I was excited to travel to Mackay with Chris Buswell , General Manager, to take part in the inspiring program delivered by STEM Punks in collaboration with the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership.
Our plan was to present at three high schools, but due to the teachers’ strike we were able to visit only two. The program brings together experts from partner organizations, and we were fortunate to hear from a marine scientist, a traditional owner, a mechanical engineer, and the Executive Officer of the Mackay–Whitsunday–Isaac Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership.
During the workshops, students explored the different pressures affecting their local waterways. They gained hands‑on experience in coding to collect real‑time data, while also developing skills in design thinking, prototyping, problem‑solving, and teamwork to tackle a water quality challenge.
An unexpected highlight, thanks to the strike, was a tour of the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal at the Port of Hay Point on the stunning Central Queensland coast. Operating 24/7, the terminal exports coal from the Bowen Basin mines to ports around the world. It was fascinating to see the scale of the infrastructure and hear about its operations firsthand.
A heartfelt thank you to the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership team, the teachers and students at the schools, Warwick Bell from DBI, and STEM Punks. What a wonderful way to wrap up the year!