What do smartphones, gaming consoles, camera lenses and LED lights have in common?
That was one of the questions Alpha HPA explored with more than 1,000 students at Gladstone's 2026 First Nations Dorrie Day Careers Expo. Students travelled from across Central Queensland, including Blackwater, Monto, Woorabinda, Gracemere, Biloela, Calliope, Tannum Sands and Gladstone, to learn about training and job opportunities with local business and industry.
Hosted by the First Nations Bailai Gurang Gooreng Gooreng Taribelang Bunda People Development Corporation. Dorrie Day connects First Nations students with education, training and employment pathways. Alpha HPA was pleased to once again support the event as a sponsor and stall holder.
Representing Alpha HPA at the event were Process Operator Bryce Delta and Stakeholder Relations Manager Cal Devney, who shared some of the science behind Alpha HPA's high-purity materials and the role they play in products many students use every day.
Through hands-on activities, students explored purity, particle size and material performance while discovering that some of the most important parts of modern technology are hidden in plain sight. From smartphones and gaming consoles to camera lenses and LED lighting, the activities helped connect everyday products with the advanced manufacturing taking place right here in Gladstone.
"It was great to see how many students were interested in what Alpha HPA does. It was my first time attending an event like this and I really enjoyed explaining what our products are used for and answering their questions," Bryce said.
There was no shortage of people stopping by the stall for a "dorrie" (sticky beak). For many, it was their first glimpse into the advanced manufacturing happening in their own backyard.
Events like Dorrie Day help connect young people with local industry, showcase the wide range of careers available in advanced manufacturing and demonstrate that globally significant technology and manufacturing can be built right here in regional Queensland.
Alpha HPA thanks the First Nations Bailai Gurang Gooreng Gooreng Taribelang Bunda Development Corporation, volunteers and participating schools for another successful Dorrie Day and for their continued commitment to creating opportunities for First Nations youth across Central Queensland. We’re proud to support an event that celebrates First Nations culture and helps connect young people with future education, training and career opportunities.
