Bright young minds take the challenge at UQ Gatton

Hundreds of bright young minds converged at The University of Queensland’s Gatton campus on August 28 for the Toowoomba Regional Final Opti-MINDS Creative Sustainability Challenge.

Three hundred and twenty nine students from more than 20 schools in the Toowoomba region took part in the event’s three challenges; Language Literature, Science Engineering and Social Sciences.

Co-director of the event and teacher at Highfields State School Julie Keating, said the day celebrated creativity, co-operation and innovation.

“The students really benefit from the team work and building their communication, presentation and collaboration skills,” she said.

“The day would not be possible without the many volunteers who bring the day together and all the parents and families who support the participants.

“Having the event at the UQ Gatton Campus really tops off the day, as it's such a beautiful location and provides a great atmosphere for everyone involved.”

Year 5 student Claudia Nothdurft from Our Lady of the Southern Cross College at Dalby said she had learnt many new skills from the event.

“This is my first year taking part in Opti-MINDS and it has been awesome,” she said.

“It’s been great to work with my friends on a project. Being a part of a team has made me realise if you make mistakes your friends are there to help you.

“I definitely want to come back and do it again next year.”

The Opti-MINDS Creative Sustainability Challenge Toowoomba Regional Final was supported by ERM Power in Toowoomba, UQ Gatton, BHP Billiton, Handybin Waste Services and James Cook University.

Opti-MINDS has been running for 23 years and this year nearly 700 teams from 268 schools come together at 13 regional centres around the State and New Zealand.

The state finals will be held at UQ St Lucia on October 15 and 16.

Media: Erin Pearl (Gatton Marketing and Communications; 07 5460 1229 or e.pearl@uq.edu.au).