Nanango State High School has won the 6th Holden Maryborough Technology Challenge (QLD) by 19 laps and scored a $1000 towards an entry in the RACV Energy Breakthrough.

Nanango is a small town situated roughly 2 hrs west of Maryborough, QLD, and the crew was elated by their success in the 24 hr event. The all boys team completed 445 laps or 667kms to become only the second team ever to beat the locals from Maryborough State HS (MSHS). The event is held in and around the MSHS grounds, and the all-boys local entry - AllWeld Rhinos' - set a new fastest lap of 2 mins and 35 seconds. The 'non-faired' fastest lap was recorded by Team 'Rohloff' from Tannum Sands. 72 starters from 29 schools took on the hilly course, which is considered the steepest in Australia.

 
The Nanango (above left) and MSHS (above right) boys were lapping together for most of the event until mechanical failure put the Rhinos in difficulty late in the race.

The HPV event is on par with many other activities throughout the weekend, from the Kiwi vs Aussie Co2 Dragster event (shown above right)  to the pushcarts, solar boats (shown left), solar cars (shown above left) and robotics. Everyone one looked across the Tech Challenge there were young people learning by doing.

The robotics in particular (above right) was so popular they were moved to the nearby town hall, where the parents and teachers watched as the students Lego creations danced, searched and pursued their way through a series of tests.

The atmosphere in the town hall was electric and the sense of excitement from the young people participating was awesome.

"The vehicles, creations & event may be different but the students and teachers enthusiasm and excitement is the same." - Nigel Preston, RACV Energy Breakthrough Committee.
RACV Energy Breakthrough Committee Member, Nigel Preston, was on hand to see all the action over the weekend of the challenge. "This event was formed by some great visionaries with the help of the Energy Breakthrough team back in 2001," Nigel said. "The commitment of the local Maryborough community in all aspects of this event mimics the way the Energy Breakthrough runs down south. The vehicles & event may be different but the students and teachers enthusiasm and excitement is the same." Nigel suited up for a lap of the HPV track on one of the Officials mopeds. "It was a great way to get a feel for the circuit." he said.

As for Nanango heading south in November?
"I do hope to see them and future winners at the 'Breakthrough." Nigel encouraged, "It'll come down to time, money and curriculum - they have a number of year 12s and I think their exams finish the week after ours in Victoria. We'll be speaking with them to see what we can assist them with."

In a humid and hot weekend, Parade College from Melbourne also flew the flag for Victoria. The team was elated by the generous welcome they received and even won the Race Director's award. "Thanks to the event organisers and the families who are hosting our boys. We've had an enormously good time." A Parade representative said at the presentations. The Energy Breakthrough was proud to support the first inter-state team at the MTC.

Another notable entry was a hand-cycle from Tannum Sand SC titled 'Risky Business'. The team of 3 disabled and 5 able riders pumped their way for the full 24-hours and captured the hearts of many spectators, organisers and other riders. Their team manager, Andrew, was clearly elated at the end of the event: "These guys (and girls) have put in a great effort training and helping to get the bike together. I think they've learnt a lot about themselves. We'll be back next year and I hope were not the only hand-cycle!".
The team was an excellent inclusion in the event showing that participation - not crossing the line first - was the key to enjoying the Tech Challenge.

About the Maryborough Technology Challenge, QLD:
The Maryborough Technology Challenge (MTC) was started in 2001 following a strong campaign from local resident Keith Beavis (formerly of Maryborough, Victoria). Keith knew the benefits to a town of holding an event like the Energy Breakthrough and after a visit from the RACV EB's Martin Mark & John Stafford, the MTC started to take shape. The council and local business and groups have fallen in behind the event which is emerging as an ongoing fixture in the town's event calendar.

Photos and article written by Nigel Preston, RACV Energy Breakthrough Planning Committee.