From Classroom to Cattle: Georgia's Experience at Beef Week 2024

When it comes to the vibrant world of cattle shows, few students can boast the level of dedication and experience that Georgia, a Year 11 student at Downlands College, brings to the table. With nearly seven years under her belt as part of the school's Cattle Show Team, Georgia’s passion for the cattle industry is both deep-rooted and evident in her enthusiasm. Georgia recently won BEEF 2024’s Commercial Young Judges competition placing first out of 250 other competitors. Georgia also placed second in the young Stud Judges competition. 

 

A Lifelong Passion for Cattle 

Georgia began her journey with the Cattle Show Team in Year 5, driven by her longstanding interest and familial background in the cattle industry. "I have always been interested in cattle showing as I have always had a background in the cattle industry," she explains. This early exposure has clearly shaped her commitment and expertise, making her a valuable member of the team. 

 

Sharing Knowledge and Building Community 

One of Georgia’s favourite aspects of being on the Cattle Show Team is the opportunity to share her extensive knowledge with others and collaborate with students of all ages. "My favourite thing about cattle show is getting to share my knowledge with other people and being able to work with students of all ages," she says. This sense of community and mentorship is a cornerstone of her experience, fostering a supportive environment for everyone involved. 

 

Hands-On Learning at Rockhampton BEEF Week 

During Rockhampton BEEF Week, Georgia, along with her team, took on the role of working for a stud or fitting service. This hands-on experience provided them with an invaluable glimpse into the day-to-day operations of the cattle industry. "At BEEF we were working for a stud or fitting service and getting firsthand experience in what it's like working in the industry," she shares. This practical exposure is designed to enhance their knowledge and potentially pave the way for future job opportunities within the field. 

 

A Day in the Life on a Stud 

Working for a stud is no easy feat, as Georgia can attest. The days are long and start early—around 4am—to ensure everything is prepped and ready for the day ahead. Show days, in particular, are hectic, with everyone pitching in to get the work done efficiently. 

 

Gaining Valuable Industry Contacts 

The experience at BEEF Week has not only deepened Georgia's understanding of the cattle industry but has also expanded her professional network. "From working at BEEF, I have gained a lot more contacts within the industry and have also received many job opportunities working with other studs at shows," she says. These connections are crucial for her future career prospects and highlight the importance of such immersive experiences. 

 

Georgia’s journey with the Cattle Show Team and her experiences at Rockhampton BEEF Week serves as an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and hands-on learning can open doors to future opportunities. Her story is a testament to the value of early involvement in industry-related activities and the lifelong benefits they can provide. 


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Amy, a current Year 12 Downlands student, recently participated in the Bond University Business School Year 12 Extension Program. The program aims to enhance high school education and ready students for university life. Outstanding students from the workshop sessions on campus received a partial tuition scholarship for an undergraduate program at Bond University the next year. Amy, one of the high achievers, earned a scholarship for her 2025 tuition at Bond University. We had a conversation with Amy to delve deeper into her time in the Bond University Year 12 Extension Program. What were your experiences like as a student taking part in the program? The program is about offering potential future students the chance to develop skills in the business area and give them a taste of what life as a Bond University student could be like. We completed various practical tasks such as creating a prototype and business proposal in 10 minutes to meet a need given to us in a brief. We also participated in workshops on how to 'excel in Excel,' experienced Bond University student life on a campus tour and designed an event to boost tourism in Australia. What did you gain from this experience? I gained friendships with the different participants, a scholarship towards my tuition next year, and knowledge that I feel sets me ahead of the curve for when I start at Bond University next year. How do you feel to have completed the program? Completing the program gave me a sense of accomplishment, as well as the reassurance that this area of study is the field I would love to study post-high school. What do you hope to study at Bond University? I hope to study a double major in marketing and entrepreneurship at the Bond University Business School. I love the creative aspects of both fields as well as the amount of post-graduate opportunities this degree will offer. Becoming an entrepreneur who develops something beneficial and influential, and witnessing its widespread use, would be a surreal feeling I hope to achieve one day. Were there any experiences or people that influenced your decision in future study? The person who supported me the most with this opportunity was Mrs Katie Wright, the Curriculum Leader of Learning Pathways and Downlands College VET Coordinator. Mrs Wright was the first teacher I wanted to talk about my achievement with, and I wouldn’t have participated in the program had she not encouraged me to. My sister also played a role in my decision-making process. She is an alumnus of Bond University and her positive experiences during her law degree studies there were a great source of inspiration for me. Bond has always been my number one pick for university, and this programme has made the possibility for me to attend a reality. Amy's progress showcases the support and growth opportunities offered by the Downlands Learning Pathways and VET team at the College. Looking ahead to her time at Bond University, Amy brings along valuable skills, friendships, and experiences that will greatly influence her university experience and future endeavours. As Amy looks forward to her future at Bond, she carries with her the skills, friendships, and experiences that will undoubtedly shape her university life and beyond. For students like Amy, the Bond University Business School Year 12 Extension Program is more than just a stepping stone: it's the start of an exciting and promising journey.
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