Mackay Big Ideas Challenge 2024

Powered by Future Anything with generous support from The Greater Whitsunday Alliance, the Mackay Big Ideas Challenge 2024 will be a fast-paced and hands-on day of listening, learning and doing, culminating in teams of students pitching their own innovative solutions to a complex, local issue.

This is a special event for Primary and Lower Secondary school students in years 5, 6 and 7. All schools from across the Greater Whitsundays are welcome! Students will hear from some of Australia’s most inspiring changemakers, as well as explicitly developing their entrepreneurial thinking and human-centred design skills.

TICKETS & WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• The event is designed for Primary school groups of students in Years 5,6, or 7 (students may not attend individually).  
• Up to 20 free student tickets are available to any school in the Greater Whitsundays. If you require additional tickets, please indicate this when registering and we will let you know if additional tickets become available. This event will 'sell out' so please only register for the number of tickets you actually require to maximise access for all schools. 

KEY TIMINGS:

• 8am - 8.45am PROMPT - Schools/students arrive & register 
• 9am (PROMPT) - EVENT STARTS
• 12:30–1:00pm Lunch break (participants should bring their own lunch)
• 2.30pm:  EVENT ENDS 
• A detailed agenda will be shared with all registered schools closer to the time. 
  

VENUE & TRANSPORT:

The event takes place at CQ University's City Campus. Participating schools are required to organise and manage their own transport requirements for students and supervising staff/parents attending the event. 

PERMISSIONS & SUPERVISION:

Each participating school should manage risk assessment & parent permissions according their own policies, and ensure a suitable level of staff supervision for their students attending the event. While participating teachers/parents will not be required to formally facilitate the sessions, their engagement in the activities will increase teachers’ skills and confidence in unlocking students’ entrepreneurial mindset in the classroom. IMPORTANT: All students must have a caregiver complete Future Anything's Media Permission Form (form linked below and will be emailed upon registration).  

WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO BRING:

• Their own refillable water bottle
• Lunch, and morning/afternoon tea (if required) as no catering is provided.
• Students are required to wear their school uniform
• Completed Media Permission Form here (fillable PDF) - this is mandatory for all participating students
• A dash of enthusiasm, an open mind and a willingness to engage with others.

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