UQ Gatton hosts creative thinkers

More than 350 students descended on The University of Queensland’s Gatton campus last Sunday for a day of thinking outside the box as part of the Opti-MINDS Toowoomba Regional Final.

Students participated from 18 schools from the Toowoomba region in three Challenges; Language Literature, Science Engineering and Social Sciences on August 26.

Year 11 student Tristan Meade from Laidley State High School took part in the Opti-MINDS Challenge for the fourth year in a row.

“The Opti-MINDS Challenge is an event that my friends and I look forward to every year. It makes science fun,” Tristan said.

“It’s not just about you, it’s about the whole team working together to solve the challenge.”

Tristan and his team placed first in the Open Division and they will be going through to the State Finals that will be held at St Lucia from October 12 to 14.

“It’s our first time in the open division and to get through to the State finals is amazing,” Tristan said.

Co-director Julie Raitelli, Principal at Fairview Heights State School said that the day celebrates creativity, co-operation and innovation.

“Opti-MINDS provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the abilities of students and how well they work together as a team,” Mrs Raitelli said.

“It is wonderful to be a part of such a vibrant, exciting and energised day where all the participants approach the challenge in a variety of ways.

“The day would not be possible without my Co-Director Julie Keating and the many volunteers who bring the day together and all the parents and families who support the participants.”

For the first time a market was held on the campus for the people attending, stallholders included Elizabeth Jean Jewellery, Katharine’s Kitchen, Timeless Timber, Aunty Mu’s Soap, Di’s Plants and Tropicana Amusements.

“The venue complements our day perfectly and having the market to explore in between sessions was wonderful,” Mrs Raitelli said.

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 24 years and this year nearly 700 teams from 268 schools come together at 13 regional centres around the state and New Zealand.

Media: Erin Pearl, Marketing Coordinator, Office of the Director Gatton Campus University of Queensland, +617 5460 1229, +61 409 265 587, e.pearl@uq.edu.au