Community & Business
13 January, 2025
Students compete at robotics championships
A TEAM of bright, young minds from Malanda State School has put Far North Queensland on the map after competing at the prestigious National VEX Robotics Championships in Sydney recently.
The Year 5 team, led by their dedicated STEM teacher Greg Lanyon, included Anjali, Braxton, Isaac, and Ava, who all worked tirelessly last year to qualify through the regional competition in Cairns.
Their journey to Sydney was a testament to their grit, teamwork, and determination as they faced off against the nation’s best young innovators.
Competing with their custom-built robot designed to shoot balls through goals to rack up points, the Malanda team proudly finished 23rd from a field of 54 of the best robotic schools from across Australia.
“These students exemplify the resilience and ingenuity of our region. They’ve not only represented Malanda but all of Far North Queensland on a national stage,” Mr Lanyon said.
“The future of innovation looks bright with students like Anjali, Braxton, Isaac, and Ava leading the way. Their journey inspires the entire community, proving that with dedication and support, young people from rural areas can achieve extraordinary things,” he said.
Reflecting on the experience, Ava said “the ability to discuss tactics with other teams, work together to achieve a goal, and have fun in the face of pressure were the best lessons we learned.”
The competition was more than just remote-controlled robot games, it also included an intense autonomous coding challenge, where students programmed their robots to complete tasks without any hands-on guidance.
Such challenges help students build critical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.
Malanda State School has been a leader in fostering these talents, investing significantly in their STEM program and laying the groundwork for their upcoming STEM Academy.
These initiatives are designed to equip students with the skills they need to innovate and thrive in the future.
While the competition was the highlight of the trip, the students also had the opportunity to explore Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and Circular Quay.
“This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support of the Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund, Malanda State School and the Malanda State School P&C,” Mr Lanyon said.
“Their contributions relieved financial pressure on families and allowed these students to experience something truly life changing.”
