Bowen Rail Company launches new Community Partnership Program
Lincoln Thicker’s dreams of being an aerospace engineer are one step closer thanks to a balsa wood scale model of a Formula One car, and Bowen Rail Company’s new Community Partnership Program.
The Year 9 student was one of 27 budding engineers, mathematicians, and roboticists from Bowen State High School to travel to Brisbane recently to put their car design and general Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) knowledge to the test in the 2022 F1 in Schools Challenge.
Lincoln, who had the role of car manufacturer on the team, said the opportunity was invaluable as he geared up to pursue a career in aviation engineering specialising in drones.
“The learning curve with new things like creating a car in (computer-aided design software) Inventor and having engineers come in and talk to us about Computational Fluid Dynamics was so much fun,” he said.
“I think we collaborated well as classmates with our strengths helping cover each other’s weaknesses and the experience definitely made me think engineering is right for me. I’d love to do it again.”
Lincoln and his F1 in Schools teammates were able to build their car and make the trip to race it after receiving the inaugural grant from Bowen Rail Company’s (BRC) Community Partnership Program.
BRC General Manager Brendan Lane said the Bowen State High School students’ experience was an example of the community outcomes the business wanted to deliver through the program.
“This is something the BRC team has been wanting to do for a while, and, now that we’ve moved into operations, we’re really excited to be able to give back to our community in a new way,” Mr Lane said.
“The program is purposefully designed to help with the purchase of the small assets that can make a big contribution to what makes Bowen such a great place to live and work in.
“Tangible things like a new oven for the P&C tuckshop, kickboards for swimming training, or new football jerseys to help players get on the field and make new friends are what we’re looking to support.”
Mr Lane said the annual program would be awarded bi-annually in May and November with applications for the first round open now.
For more information about Bowen Rail Company’s Community Partnership Program, or to apply, head to www.bowenrail.com.au/sustainability/community/
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