Students from all across the Bundaberg region (Queensland, Australia) came together during the Industry Intrapreneurship Day to address community challenges through sustainable solutions.
Hosted by Bundaberg Regional Council and delivered by Young Change Agents, the workshop had 100 students from nine high schools across the region. These students engaged with industry representatives before collaborating in teams to solve problems and generate solutions.
During the fun, fast-paced 1-day workshop, year 8 and 9 students worked in teams to tackle key points concerning the five Bundaberg Towards Net Zero Themes – Circular Economy, Social Responsibility, Transport, Energy, and Built Environment.
Guided by design thinking, students transformed specific challenges into innovative opportunities, presenting their solutions to a panel of industry experts. This experience enhanced their communication, collaboration, leadership, critical thinking, and creative skills.
Team solutions were creative and diverse, from AI-based applications to reduce food waste to new eco-friendly refrigerated produce trucks, energy efficient classrooms, sustainable agriculture, biofuel-powered agriculture transport, an integrated solar car, and a pumped hydroelectric dam.
Global Power Generation Australia, Community & Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Philip Beattie attended the event and gave a brief presentation about GPG and his job in the renewable sector.
He emphasized the importance of engaging the next generation, stating that “these students are the future, they are the leaders of tomorrow who will drive sustainability.”
Furthermore, he highlighted GPG’s commitment to community development and the construction of the photovoltaic plant in Bundaberg, which will begin soon.
This event demonstrated how collaboration among youth, industry, and community leaders can drive innovative and sustainable solutions for a better future.