Congratulations to Tamborine Mountain State High School—overall winners of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program (ATSIAP) 2025 Senior Secondary State Final.
The state final challenge, developed in consultation with University of Queensland, titled From Culture to Commerce, invited students to explore the power of entrepreneurship through a cultural lens. It encouraged them to ground their business ideas in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing. These approaches are embedded in identity, connection to Country and collective responsibility.
Through this process, teams of students identified real-world issues or opportunities within their community, and through research, consultation and critical thinking, they created business concepts that were both viable and culturally responsive.
To bring their business idea to life, teams then delivered a persuasive pitch to the panel of judges, that showcased their vision, passion and cultural connection, while convincing them of the value and impact of their business solution.
Tamborine Mountain State High School received the highest score across all the state final challenge categories.
A big shout-out goes to all participating teams in the regional and state final challenges. We also thank our staff and program partners for supporting our students to take part in this amazing opportunity.
Award recipients
Overall winners
First place: Tamborine Mountain State High School
Second place: Aviation High
Third place: Marsden State High School
Long-term challenge
First place: Tamborine Mountain State High School
Second place: Aviation High
Third place: Toowoomba State High School
Persuasive speech
First place: Aviation High
Second place: Marsden State High School
Third place: Toowoomba State High School
Improvisation
First place: Tamborine Mountain State High School
Second place: Marsden State High School
Third place: Pioneer State High School
Visual Improvisation
First place: Thuringowa State High School
Second place: Northern Peninsula State College
Third place: Kepnock State High School
More information
For more information about the program, challenges and program timings, please visit the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic programs page or contact the ATSIAP team at
atsiap@qed.qld.gov.au.