General News
24 September, 2025
Students leave mark on crane
TWO Year 8 students from Woree State High School have left their mark on a major local construction project, winning a school-wide competition to name a 320-tonne crane towering over the site next door.
More than 160 entries were submitted for the competition, which invited students to get creative and suggest titles for the massive machine. After shortlisting, the entire school voted, with the winning name, 'Lightning McCrane', submitted by Teliah Isa and Mika Sullivan.
The victory came with a unique reward. The teens were invited by the project team on to the construction site for a guided tour and photo opportunity. The girls were able to watch a 20-tonne unit being lifted into place, learn about the engineering behind the build and even sit in the driver’s seat of the new crane.
Deputy principal Michael Starr said the experience gave students a rare chance to connect classroom learning with real-world industries.
“The experience was one the students will remember. For our kids, being part of something like this goes far beyond the classroom. It gives them pride in their community, a chance to see real careers in action and shows them their ideas can make a genuine impact,” he said.
“Local students naming the crane is a wonderful example of how this major construction project is building more than homes, through connecting with the community and turning local building works into unique learning experiences,” said Tetris’ executive director Brent De Jong. “FCC Construction Australia was thrilled to partner with Woree State High School and Tetris Capital on the ‘Name the Crane’ initiative. It was fantastic to see the students’ creativity shine, and we’re proud to have Lightning McCrane at work as we deliver this housing project in Cairns,” said FCC Construction project director Clint Woelke.
