CQUniversity’s STEM Central has been recognised for its contribution to regional education, receiving the Community Centric Award at the 2026 Australian Rural Education Awards (AREAs), coordinated by the Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia (SPERA).

The award celebrates initiatives that put regional, rural and remote communities at the heart of their work, recognising the importance of collaboration, local knowledge and community-led approaches to education.

STEM Central Lead Associate Professor Pfeiffer said the award reflected the collective effort behind the initiative and the strong partnerships it has developed across the community.

She said STEM Central’s approach was focused on working alongside communities to develop learning experiences that were relevant to local students and their surroundings.

Established in 2018 through a partnership with Australia Pacific LNG, operated downstream by ConocoPhillips, STEM Central was developed to help address STEM education and skills gaps across regional, rural and remote communities.

The program brings together schools, Traditional Owners, industry, community organisations and university staff to deliver hands-on learning opportunities, community programs and professional development for teachers.

One of its key initiatives is Buraligim Weiber (Place of Learning), a 20-week program that incorporates local culture, sustainability and places of significance into Year 4 learning. The program was co-designed with educators, CQUniversity academics, Traditional Owners, community organisations and industry partners, with learning connected to the Australian Curriculum.

Originally developed to support First Nations students, the program has since expanded to Year 4 students at two Gladstone schools and was recognised with an Education Queensland Showcase Award in 2023.

The Community Centric Award comes as STEM Central celebrates seven years of operation and continues to build its long-term community partnerships through the STEM Central Collaborative.

The collaborative brings together ongoing support from Australia Pacific LNG, operated downstream by ConocoPhillips, alongside new partnerships with Santos and Shell QGC for the 2026–2028 period.

With these partnerships in place, STEM Central is working towards its 10-year milestone in 2028, continuing its focus on strengthening STEM learning, community connections and educational opportunities across regional Queensland.