Toolooa Indigenous Group Robotics (TIGeR) team member Kieran Connolly wowed the judges today when he programmed robots to perform a welcome to country dance and danced alongside them in the Central Queensland Junior Robotics Competition held in Rockhampton.

Kieran took out the grand final in the competition, an outstanding achievement being the first time the TIGerRs had competed.

The dance was a first for the competition that included more than 300 pupils from more than 30 schools.

Today’s competition was a year in the making for the TIGeRs after Toolooa’s Indigenous Unit Manager Brad Eggmolesse was inspired by teacher professional development sessions in robotics lead by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and Shell’s QGC business.

Since then QMEA has worked closely with the unit providing one-on-one robotics training by world leading educator Damien Kee.

“This competition takes participants to the next skill level,” said Mr Eggmolesse.

“It’s been fantastic so see the growth in the students both academically and in confidence since being involved in this project,” he said.

“It’s a win for all the students for their personal and academic achievements.”

Shell Australia’s Social Investment Manager Kirsten Snyman said it was inspiring to be part of the program, which helps prepare the students of today for the science jobs of tomorrow.

“The TIGeR team members are proof the future is bright. We’re looking forward to hearing more about their achievements and seeing them tackle their next big STEM challenge.”