Background Despite the established benefits of calcium consumption, many young Australians are not meeting the recommendations for calcium intake. This is concerning because an adequate calcium consumption is important throughout young adulthood to reach peak bone mass and for the prevention of osteoporosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to consuming calcium‐rich foods with young adults. Methods Using a semi‐structured question guide, five focus group discussions were conducted with 39 participants [mean (SD) age 22.5 (1.8) years]. Participants were mostly females (n = 29) and enrolled in tertiary education (n = 31). A deductive approach was used to group common ideas into themes. The findings from the focus groups were analysed using the COM‐B framework, which examines the interactions between three key components (i.e. capability, opportunity and motivation). Results On examining the young adults' capability to consume a diet adequate in calcium, it was found that young adults had limited knowledge of sources, prevention of disease and recommended amounts. Some participants voiced physical barriers to consumption (lactose intolerance). Opportunity was reported as a physical (availability of calcium‐rich foods), financial and social opportunity. Some participants reported motivation to include dairy as a result of the habit becoming engrained during their childhood under parental influence (automatic motivation), whereas others reflected on a lack of awareness relating to inadequacy and health consequences (reflective motivation). Conclusions Although social media was seen to be an acceptable mode of intervention, concerns were raised about the source and credibility of the information. The findings may inform the development of future interventions targeting eating habits of young adults.

A small-scale pilot study was conducted in north-west Tasmania to investigate adolescent girls’ willingness to participate in informal STEM education, through exploring their perceptions and experiences of computer science (CS), and their future aspirations. This pilot study was funded by an Inspiring Australia Public Science Event Grant, enabling the delivery of two local Girls’ Programming Network (GPN) workshops by the two Sydney-based GPN co-founders. The aim of this case study was to determine the viability of establishing an ongoing and sustainable northwest Tasmanian GPN, which would provide rural adolescent girls with opportunities to explore programming, connect them with mentors and role models, and show them what potential career opportunities exist beyond family and local contexts. Qualitative methods of data collection comprised focus group interviews and artefact elicitation with the participants, and individual interviews with the program co-founders. The results indicate that single-sex informal CS education opportunities are valued by adolescent girls, and that typical gender stereotypes can be changed due to the experience of engaging in them. The success of the pilot study indicates that establishing the GPN in a rural area to provide adolescent girls with free and fun CS experiences is worthwhile and viable.