Community Impact In Action: Supporting Future Skills To Take Flight

131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina cadets put their new drone equipment to the test at a recent training and competition day, supported by a Community Grant from Community Bank Sarina

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Students and cadets across the Mackay region are getting hands on with emerging technology, thanks to two community grants recently awarded by Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.

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Sarina’s 131 Army Cadet Unit and Whitsunday STEM Challenge Inc received more than $16,600 combined through the Community Bank Sarina Community Engagement Program to purchase drone technology and equipment, supporting the development of skills, confidence and future career pathways.

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Community Bank Sarina Business & Community Engagement Chair Maree Franettovich said investing in future-focused projects supporting youth and education was an important part of the program.

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“Drone technology is becoming increasingly relevant across many industries and these projects are giving young people the opportunity to gain practical experience while building skills, confidence and an understanding of where this technology could take them,” Ms Franettovich said.

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“It is because of Community Bank Sarina’s customers and our profit for purpose model that these community grants are available to support local organisations and create new opportunities preparing our young people for the jobs of tomorrow.”

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131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina’s community grant purchased Defence-approved drones, cameras and training equipment for new elective programs.

131 Army Cadet Unit CAPT(AAC) Amy Bradford said the equipment had “already created new opportunities”, with cadets from across the 80 Battalion coming together in Sarina for a weekend of drone theory, flight skills and racing.

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“Thanks to this community grant, we can now deliver drone training to current and future cadets, building skills that can support future pathways across a range of industries,” CAPT(AAC) Bradford said.

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Meanwhile, Whitsunday STEM Challenge Inc’s community grant was utilised to introduce drone soccer to the region at the recent Whitsunday Festival of STEM.

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STEM Engagement Educator (Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy), Alex van Nunen, said the Drone Soccer ‘Come and Try Day’ was a “major hit”.

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“Students of all ages were lining up to have a go, including many who had little or no experience flying drones,” Mr van Nunen said.

“They loved the competitive element, while also having the opportunity to develop their flying skills in a fun and practical environment.

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“The strong response has created excitement about the future of drone soccer and we plan on it becoming a formal part of next year’s Festival of STEM.”

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From flight training to drone soccer, these projects demonstrate how community investment can create significant impact – by providing opportunities today that will build the skills capacity in our region needed for tomorrow.

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To find out more about Community Bank Sarina’s community impact, find them on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

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