Bots, brains and big dreams on show

By Priscilla Roberts

The future was on full display at CQUniversity’s North Rockhampton campus last week, when hundreds of school students turned the dial up on innovation for the 22nd Annual Central Queensland Junior Robotics Competition – the biggest event in its history.

With 118 teams, 304 participants and 18 schools represented from Bundaberg to Mackay, the CQU Community Sports Centre buzzed with beeping bots, cheering crowds, and the unmistakable energy of young minds building the future.

“This was our biggest competition yet – more teams, more schools and more energy than ever before,” said event coordinator Jason Bell.

“It’s incredible to see so many students from such a wide range of communities coming together with a shared passion for technology.”

The free, family-friendly event saw primary and secondary students take on creative robotics challenges – from robot dance battles to soccer showdowns and dramatic rescue missions – showcasing their problem-solving, coding and teamwork skills.

“Many of the jobs these students will go into don’t even exist yet – but what they’re learning here is giving them the confidence and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

“We’re not just building robots – we’re building the next generation of thinkers, creators and leaders.”

The day featured a jam-packed schedule, from an energising opening ceremony through to high-stakes finals and a celebratory awards presentation. 

Parents, teachers and supporters packed the stands, cheering on every twist, turn and triumph.

For more information, visit: http://cqjrc.cqu.edu.au

🏆 Competition Results

Primary Rescue

1st Place: Mars Bundaberg East State School

2nd Place: LD13 Bundaberg East State School

3rd Place: The Wandering Bulbasaur Bundaberg East State School

Secondary Rescue

1st Place: Foxtrot Jnr Robotics Academy (Bundaberg)

2nd Place: Tech Guys Chanel College

3rd Place: Trinity Secondary 3 Trinity College Gladstone

Open Rescue

1st Place: Spaghetti and Meatballs Lighthouse Christian School

2nd Place: Handsome Men Chanel College

3rd Place: Minions The Rockhampton Grammar School

Dance

1st Place: Rodeo Farnborough State School

2nd Place: Australia Farnborough State School

3rd Place: RGS Popular Girls The Rockhampton Grammar School

Secondary Dance

1st Place: Dino Nuggies Lighthouse Christian School

2nd Place: RLCB Team Invincible Redeemer Lutheran College, Biloela

3rd Place: Dino Chicken Nuggets The Rockhampton Grammar School

Soccer

1st Place: Cyber Smashers Jnr Robotics Academy (Bundaberg)

2nd Place: JRA Soccer Bots Jnr Robotics Academy (Bundaberg)

3rd Place: The Socceroos Bundaberg East State School