$1M Boost For PCYC Burdekin

$1M Boost For PCYC Burdekin

2—Renovations included improvements to popular youth and community spaces within the facility, as well as upgrades to the kitchen and amenities. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

Preserving The Stories Behind Queenslander Homes

Preserving The Stories Behind Queenslander Homes

If your walls could talk, what would they say? Emily O’Brien recently took to social media asking residents to answer that very question, inviting locals to share their memories, photographs and personal histories tied to an iconic Queenslander home. Emily hopes to document the lived experiences inside these homes through a self-published book, focusing on the everyday moments that often go unrecorded. Emily’s passion for preserving Queenslander stories was sparked when she discovered a house for removal in the small locality of Massie in the Southern Downs. After meeting the descendants of the man who built it and hearing how he constructed the home by dismantling two others and transporting them by bullock dray, she realised just how easily these histories could be lost, and how important it is to capture them before they disappear. At its heart, her project will work to preserve voices that might otherwise be lost to time. “It feels like it has become a duty to safeguard the stories, so they aren’t lost to the passage of time and to give the houses and families a legacy,” said Emily. “There would be so many houses and families out there whose stories have already been lost, and I’d love to make a difference.” Rather than focusing on architectural perfection, Emily’s interested in the emotional connection people have with their homes, whether they’re “a weathered diamond-in-the-rough, or a polished gem”, she wants to hear every story. “I haven’t had any two stories that are the same, and while there’s no type of story I’m after, it’s definitely the more intimate memories I’m trying to capture, rather than another history textbook,” she added. “Perhaps what people remember growing up in the house, or their relative may have built the home back in the day by milling the timber themselves. Many people have even bought one of these old homes and have restored it and are therefore carrying on that legacy for years to come. It could be stories of what life looked like inside the home and how it changes throughout the generations.” Emily’s project will largely focus on regional and remote communities where Queenslander homes have long been part of the cultural and social fabric. “I’m focusing on the regional and remote areas in particular, because these houses are generally situated so far away that people may not know they exist to begin with,” Emily explained. “The challenge with these homes isn’t just preserving their stories but finding them in the first place.” With an intentionally inclusive approach, Emily warmly encourages anyone with a story to tell, or even those who know someone else whose story deserves to be shared, to reach out to her via emailing trumby03@gmail.com. “I'm hoping to find stories of the everyday Australians who are our unsung heroes. They're the stories that matter most. They're the ones we need to know about.” CAPTION: Emily has already received waves of positive support regarding her project, hearing stories from inside the four walls of a Queenslander home from across the state. Photo credit: Emily O’Brien

Sibz Is Kicking Off His Tec-NQ Journey with Big Goals

Sibz Is Kicking Off His Tec-NQ Journey with Big Goals

Tec-NQ House Year 10 boarder Sibz began his journey in Semester 2, 2025, quickly finding his feet and setting his sights on a bright future. With a strong interest in engineering, he is exploring where that might take him, whether into the marine sector or the automotive trade. For now, he’s keeping his options open while focusing on building a solid foundation at school and in boarding life. “He has already joined in at training,” said Head of Boarding, Dominic Stower. “He is showing us what he’s made of, and how committed he is already, which is an excellent sign." Sibz has also set himself a personal sporting goal: to run out for the Tec-NQ Taipans rugby league team this season. A passionate Brisbane Broncos supporter, his favourite player is Jamayne Isaako, and he is eager to contribute to the Taipans’ spirit and success. Dominic says this level of enthusiasm is exactly what Tec-NQ House is designed to encourage. “When students arrive with goals, whether that’s academic, sporting, or work-related, we provide the structure and encouragement they need to thrive,” he said. Life outside the classroom is already busy for Sibz. “At home I spend my spare time fishing,” he said. “We go cray fishing when we can.” That love of the outdoors is matched by his enjoyment of social activities on campus. “At school I spend my free time playing pool and basketball with my mates,” he added. Tec-NQ House provides the backdrop for these experiences. Opened in 2022, the purpose-built boys-only residence in Rosslea offers accommodation for up to forty senior students from across regional and remote Queensland. It was designed to feel welcoming and homely, while also maintaining the structure that young people need to succeed. The facility includes air-conditioned double-occupancy rooms, modern communal lounges with streaming services and computer access, and a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities and a basketball court. An on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals that keep the boys fuelled for school, sport, and work placements. Transport is provided daily to the Tec-NQ Douglas co-educational campus, with staff also driving students to and from workplaces when required. Dominic says that these elements make a real difference. “Boarding gives young people independence with a safety net,” he explained. “We set expectations around learning, wellbeing and behaviour, and the boys thrive with consistency. They gain confidence, communication skills and accountability; habits that prepare them for the workplace.” After-hours activities are another highlight. Staff organise sport, excursions and social opportunities that help students build strong friendships and balance study with relaxation. For students like Sibz, that sense of belonging is especially important. “First-year boarders do well when there is a clear rhythm to the week,” Dominic said. “Routines of study, sport, and social time help them settle quickly.” For Sibz, it is a promising start. He has embraced Semester 2, 2025 with energy, already training with the Taipans, exploring his trade options, and making the most of boarding life. With career pathways ahead of him, sporting ambitions in sight, and a supportive community around him, Sibz is kicking off his Tec-NQ journey with determination. Contributed with thanks to Tec-NQ Caption: Tec-NQ House Year 10 boarder Sibz began his journey in Semester 2, 2025, quickly finding his feet and setting his sights on a bright future. Photo supplied

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