CQU Makerspace ‘making the maker’ to future-proof Bundy
Hundreds of Wide Bay school students have tapped into tech for problem-solving and teamwork, thanks to a two-year series of workshops at the CQUniversity Makerspace at Bundaberg.
A feature of CQU Bundaberg since 2020, the innovative centre gives participants hands-on access to drones, virtual reality, micro:bit programming, 3D printer and vacuum former, milling and robotics, with support from expert educators and trainers.
Education academic Dr Michelle Vanderburg is CQU’s Makerspace Manager, and in 2022 secured a Community STEM Engagement Grant from the Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources for the series of workshops.
“This project focused on giving regional students opportunities to make and tinker, while developing knowledge and skills in digital literacy and designing across a range of STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) resources,” Dr Vanderburg explained.
“From October 2023 to September 2024 we ended up hosting 31 Makerspace workshops for kids from the local community, attracting a total of 334 participants.”
The final grant workshop, held on Wednesday 25 September, was a STEM Skills for Social Change Design Challenge.
Steve Williams and Sara Brown from CQU’s Office of Social Innovation supported young people aged 8 – 16 to think about designing solutions for various environmental, mental health, and community issues.
Makerspace Lab assistants Michelle Gossner, a CQU PhD candidate, and Secondary Education student Brandy Bayntun, helped develop the 12 unique workshop formats, with options for primary, secondary and even preschoolers.
Dr Vanderburg said the space is also equipping future teachers to use creative, fun STEM in their classrooms, with training and development opportunities for CQU Education students.
“These efforts ensure that the CQU Bundaberg Makerspace remains a valuable resource for the region, supporting not only the next generation of innovators but also the teachers who will inspire and guide them,” she said.
“Thanks to the Maker Grant, the CQU Bundaberg Makerspace has been equipped with the necessary tools and technology to ensure our long-term sustainability – and to continue offering a wide range of community workshops at a low cost throughout 2025.”
Makerspace also features at CQU events such as Year 10 and 12 Connect Days, Craft Nights, O-Week, and OMG Day, connecting current and potential CQU students with creative and collaborative tech.
“This connection is particularly important for participants who may not be aware of CQU’s vital role in the Bundaberg community, and that a world-class university exists in their region, offering degrees that align with their newly discovered interests,” Dr Vanderburg said.
“We aim to demystify higher education and encourage participants to see themselves as future university students.”
For schools interested in participating in CQU Makerspace workshops, please email cqumakerspace@cqu.edu.au.
