Around 150 school students visited CQU Bundaberg recently for the 2006 Bundaberg District Science Industry Forum.

The forum was organised by Bundaberg State High School's Science Department Head Dr Richard Mann and was officially opened by CQU Sub-Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health, Ms Desirae Kirby.

It gave Bundaberg district school communities information about learning and career opportunities available in the region in the fields of science and engineering.

“The forum was an excellent platform for our children to see the industry in the region,” said Bundaberg State High School Acting Deputy Principal, Mr Anthony Lanskey. “It was great to have all of these groups together in one forum which hasn’t happened before".

Representatives from local industry attended the forum and discussed career pathways, relevant scientific knowledge and skills, and desirable organisational and interpersonal skills. They also discussed learning opportunities such as practical activities and excursions, as well as links to the school curriculum.

Industry representatives included Comalco Alumina Limited's Ms Gillian Macmillan, Department of Primary Industries' Mr Terry Campbell, Crop Tech's Mr Andrew Bower, the Bundaberg Sugar Experimental Station's Dr Bernard Schroeder, Wide Bay Institute of TAFE's Mr Peter Brown and Central Queensland University's Ms Desirae Kirby.

Photo: (left to right) Dr Richard Mann, Ms Desirae Kirby and Ms Gillian Macmillan at the forum.