Students from across the country converged on Brisbane this week to showcase their future-shaping skills and inventions.
Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) hosted the STEM MAD National Showcase where projects designed by students using Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics knowledge to address real-world problems were in the running for a number of awards.
Schools in the BCE family took out three major awards at yesterday’s event, held at the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre.
Assisi Catholic College Upper Coomera’s “Canary team” won the National Secondary Competition with a hazard-detection system to enhance workplace safety.
Year 11 student Joshua said the invention measured both internal body signs, such as heart rate, as well external environmental settings such as temperature and humidity.
“We’re that next step further to making a real difference to keep our workers safe with our wearable safety monitoring device for workers,” he said.
“Now we plan to keep progressing our invention further to get it out into the world.”
Other major BCE winners were Siena Catholic College Sippy Downs, with “Deconstruct” inventor Kobe O’Connor, winning the National Future is STEM Secondary Competition and St Francis Xavier Primary Runaway Bay’s C.E.M.S. Accessibility Parking team, winning the National Primary Competition.
BCE Lead Education Advisor Rochelle Smith said all students had demonstrated a profound dedication to serving others and contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
“The Canary team looked to solve critical issues around worker safety with their hazard-detection system, which could be lifesaving for professionals in high-risk environments,” Ms Smith said.
“It’s not just inventive—it’s deeply compassionate, inspired by a personal story and built to make a real difference.”
She said Siena College Sippy Downs’ Deconstruct initiative helped students visualise projects before beginning construction in a workshop.
“Using cutting-edge technology with the use of Apple Vision Pro, Deconstruct empowers students to fully prepare and minimise risk, setting a new standard in educational spaces where safety is paramount.”
Ms Smith said St Francis Xavier Runaway Bay’s C.E.M.S. Accessibility Parking team tackled a problem that impacted daily life for people with disabilities.
“Their smart parking solution ensures that accessibility spaces are available only for those who truly need them.
“It’s a simple yet impactful idea that addresses inclusivity in a meaningful way.”
