Hervey Bay takes out Challenge again

Fraser Coast Anglican College students Georgia Cole and Emily Heazlewood work on a robotic arm during the Challenge

Hervey Bay High School has won the Fraser Coast Science and Engineering Challenge for the third time in four years.

The team took the trophy from a field of seven Maryborough and Hervey Bay high schools.

More than 200 students pitted their skills against one another during this year’s event, which was held at Xavier Catholic College due to water damage at the PCYC.

Students spent the day building sailing boats, hovercrafts, balloon-powered cars and catapults. This year’s two new activities, the Bio-Bot robotic arm and the satellite dish, were popular with competitors.

Hervey Bay High student Chantel Winter had a bit of an advantage when it came to building the sailing boat.

'My dad lived on a yacht for nine years and I own a 20 foot yacht,' she said. 'So I know a bit about sailing and its theories.'

The team eventually won the individual Sailing Spectacular challenge, contributing to their school’s successful outcome. Year 10 Xavier Catholic College student Hailee Everard said it was interesting to see how other teams worked on the activities.

'It is good to see how the students from other schools approach the same challenge,' Hailee said. 'It has been a fun day, especially meeting the other students.'

The bridge building event capped off the day with a spectacular display of weight-bearing balsawood structures. The strongest bridge was able to withstand the bride-busting ingot, weighing 16 kilograms.

The team from Hervey Bay High will represent the region at the Super Challenge which will be held in their hometown in August.

USQ staff from Fraser Coast and Toowoomba were assisted by the Combined Rotary Clubs of Hervey Bay to run the day-long event in conjunction with the University of Newcastle.

Contact Details:
Katrina Corcoran, USQ Media, +61 7 4194 3167