A Year 12 student from Caloundra is preparing for the university trip of a lifetime, featuring everything from crocodiles and koalas to fine dining, rugby league and five-star hotels.
Baxter Burke says he likes to “give everything a fair crack” but he didn’t expect it would result in him becoming one of five winners of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Best Field Trip in the World competition.
From April 13 to 16, the winners will embark on an epic adventure stretching from Brisbane, through the Sunshine Coast and north to Fraser Coast and K’gari (Fraser Island), experiencing wildlife, virtual reality, sporting events, cultural immersion, science in scenic places and more.
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Baxter, from Caloundra State High School, said he was “over the moon” to win, while he considers university options for “helping the next generation or helping the environment”.
“It was a bit of a shock because I thought ‘what are the chances?’,” he said.
“I told my mum and dad and they were really excited for me.
“I’ve applied for a lot of leadership positions in the past and this year I was successful to be the school vice-captain. I try to give back to the community in all sorts of ways, like through surfing, skating and running competitions. I just try and give everything a fair crack.
“I just reckon the whole experience will be great. The NRL match will be a good bonding experience with dad, and it will be cool to get a different perspective on surfing. I’m just coming in with open eyes to see what it’s all about.”
The competition attracted more than 1600 video entries.
Along with their guardians, the five winners from across Queensland will have the chance to not only immerse themselves in the scenery and activities, but to meet some of the scientists, sportspeople and innovators making an impact in the regions.
They will have the chance to engage with UniSC researchers leading the way in their fields, including Professor Peter Timms, whose research is driving Queensland’s development of a vaccine for koala chlamydia, and Dr Javier Leon, whose drone work is changing the way we understand beach changes.
UniSC Pro Vice-Chancellor (global and engagement) Alex Elibank Murray said the university’s five campuses spanned some of the world’s most stunning and educational landscapes, making it ideal for field trips.
“We are so excited to welcome the winners to UniSC and to show them around the regions that we love so much,” Ms Elibank Murray said.
“It’s a real-life UniSC student experience because our students get to complete work-integrated learning as part of almost every degree we offer.
“Our campuses are located across three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (of only five in Australia), the only place in the world where three biospheres are connected.”
Students at UniSC have reported some of the country’s highest satisfaction levels, rating it the best public university in Queensland and among the nation’s top two in surveys for Quality Indicators for Teaching and Learning.
