On Saturday 26 October, seven dedicated QAHS students, alongside alumna Hannah Provenzano, joined staff and volunteers from Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club at Tallebudgera Creek for the annual Bush to Beach Initiative. This unique program, organised by Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC, brings primary school students from remote Indigenous communities to the Gold Coast, often offering their first-ever beach experience. This year, 30 students from Boggabilla Central School and Toomelah Public School were invited as a reward for their commendable school attendance and positive behaviour.
For our qualified QAHS Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate holders, this was an extraordinary opportunity to give back. Our students worked closely with these young visitors, assisting them in swimming, boogie boarding, and providing water safety for the activities. Many of the participants had never seen the ocean before, making the experience both meaningful and transformative. By sharing water safety skills and building connections, QA Surf Lifesaver volunteers were able to contribute to this inclusive and supportive event.
The day's activities highlighted the importance of community support, cultural exchange, and the joy of exploring new environments. By volunteering through Surf Life Saving, our students contributed to their CAS journey in a way that aligns with QAHS's commitment to nurturing highly capable learners within a supportive and inclusive school community. This initiative reflects the Academy's priority to offer transformative opportunities and reinforce the value of service, part of the IB's goal to encourage students to engage with and positively impact the wider world .
A sincere thank you to Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC for the opportunity to be part of this initiative. Programs like these are not just about introducing young people to the beach; they're about building confidence, celebrating diversity, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect