Bundaberg High Schools Esports Tournament: Gaming Meets Future Careers
Esports moved from living rooms to classrooms in Bundaberg as local students came together for a new inter-school tournament with benefits far beyond winning games. Led by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) through the ICT Gateway to Industry Schools project, and delivered in partnership with The FUSE Cup, the event gave students the chance to compete in a structured, school-based Esports environment while building teamwork, confidence, and digital wellbeing.
ACS Young Tech Ambassador Shalimay Duke shares her tech career story with the Girl Gamers.
The tournament was made possible through a Bundaberg Regional Council Community Grant, creating a competition that harnessed the high interest in video games among young Australians to spark curiosity about future study and careers in the tech sector. The school spirit and celebration of enjoyment in a safe, competitive environment were welcome outcomes of this unique local event.
By fostering an inclusive community and encouraging teamwork, the initiative provided a pathway for students who do not usually engage in competitive sports to build self-esteem, step into leadership roles, and feel a strong sense of belonging. A key focus was offering female students a dedicated safe space to participate in Esports, while also highlighting the breadth of tech careers in the Esports ecosystem and the wider tech industry, with particular emphasis on local digital career pathways.
Hosted by Bundaberg State High School, Day 1 featured an open Mario Kart competition, where 122 students from the region battled it out on the track. Congratulations to the Kepnock State High School student who was crowned racing champion. On Day 2, 40 girl gamers competed in dedicated tournaments, with Kepnock State High School again providing the winner.
Bundaberg Christian College auspiced the grant submission through its Parents and Friends Association. Director of Information and Learning Technologies Peter Sercombe brought a group of 12 Girl Gamers to compete.
“What I’m loving most about the Bundaberg Esports Tournament is the strong focus on wellbeing and creating positive gaming experiences. It’s not just about sitting and staring at screens all day; there’s a real emphasis on tech industry career pathways, with speakers like Shalimay from Best Practice Software talking to the girls about opportunities in tech, alongside important conversations about wellbeing and being safe online. That holistic focus—combining fun, futures, and online safety—has been the best part of today for me.”
Competition was fierce amongst the seven competing schools
The competition was intense in the Open Mario Kart competition
At the Girl Gamer Day, students appreciated the opportunity to play in a relaxed and safe environment. One Year 7 Kepnock student shared:
“My favourite thing today has been hanging out with my friends and having fun playing Mario Kart and making new friends and connections.”
Her fellow student agreed:
“Today we’re competing in The FUSE Cup and racing plenty of Mario Kart! My favourite part has been connecting with people and having fun with Mario Kart players who make everyone feel welcome and included.”
Bec Wolgast, Media Arts teacher at Kepnock State High School, added:
“What’s really stood out to me—and what I enjoy most—is the sense of camaraderie among the girls. The competition has been incredibly positive and friendly, with everyone genuinely looking out for each other during their games. It’s heartening to see all the girls band together and support one another throughout the event.”
Tournament provider The FUSE Cup integrated sessions on digital wellbeing and online safety informed by partnerships with Kids Helpline and the eSafety Commissioner.
“It is great to see such passion and enthusiasm for Esports in regional Queensland schools. The students’ spirit and teamwork were inspiring, and this tournament is an excellent start for a local Esports network,” remarked Dan Aivaliotis-Martinez, Chief Operating Officer of The FUSE Cup.
To provide a career perspective, ACS Young Tech Ambassador Shalimay Duke from Best Practice Software inspired the girl gamers by sharing her story, showing that tech careers in Bundaberg are achievable for locals, including female digital professionals.
Jonathan Nalder, Program Manager for the ACS ICT Gateway to Industry Schools project, shared valuable insights about pathways to becoming a digital professional.
This event promised to be a first in many ways for the region. Not only did it provide a career-focused opportunity for digitally minded students to represent their schools in the regions first Esports Tournament, but it also brought together teachers in a way that was already bearing fruit for future collaborations even before the tournament had finished.
Bundaberg State High School teacher David Wallace was pleased to see the girls get the opportunity to show sportsmanship, encouragement and support in a welcoming competitive environment.
The balance of online safety education and fun, inclusive gaming stood out as positive takeaway. I'm looking forward to the students getting more opportunities like this in the future.
Special thanks go to Bundaberg Regional Council, host Bundaberg State High School, Bundaberg Christian College, Queensland Computers, Shalimay Duke and Best Practice Software, and tournament delivery partner The FUSE Cup.
The Young Tech Ambassadors and ICT Gateway to Industry Schools programs are proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
By Matthew Jorgensen, Education Pathways Manager, Australian Computer Society