Three Gin Gin students recently took part in a tour of Brisbane and the Gold Coast to learn all things entrepreneurial as part of their 2021 Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Award win.
The Gin Gin Innovators, made up of Lachlan Simpson, Jake Gillespie and Georgia Jarvis, visited three unique sites that promoted innovation, technology and entrepreneurialism – all key components of the MTIA program.
The group took out top prize in the MTIA event earlier this year for their idea to develop a climate-controlled facility which would allow crops to grow year-round.
The first stop on their winners city tour was at the Advance Queensland site called The Precinct, situated in Fortitude Valley, where the team were given a guided tour and meet and greet with some of the tenants who are all emerging innovators and entrepreneurs.
The next stop was the Telstra 5G Innovation Centre on the Gold Coast.
As the major sponsor of the project, Telstra opened its doors and staff offered their time to the students.
Lachlan, Jake and Georgia met some of the Innovation Centre team members, who all come from varied career backgrounds.
They were shown some of the latest developments and innovations that Telstra is currently looking at in the areas of robotics, virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
Scott Mullaly, Telstra Regional Engagement Manager, said the company was excited to provide the public with a glimpse into the technology behind their network.
“It’s even more exciting when we get to do this with up and coming innovators like Lachlan, Jake and Georgia,” he said.
“With the world moving at such a rapid pace new thinking and new ideas are crucial for the future.
“We are proud that we are able to run programs like the Mayors Telstra Innovation Awards, helping to educate, guide and support these up and coming young minds.
“Seeing how each of the students took something different away from their time at the 5G Innovation Centre was really brilliant! We are looking forward to hosting the 2022 winners.”
Mayor's Telstra Innovation Award winners tour research facility
The third and final stop on the trip was a visit with Professor Derek Richards of the University of Queensland at the Translation Research Institute and Cancer and Aging Research Program.
Professor Richards has made several trips to the Bundaberg Region in the last year to present to high school students.
He offered the MTIA winners the opportunity to meet some of his team members.
Lachlan, Jake and Georgia were given insight into the workings of an operational lab and an overview of how advancements in technology and innovation could impact the development of new treatments and medications.
The innovation award winners said they were blown away by the people they met and the new things that they experienced.
“I got a lot out of the experience and learned heaps of new things, especially towards what I aim to do in the future,” Georgia said.
“Going to Brisbane really allowed us to experience all the opportunities of technology, and they can be beneficial for the future and entrepreneurship. I’m really glad for the experience,” Jake added.
“It was an informative and engaging trip that allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals and share ideas about products. Thanks to the Council for such a wonderful experience,” Lachlan said.
Planning for the next 2022 Mayors Telstra Innovation Awards is well underway, so if you are a high school student in the Bundaberg Region, keep an eye out for all the details which will be sent to school at the start of the 2022 school year.
Thank you Bundaberg Regional Council & Telstra for your amazing work with the MTIA. It really is an amazing initiative for the young people in our region.