AgriTech Immersion Day | Bundaberg

On Thursday 25 August, 83 students from five Bundaberg and surrounding districts schools gathered in the Bundaberg Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre to learn about and engage with the latest technologies being utilised in the agriculture and farming sectors.

Bundaberg Now News Article

The day was a collaborative project involving the Bundaberg Regional Council’s Economic Development Department, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ AgriBusiness Gateway to Industry Schools project, and the Australian Computer Society’s ICT Gateway to Industry Schools project. The day was also supported by Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetables Growers, Corematic, Damien Kee Robotics, Hort IT, NBN co, QLD Computers, and the state member for Bundaberg, Mr Tom Smith MP.

For Elysa Riedel from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the day was an exciting forward step in promoting careers in the agriculture industry. “The opportunities in AgTech are exciting and transforming the landscape of Queensland agribusiness with much of this work happening right here in Queensland."

“Events such as the Immersion Day offer the opportunity for students to consider their study and employment options post-school.”

Students from Bundaberg Christian College, Bundaberg North State High School, Gin Gin State High School, Isis District State High School, and Kepnock State High School participated in the day.  Agriculture and Biology teacher at Isis District SHS, Hannah Wiemers, values the authentic learning that can only come from hands on experiential learning. “It is important for students to gain exposure to different facets of the Agricultural Industry in many forms throughout their high school years in order for them to have experiences they need to make informed decisions regarding their futures. Events such as these allow students to engage with technologies hands on and connect with industry professionals to better understand the wide variety of careers on offer in Agriculture. It is important now more than ever that we are graduating students with skills and understanding in Agricultural Technologies in order to best prepare them for future careers in Ag.”

Project Coordinator for the ICT GISP, Jason Cooper from the Australian Computer Society, worked in collaboration with the Bundaberg Regional Council and the AgriBusiness GISP to offer the students this day of learning and engagement. For Jason, this day was the culmination of months of planning. “This was a great opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from different departments who are committed to provided students in regional areas with firsthand experience of the farming and agriculture practices of the future. It is really important that we work together to show students that rewarding and fulfilling careers are available in their local regions – this is how we encourage local talent to stay in the regions.”

Gin Gin State High School students from the Senior Agricultural Science class enjoyed the day and the wise words from the presenters. “It was very informative to link what we are learning in our theory lessons with real life applications. To understand the whole layer of AgriTech behind the industry really gave us perspective with employment and study opportunities.”  

The Queensland Government, through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, funds this ICT Gateway to Industry Schools initiative.

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