CQUniversity Bundaberg recently hosted local high school teams competing in a major Science & Engineering Challenge.

Entrants came from Shalom College, St Luke's Anglican School, North Bundaberg SHS and Gin Gin SHS.

Regional Chair of the Bundaberg Challenge Coordinating Committee, Dean Clarke says the winning school, St Luke's, is eligible to compete in the state Super Challenge Series. Gin Gin was runner-up.

"It is nothing short of inspiring to see the way our local students attack some of the difficult problems devised by the University of Newcastle," Mr Clarke says.

"The event itself would not be the success it as without the help of Education and Engineering students from CQUniversity and members of the West Rotary Club who gave their time on the day to supervise the challenge events."

The Challenge runs in every state and territory of Australia. In 2012, over 20,000 students participated nationally.

Competitors gather for the Bundaberg leg of the challenge  LINK HERE for details on the Challenge OR LINK for details about our Engineering and Technology programs

The Challenge is a nationwide outreach program conducted by the University of Newcastle and the local community aimed at inspiring young people to consider a career in the sciences, engineering or other technology-related areas. The Challenge is a practical day of fun, teamwork and discovery.

Challenge supporters include Rotary Clubs, Engineers Australia, Ausgrid, the Australian Government, Coal & Allied, the Electric Energy Society of Australia, and NSW Trade & Investment. Local sponsors of the challenge were JKR Electronics (your local Jaycar Electronics authorised stockist), the Rotary Club of Bundaberg West, Engineering Australia - Burnett branch and of course CQUniversity.

The Federal Department of Industry, Innovation, Science and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE) provides core funding for the Challenge.

"The Australian Government has been a long-standing partner in the Challenge, recognising the significant contribution the Challenge makes to promoting science-focused careers to young Australians," said Thomas Collins from DIISTRE.

"Through the Inspiring Australia program, the Australian Government has provided $5 million in funding for science engagement activities nationally, including $450,000 for the Challenge through to 2014, to further inspire Australia's goal of a more scientifically literate and engaged Australia."

The Challenge is now a regular part of the school year and highly valued by science and technology teachers.