSW school curriculum – skin cancer prevention and sun safety are still not compulsory topics.
A Hands-On Approach to Skin Health Education
The workshops feature a range of interactive stations, including:
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VISIA Skin Analysis and UV Camera Imaging, operated by the Kambala student team in partnership with Dermscreen.
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A Sunscreen Education Station, presented by SC Johnson.
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An interactive Skin Care Mastermind Challenge by Be Challenged.
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A School Shade Audit and Design Station, presented by MakMax Australia.
Each station offers students the opportunity to explore different aspects of skin health and sun safety in a practical, engaging way.
The workshops aim to:
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Highlight the importance of sun protection
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Educate on the dangers of UV exposure
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Address and challenge tanning trends and misconceptions
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Explore the cultural history of tanning
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Help students identify signs of skin changes
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Teach the proper use and timing of SPF products
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Guide students in assessing the amount and quality of shade available in their school environment
The Workshop’s Three Key Goals for Schools in NSW (and beyond!)
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Embed skin cancer prevention strategies across public and private sectors, as well as the wider community
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Improve access to quality shade in schools, workplaces, recreational areas, and public spaces as part of a healthier built environment
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Increase the adoption of UV protection behaviours, especially among high-risk individuals and those with low existing awareness
MakMax Australia’s Involvement
As part of our commitment to community health and sun safety, MakMax Australia is proud to support this important initiative by donating our time and expertise. During the workshops, we lead students through a hands-on School Shade Audit activity. Using aerial photos of their school, visual examples of different shade structures and materials, and expert guidance, students are encouraged to:
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Assess current shaded areas on their school grounds.
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Identify gaps where shade is lacking.
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Map out areas where additional shade would improve sun safety.
- Looks at different types of shade from trees and verandahs, to shade sails, shade structures and school COLA’s (Covered Outdoor Learning Area).
Our goal is to help students understand the value of well-designed shade in reducing UV exposure and to inspire them to advocate for safer outdoor environments at their schools.
“The Sun Safety and Skin Care program addresses a critical gap in preventative health education for students in Years 5 to 12. Developed in response to the lack of structured, engaging sun safety programs in high schools, it stands out through its authentic peer-teaching model and strong foundation in evidence-based research.
The program is rapidly expanding across New South Wales, with growing interest from schools in Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria set to join in Terms 3 and 4 of 2025. A key innovation has been the integration of MakMax, whose involvement has filled a crucial gap in the workshop’s rotation of interactive stations. Their use of aerial photography offers schools a powerful lens into current shade provisions and highlights opportunities for future improvements.
The MakMax station delivers an engaging presentation and practical resources, including a student shade audit survey. This tool generates meaningful data that schools can use to inform strategic decisions around shade design – ensuring students are better protected from harmful UV exposure while learning in outdoor environments.”
Simon Board, Kambala School & Skin Care and Sun Safety Workshops Ambassador.
