Inspiring the next generation of scientists with STEM Schools Ripple Effect

Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership have teamed up with expert educators STEM Punks to inspire and engage students in science-related fields, using our Report Card to provide local context and real-world connection.

During the full-day workshop, students learn about different pressures affecting their local waterways and hear from a STEM professional within our Partnership network about their career journey. Students learn coding skills to collect data in real-time, and develop skills design-thinking, prototyping, problem solving and teamwork to help solve a water quality challenge.

Building on the success of the program in 2024, the 2025 program has a strong focus on sharing Traditional Owner knowledge and visiting schools in Isaac region.

The Healthy Rivers to Reef team, STEM Punks, and BMA visited Mackay State High School as part of the Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Schools Innovation Challenge.
Two girls in school uniform hold up a Smart Sensor board
Whitsunday Anglican School, 2025 Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Schools Ripple Effect.
Four boys in school uniform smiling for the camera. One of them is holding lego
Moranbah East Primary School, 2025 Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Schools Ripple Effect.
Two girls in school uniform smiling at the camera. One of them is holding a Waterway Health Report Card.
North Mackay State High School, 2024 Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Schools Innovation Challenge.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Innovator Schools Program 2024

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

  • Mackay North State High School
  • Mackay State High School
  • Mirani State School
  • Whitsunday Anglican School
  • Bowen State High School
  • Carlisle Christian College
  • Mackay West State School
  • Proserpine State High School
  • Sarina State High School
  • Catherine McAuley College

STEM PROFESSIONALS

  • Kirili Lamb, Mackay CANEGROWERS
  • Kelly Binder, BMA
  • Donna Jackson, Pioneer Catchment Landcare
  • Ricci Churchill, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal
  • Deb Duggan, Reef Check Australia
  • Trina Jensen, Ark Energy
  • Saskia Von Fahland, Sarina Landcare Catchments Management Association
  • Alisha Stewart, Reef Catchments
  • Kellie Harmsworth, Reef Catchments
  • Robert Congoo, Gia & Ngaro Traditional Owner
Two women smiling at the camera holding a Waterway Health Report Card. There are students in the background.
Trina Jensen and Melissa Pisani from Ark Energy were the STEM industry professionals at Proserpine State High School.
Gia and Ngaro Traditional Owner Robert Congoo shows a student at Kutta Mulla Gorinna how to make fire.
Ricci Churchill from Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd was the STEM industry professional visiting Bowen State High School, 2024.

Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Ripple Effect 2025

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

  • Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School
  • Whitsunday Anglican School
  • Dysart State High School
  • Moranbah East State School
  • Moranbah State School

STEM PROFESSIONALS

  • Warick Bell, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure
  • Jess Turchet, Department of Primary Industries
  • Tim Bruton, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure
  • Robert Congoo, Gia & Ngaro Traditional Owner
  • Kelly Binder, BMA
  • Nicki Stokes, North Queensland Bulk Ports
  • Donna Jackson, Pioneer Catchment Landcare
  • Ricci Churchill, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd
  • Aria Schenk, Mackay Conservation Group
  • Samantha Mawhinney, BMA
  • Nikki Pilcher, BMA
  • Kent Worsley, Isaac Regional Council
Dysart State High School, 2025 Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Schools Ripple Effect.

Proudly funded by Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure and the Queensland Government Engaging Science Grants

Healthy Rivers to Reef logo.