Students in the swim after Inland Rail donation provides island experience
The Australian Rail Track Corporation Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program has paved the way for students from Beaudesert State High School to experience life at a real-life University of Queensland Research Station on Heron Island.
Every year thirty-two of the top performing Year 10 science students from the school are invited to participate in a six-day trip to Heron Island as part of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) studies where they utilise the station to conduct research and explore the reef around them.
Heron Island is the oldest and largest marine research station on the Great Barrier Reef and is situated about three hours off the coast of Gladstone. The Heron Island Research Station leads fundamental advances in scientific research and interactive teaching in ecology.
Round 14 of the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program featured 23 schools, community groups and associations along the Inland Rail alignment that will receive a combined $80,000 of funding, taking total funds awarded by the program to over $930,000.
The latest round of funding is the largest since the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program started in 2019 and takes the total number of organisations receiving funding from the program to 289.
Beaudesert State High School Science Head of Department Keith Tyrrell:
“Every day students completed an off-shore deep water snorkel with University of Queensland research divers including famous diving locations such as Heron Bommie and Blue Pools.
“Students saw an abundance of vibrant and flourishing coral and marine life. Many of our students had never snorkelled before and were mesmerised by the experience.”
“During the dives students were greeted by loggerhead turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and various species of fish.
“On the outgoing tide students completed a number of reef and island walks which allowed them to get up close with different marine life and investigate the different formations of coral.
“We saw lots of epaulette sharks, star fish, an arrange of clams and many sea cucumbers. All of which were new to students from a rural environment like Beaudesert. It was a great experience for all involved.”
“We had students play the role of conservationists, recreational and professional fisherman, indigenous people, developers, mining companies and scientists.
“They tossed around ideas and views of members of the public that were sought in the decision-making process about where the reef zones should be. Of course, the different groups had different views about the way the park should be zoned and after days of negotiation, research and preparation each group took part in a great debate.”
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Director of Health, Safety and Environment said:
“We are proud to give back to the communities that are home to Inland Rail. The work these organisations do is instrumental to the wellbeing of regional communities.
“The Community Sponsorships and Donations program is just one example of how we ensure communities benefit from this nation-building project and that we leave a positive legacy in the regions along the Inland Rail alignment.”
“We offer funding between $1000–$4000 for groups and organisations that operate along the Inland Rail route and contribute to local and regional prosperity, well-being and sustainability. These funds will directly benefit the community through supporting vital local initiatives.
“I encourage other non-profit groups to lodge their applications for the next round of funding.”
Nominations for the next round of funding from the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program are now open and will close on October 31
