Vale Mike Roach

SASTA Honorary Life Member | SASTA Medal recipient (2000)

A passionate advocate for space science education, Mike Roach dedicated his career to inspiring students and supporting teachers across South Australia and beyond.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Mike Roach, SASTA Honorary Life Member and recipient of the SASTA Medal in 2000.

Mike’s contribution to science education in South Australia and across Australia was significant and wide-reaching. He is remembered for his generosity, his thoughtful leadership, and his strong commitment to supporting both students and teachers.

Mike joined SASTA in the mid-1980s and became a long-standing member of the community. After being elected to the SASTA Board in 1993, he served in a range of roles over many years, including Publicity Officer, Treasurer, Secretary, and President from 2000 to 2003. He also convened the Professional Development Committee from 1998 to 2000 and contributed to the Oliphant Science Awards Committee, including as a Convenor. Nationally, he served as Treasurer of the Australian Science Teachers Association from 2003 to 2007.

He was especially passionate about space science and astronomy education. From 1993, Mike worked to expand opportunities for students and teachers in this area. Following his involvement with the Australian International Space School from 1993 to 1996, he established the South Australian Space School in 1997, creating new opportunities for Year 10 students to engage deeply with space science.

Mike also supported teachers through professional learning, including delivering the Teaching and Learning in Astronomy course for Year 5–9 teachers from 2000 to 2004, and promoting initiatives such as the Noonday Project for Year 9 students in 2002. He recognised the need for accessible, practical resources and worked to support teachers in bringing space science into their classrooms.

His contribution to science education was recognised nationally with the 2005 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools.

“Providing workshops for teachers… and seeing them use these activities successfully with their own classes gave me great satisfaction.”

This commitment to supporting teachers was central to Mike’s work and reflects the way he approached science education throughout his career.

His work was shaped by a genuine enthusiasm for space science and a commitment to sharing that enthusiasm with others. After attending space camps in Australia and the United States, he continued to build connections and bring ideas and resources back to support science education locally.

He was also closely involved in the development of immersive space education experiences, including programs such as the “Mission to Mars” simulation, and was honoured through the establishment of the Mike Roach Space Education Centre.

Throughout his career, Mike contributed to a range of projects and initiatives, including the Quality Science Project (2000–2002), the Le@rning Federation learning objects, the Home Energy Project, and the SiMERR Project. He was also a writer and presenter of workshops, consistently sharing his knowledge and experience with colleagues.

Mike valued the importance of collaboration and professional community. He built strong connections through SASTA and ASTA, and took great enjoyment in working with others, attending conferences, and supporting fellow educators.

Mike’s impact is reflected in the many students he inspired, the teachers he supported, and the programs he helped bring to life. His contribution to SASTA and to science education will be remembered with great respect.

We extend our sincere condolences to Mike’s family, friends, and colleagues, and to all members of the science education community who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed.