Igniting an Interest in Young Minds for Natural Resource Management

Inspiring the next generation of young leaders is a key part of FBA’s work in NRM. Over the years, FBA has initiated and coordinated a range of youth-led projects across the coast, and this year FBA was excited to support young people in the bush. Through this program, students from Theodore State School have experienced different industry pathways while building confidence, resilience, and practical skills in NRM. 

Throughout the program, Year 9 and 10 students visited working properties in Theodore, carried out soil tests, took part in water monitoring and biodiversity assessments, and learnt about First Nations culture. The students attended Rockhampton for their final session, where FBA staff involved them in a riverside walk, provided overviews of FBA’s work in species and riverbank sediment-reduction projects, and finished the day with a farm-mapping exercise to explore how biodiversity can be incorporated into farming. 

For Year 10 Theodore State School student, Brianna Harrison, the FBA Ignite program opened her eyes to NRM and working properties. 

“I didn’t know much about cattle or natural resource management before I did this FBA program. It has inspired me to keep learning more,” she said. 

Year 10 Theodore State School student, Jackson Denehy, said the program had taught him skills about the natural environment. 

“I have enjoyed learning about natural resource management and the work FBA does,” he said. 

The students are participating in this initiative through a STEM elective. 

Theodore State School Maths and Science Teacher, Laura Chapman, said she has enjoyed watching the students make connections between each field trip. 

“This initiative has helped students realise that science is far broader than they may have originally thought,” she said. “They have been able to meet a range of experts and see how many different pathways fall under science, as well as gain a clearer understanding of the different kinds of work.” 

Laura said the experience has widened the students’ view of what jobs and careers are available, and what skills or education those roles might require. 

“Students are starting to see the world around them differently,” she said. 

Laura checks in with the students by asking them to show how many out of five on their fingers on the bus ride home after each trip. “Most rate their day highly, often raising two hands instead of one,” she said. “The students always want to stay out longer, and the feedback so far has been consistently positive and constructive.” 

FBA Science Communication Officer, Bethlea Bell, said it is important to highlight the value of being good custodians of our natural resources and to encourage that sense of stewardship in young people. 

“Young people are our future,” she said. “We want to open their eyes to the possibilities ahead of them and help them see that they could one day work in this space. There are so many different roles within natural resource management, and there truly is something for everyone.”