'The best of' high achievers
There’s no time like the present when it comes to building your qualifications, if Dr Col McCowan OAM is anything to go by. Now 79, Dr McCowan, of Waterford, has just earnt a doctorate from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) – half a century after gaining his first tertiary qualification. When Dr McCowan graduated with a PhD on 25 June this year, it cemented his reputation as a living legend in the career development field.
Dr McCowan’s international work throughout his career includes developing and implementing career guidance and employment systems in Bhutan, India, Mongolia, Oman, Thailand and Vietnam.
His industry peers refer to him as the ‘grandfather of career development’ for his pivotal role as a leader in career development policy discussions at state, national, and international levels. He has also received the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his extensive service to tertiary education.
USQ Head of School and Dean (Education) Associate Professor Peter Cook says Dr McCowan’s work had profoundly impacted countless individuals and communities in Australia and internationally. Peter says Dr McCowan’s work has been instrumental, from vocational guidance and career education to career counselling and the development of standards and training for career development professionals.
‘Dr McCowan’s international contributions demonstrate his commitment to sharing his expertise and improving career development practices globally,’ Peter says.
Dr McCowan’s PhD research focused on the psychometric properties of career education and development scales designed for students across primary, secondary, and tertiary education in other countries.
Photo at top: Dr McCowan OAM.
‘Emergency relief’ is a term heard so often after storms, floods and fires … but before anyone can benefit from the assistance, there are people behind the scenes organising it.
Jimboomba’s Sarah Weir is one of those compassionate people, and was recently thanked by Logan City Council for her community service after the Christmas Day storms.
Sarah was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Frank Lenz Memorial Award at the 2024 City of Logan Volunteer Awards.
Working with the Rotary Club of Jimboomba, Sarah co-ordinated emergency relief support services from the Jimboomba Community and District Hall – some residents had no power for up to 14 weeks.
The services provided meals, food donations, access to laundry services and a safe place for residents. Sarah also gave regular online updates and worked with various organisations and groups during the storm clean-up.
The annual awards also saw the Davida Steele Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Organisation awarded to 4207 Helping Hands, run by founder Claire Allen from her Beenleigh home. She offers a barter system to swap donated items for groceries to go into hampers for the community.
Photo at top: Sarah Weir at the 2024 City of Logan Volunteer Awards.
With a gruelling 6-day training schedule, Lin Zhu, 9, has the discipline of someone twice her age.
The reigning table tennis champion in Queensland’s Under 11 Teams category also recently scooped a silver medal at the Queensland Open Women’s Championships and a bronze medal in the national Under 11 event.
When asked what drives her to keep winning, Lin displays the candor of a 9-year-old.
‘Because my mum keeps pushing me,’ she says with a smile.
Giovanni Cnapich, South East Queensland Table Tennis Club manager, says Lin’s achievements at such a young age are incredible.
‘Most kids at her level seek international training to improve, while Lin is a true local player and has received all her training in Queensland,’ Giovanni says.
‘Her results are a testament to the power of determination and will. ‘Table tennis is so difficult to master at a high level – this kid is so special and we are so proud of how she handles herself on and off court.’
This year and into the future, Lin hopes to win many more medals and make more new friends.
Photo at top: Table tennis champion Lin Zhu.
