100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

What's next for college dux after receiving an almost-perfect ATAR score

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Mystery surrounds reported sighting of ‘thousands’ of dead fish

A Sunshine Coast beach was reportedly strewn with small dead fish last weekend, but authorities have offered no explanation. Beachgoer Bradley Vellenoweth said he saw More

Navigating technology and overseas travel hurdles in 2026

Overseas travel has changed dramatically since the 2010s, when booking a holiday often meant visits to travel agents, printed tickets and expensive international roaming More

High-flying CEO scales back mansion plans

The former head of Jetstar and Virgin Australia has scaled back plans for a sprawling mansion at Noosa, after the local council initially rejected More

Club’s plan for new headquarters opens for public comment

A rugby club’s “ambitious” plans for a new clubhouse are now open to public feedback. Noosa Rugby Union Club has lodged plans with Noosa Council More

Dozens of graduate doctors join Sunshine Coast Health

Seventy-six graduate doctors have launched their careers on the Sunshine Coast. The interns have joined Sunshine Coast Health, ready to transform their training into person-centred More

Dire warning over native species conservation funding

A series of significant environmental recovery projects could be in jeopardy without continued federal government funding, activists warn. The Invasive Species Council and the Australian More

The principal of a Sunshine Coast college has commended the achievements of one of its 2023 graduates, whose results placed her among the top 100 students in the state.

Hayley Murphy, from Unity College Caloundra, achieved the impressive ATAR of 99.85, which secured her the school’s dux honours.

She said she was in disbelief when she first saw her ATAR score.

“I was aiming high but I didn’t expect to get an almost-perfect score,” she said.

“I did work hard but I didn’t want to set my expectations too high, which was why it was such a surprise.”

Principal Brett Jones expressed his pride in Hayley’s achievement.

“Hayley’s dedication and perseverance exemplify the spirit of our college,” he said.

“Our community is proud of each and every student that graduated first and foremost, for who they are as people and of course their achievements.

“I also hope that our excellent staff, who work tirelessly to support our students to reach their full potential as learners and people, take time to reflect on some of the amazing results achieved, a testament to the teaching and learning programs at our college.”

Related story: What’s next for Coast’s top Year 12 students

With her sights set on the future, Hayley aims to pursue her dream of becoming a science journalist.

“I have accepted a position at the Queensland University of Technology’s advanced Bachelor of Science, majoring in Physics,” she said.

Mr Jones said Unity College students excelled in various fields and pursued a variety of careers post-graduation.

“Unity College fosters a community of united and inspired individuals who are not only well prepared for success in their chosen fields but who are also committed to making a positive difference in our world,” he said.

Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share