Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Leaders from across the Wide Bay, North Burnett and Fraser Coast regions are going head to head in a challenge today.
Six teams will converge on TAFE Queensland’s Bundaberg Campus to battle it out in the 2018 Junior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program Student Challenge.
Event organiser Zona Hussey-Smith from Stepping Black said the challenge is designed to foster creativity, enhance cultural identity and improve educational outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“Whether it be completing year 12 studies, entering university, gaining an apprenticeship or undertaking some form of training, we want local students to succeed and reach their career aspirations,” Ms Hussey-Smith said.
Each team will be scored by a panel of judges in academic and creative challenges including long term problem solving and impromptu commercial development, the crowd favourite.
The judges are comprised of prominent community members who will ultimately decide which school will walk away with bragging rights.
Sharon Sarah, CEO of Bridges Health & Community, major sponsor and second year judge, said she was looking forward to judging the impromptu commercial challenge.
“It showcases the creative skills of the students. They are given two minutes to produce a commercial and then present to the crowd. It is a skillset that will be very useful as workforce requirements continue to evolve,” Ms Sarah said.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett is joining the judging panel this year as a first-time judge.
“Today is all about putting yourself to the test,” Mr Bennett said.
“It’s great to be able to watch our students battle it out in academic, social and cultural categories.
“There’s nothing like a bit of competition to get the creative juices going.
“Students involved in this program build confidence and are then able to take these skills back to their own school communities.”
Importantly, without the support of local sponsors including ANZ Bundaberg and TAFE Queensland, and funding bodies such as Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the event would simply not be possible.
TAFE Queensland East Coast region General Manager, Ana Rodger said the organisation was proud to lend its support to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program by hosting the challenge.
“The program is all about supporting students in the development of their skills, creativity and career aspirations, and here at TAFE Queensland, we share that focus,” Ms Rodger said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing these students in action at the challenge and hope to help them achieve their career goals in the future.”
31/08/18