Andrew Willcox (Dawson, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to share the incredible opportunities offered to students in our Whitsunday STEM challenge. Science, technology, engineering and maths skills are so important for our next generation, and that's why I want to show off Dawson's best and brightest and what they're achieving in my neck of the woods. The event was officially opened in Mackay Northern Beaches State High School last Friday, and I was absolutely blown away to see what these guys and girls are up to. Chatting with students Noah, Dylan and Noah, I heard these young enthusiasts explain how this program is providing them with skills they need to take advantage of the many new opportunities on offer in Central and North Queensland.

Speaking of skills, you don't have to look much further than the Pedal Prix competition, a race where 17 teams of student-built human-powered vehicles go head-to-head at our legendary Palmyra Dragway, with teams from as far as Goondiwindi and Bundaberg participating.

Not only that; 1,200 students from right around the region filled the Mackay entertainment centre to take part in F1 in Schools, which is about robotics and drone challenges. They also had a mini career expo. Congrats to the students, staff and teachers involved in this wonderful project. What a great way to learn vital skills while having a blast. I look forward to seeing what Dawson's best and brightest achieve.