Mount Isa STEM Changemakers makes a local impact with local experts

Published on 18 March 2026

Across February and early March, CUC Mount Isa was buzzing with energy as it welcomed a group of enthusiastic young girls from Mount Isa and Cloncurry, a team of local STEM experts, and Sarah Chapman, founder of STEM Changemakers. The program empowers girls in regional Australia by connecting them with STEM professionals and giving them the opportunity to tackle real industry challenges.

Over six consecutive Saturdays, the girls collaborated in teams to explore, design, and prototype solutions to real-world problems faced by local industries. Each session built on the last, moving from understanding the challenge, to brainstorming, to testing and pitching ideas, and finally presenting their solutions back to the experts, their families, and the community.

The Mount Isa STEM Changemakers expert panel included representatives from Glencore, James Cook University’s Murtupuni Centre, RCT – Powered by Epiroc, and Griffith University. Mount Isa City Council is proud that two of these experts are directly connected to Council, demonstrating its commitment to supporting STEM pathways for young people in the region.

Councillor Dan Ballard attended on behalf of RCT – Powered by Epiroc, presenting a challenge focused on imagining the mine of the future.

“These girls brought fresh thinking and genuine curiosity to a topic that is shaping the future of our region,” Cr Ballard said. “Seeing them confidently explore ideas around automation, sustainability, and innovation was incredibly inspiring. Programs like this show that our next generation is more than capable of leading the way.”

Council employee and PhD candidate Lauren Stowe represented Griffith University, sharing insights from her recent community survey around reducing single‑use plastic in Mount Isa. Her challenge encouraged the girls to consider how everyday behaviours, community education, and community-led design could help support reducing single-use plastics across the region.

Mayor Peta MacRae said Council is proud to see local experts contributing to a program that builds skills and confidence in young people.

“It’s wonderful to see Mount Isa girls stepping into STEM spaces and being supported by industry leaders from right here in our community,” Mayor MacRae said. “These opportunities help young girls realise that exciting, meaningful careers are available to them without having to leave regional Queensland. Council is committed to backing initiatives that strengthen our future workforce and inspire the next generation of innovators.”

“We hope to see STEM Changemakers back here in 2027 for another year to inspire and encourage girls in our region,” Mayor MacRae said.