Justice in Session - Our Day at Mackay Courthouse

Year 11 Legal Studies and Year 12 Social and Community studies students adventured to Mackay to visit the Magistrates and District Courts last week.  It was a chaotic day in court, but we heard some cracking cases involving stolen iPhones and scooters, assault, wilful damage and the possession and supply of drugs. One defendant who linked in from prison even swore at the judge and refused to speak.

“As someone who has never been to court before, I found the excursion fascinating and eye opening to the fast-paced environment and the variety of cases that are heard on a daily basis’. – Eve Wallis. 

We were also able to watch the start of a trial about stolen goods, where the defendant was self- represented. We were able to see constables from crime squads be questioned and see their body cam footage. The slow and often disjointed procedure of the trial raised questions about equal access to justice in our legal system and whether it truly exists.

Magistrate Dwyer then closed court to have a personal session with our students where we were able to try on his wig and robes and explore around the courtroom, including a look at the holding cells. Magistrate Dwyer opened up about his experiences as a both a judge and barrister and informed us that domestic violence and drugs are the biggest issues facing our society today.

“I enjoyed our session with Magistrate Dwyer when he explained how a trial is held and conducted a mock trial in his court. He talked about his experiences as a judge and a barrister and gave us an inspiring chat about ensuring we can be positive citizens to our local community." – Aisling Barrett

‘I found our trip to court very educational by showing us how the court system works. A highlight was the tour of the court room and seeing the holding cells which tunnel underneath to the watchhouse." – Natalie Cooper

Students extend their business knowledge at Bond

Eight of our students had the unique opportunity to attend the inaugural Bond University Extension Program on the Gold Coast, immersing themselves in university life and tackling real-world business challenges. Over two intensive days, they stepped out of their comfort zones to complete university-level assessments in entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing.

Working alongside peers from different schools across the country, our students formed new connections, built confidence, and developed their leadership skills as they pitched innovative tourism ideas designed to boost the Gold Coast economy. Many overcame initial nerves to take charge in their teams—leading discussions, making key decisions, and presenting their ideas with professionalism and creativity.

This unforgettable experience gave our regional students a taste of what university life has to offer, reassuring them that there is no challenge too big when they work together and believe in themselves. Students were graded on their assessments over the two days and have the opportunity to receive early entry and scholarships based on their performance. We wish them all the best of luck!

Year 10 Geography excursion inspires change

Our Year 10 Geography students explored Dingo Beach in Week 2 as part of their Environmental Change and Management Unit.  The weather was magical and our students were able to see natural areas, revegetated areas and developed areas of land.  Back at school, students are preparing a geographic report to detail their observations and make recommendations on the future environmental management of the area.  The major focusses of their recommendations will centre around the new and old swimming enclosure, the park area, marine debris and the boat ramp.  Our students enjoyed their day out of the classroom and could make some strong connections with their local environment.

Students brush up on maritime safety

Many families who live in the Whitsundays enjoy heading out on a boat for fishing or leisure be it up rivers and creeks, around the Whitsunday islands or out to one of the many reefs. On Monday, a group of our students participated in a hands-on information and education session hosted by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to help reduce marine incidents.

MSQ Marine Officers Tristan Carlson and Chris Reinbott were joined by Whitsunday Water Police Senior Constable Stacey Van Der Zwan helped our students brush up on boating legislation and how to correctly store, service, wear, use and dispose of safety equipment.

They re-enacted real life scenarios and took home information packs to help them prepare for their next trip out on the water. Thank you to our guests for sharing their time and knowledge and to our Senior Schooling Team for organising the opportunity!

Fyn makes podium at National Hard Enduro Series

After years of grit, training, and relentless passion for the sport, our Year 12 student Fyn Gunn kicked off the 2025 National Hard Enduro Series with a bang—claiming 2nd place in the Expert Class at Round 1. Held on April 26–27 near Corryong, Victoria, this race was a true test of endurance, skill, and mental toughness, which Fyn was able to overcome.

To set the scene, Corryong is nestled in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains—2,100 kilometres away from home, and just getting there was a mission in itself. But the real challenge lay ahead: two days of brutal racing that pushed every rider to their absolute limits.

Over six hours on the bike, Fyn faced relentless terrain. The course looped through 12-25 kilometres of extreme off-road sections, featuring rock gullies, near-vertical climbs, technical downhills, and everything in between. The total elevation gain? A staggering 7,400 meters. Every meter climbed is earned with sweat and skill.

For those unfamiliar, hard enduro is not your average off-road event. It’s a discipline where riders must complete as many laps as possible in the shortest time through terrain that seems designed to break both bike and rider. It's a mental and physical battle—and that’s exactly why Fyn loves it.

Reaching the podium didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a journey of blood, sweat, and tears, driven by a love for dirt bikes that started when he was a kid. The tougher the trail, the longer the ride, the bigger his grin. Over the last five years, Fyn competed in numerous national hard enduro rounds, often traveling the country with his Dad.

"It’s a huge commitment—not just in time but financially too. We’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars chasing this dream," Fyn said.

But results come from preparation. For the past three years, Fyn has trained year-round, riding three times a week and hitting the gym five days a week with a mix of cardio and strength training.

"It’s a grind, but one that’s built not only my physical resilience but my mental toughness—qualities that proved vital on that punishing Victorian course," he said.

"Hard enduro has given me more than just racing—it’s given me a space to disconnect from everything else. When I’m out there, the only thing that matters is the next obstacle, the next line, the next climb. There’s freedom in that focus, and it’s why I keep coming back."

Fyn is stoked to start the 2025 season with a podium in the Expert Class and is already looking ahead to Round 2 in Esk, just four weeks away.

This year he is competing in the National Hard Enduro Series in expert class an open class with 70+ competitors.