SEVEN high schools across the Wide Bay region gathered at the Hervey Bay PCYC to compete in May’s annual Science & Engineering Challenge. 

The event, designed to encourage students to pursue studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), brought together young minds eager to showcase their skills and ingenuity.

Run by the University of Newcastle, this national event sees participation from schools all over Australia. 

For the Wide Bay challenge, the University of the Sunshine Coast played a crucial role in coordinating the schools, while the Rotary Club of Hervey Bay City handled the venue, catering, sponsorship, and volunteer coordination. 

Volunteers from Rotary Clubs of Hervey Bay Sunrise, Maryborough Sunrise, Maryborough City, Downer EDI Rail, Hard Yakka – Susan River, and the Howard RSL were instrumental in making the event a success.

Local political figures, including State Labor MP Adrian Tantari, David Lee (LNP Hervey Bay), and John Barounis (LNP Maryborough), also lent their support to the event.

The participating schools included:

Fraser Coast Anglican College – Hervey Bay

St James Lutheran College – Hervey Bay

Glendyne School, Carinity Education – Hervey Bay

Urangan State High School – Hervey Bay

Aldridge State High School – Maryborough

St Mary’s Catholic College – Maryborough

Hervey Bay State High School – Hervey Bay

This year’s top honours went to St Mary’s Catholic College from Maryborough, with Fraser Coast Anglican College from Hervey Bay securing second place.

“A huge thank you to our major sponsors, Downer EDI Train Division, Fraser Coast Regional Council, and many local engineering companies, without whom this event would not be possible,” said Lesley Jones from the Rotary Club of Hervey Bay City.

The winning schools now advance to compete in the Science & Engineering Challenge National Title in Townsville this October, representing the region and demonstrating their STEM prowess on a larger stage.