Yesterday marked the culmination of the Change in Action 2025 Program, with our Year 10 students stepping onto the stage at Griffith University to present their innovative solutions to this year's precision health challenge. After weeks of research, collaboration, and guidance from Griffith University mentors, our students delivered polished pitches in the Semi-Finals at QAHS before advancing to the Grand Final Showcase.
This year's problem statement challenged students to address major health conditions such as diabetes, dementia, osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury and depression, and to innovate precision health solutions through pathways including digital health, physical activity, community engagement and health services. The aim: to reduce the strain on the health system by avoiding unnecessary admissions, shortening time in care, and supporting better access to resources. At the heart of the program is a move away from one-size-fits-all models of healthcare, towards precision health approaches that respond to the unique needs of individuals and communities.
Champion Team 2025 – ElderTogether
Congratulations to Group 5 – ElderTogether, led by Project Lead Sienna Earwicker, who were named the Change in Action 2025 Champions. Focusing on the condition of Mental Health (Depression), the ElderTogether team designed an Empowerment Program aimed at reducing isolation among elderly people through community connection and proactive wellbeing strategies. Their pitch emphasised practical steps for implementation, including partnerships, funding pathways, and opportunities for expansion.
The team was supported by Griffith University mentors Cameron Stephen (Biomechanics PhD student) and Matthew Carrall-Worsey (Lecturer and Research Fellow). Their Global Leabers Teacher was Mrs Maxfield.
People's Choice Award – GlucoScope
Group 6 – GlucoScope, led by Project Lead Siena Walker, received the People's Choice Award for the best research poster and display. Their project addressed Diabetes in older Australians, highlighting the growing burden on the healthcare system, which spends an estimated $9.1 billion annually on diabetes care.
The team proposed a user-friendly digital platform designed to support elderly Australians in managing their condition. Features included personalised exercise plans, medication and appointment reminders, and progress tracking tools such as continuous glucose monitoring integration. By empowering older adults to regulate their health proactively, GlucoScope aims to reduce unnecessary hospital visits and ease overcrowding, while promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life.
The GlucoScope team was also supported by Griffith University mentors, Cameron Stephen (Biomechanics PhD student) and Matthew Carrall-Worsey (Lecturer and Research Fellow). Their Global Leaners Teacher was also Mrs Maxfield.
Thank You to Our Judges
We acknowledge the Grand Final judging panel for providing their time, expertise, and constructive feedback to our students:
- Robyn Stonefield – Marketing and Communications Manager, Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
- Associate Professor Laura Diamond – Griffith University and PRECISE
- Associate Professor Claudio Pizzolato – Griffith University and Project BioSpine
- Councillor Joe Wilkinson – Division 7, City of Gold Coast
- Dr Kate Johnston – Medical Director GP Partnerships and Engagement, Gold Coast Health; Deputy Chair, Queensland Clinical Senate
- Katherine Cacavas – Senior Health Promotion Officer, Gold Coast Public Health Unit; Founding Director, Make Ways Foundation
Celebrating QAHS Staff
This program was made possible through the dedication of an outstanding staff team. We thank the Global Leaner teachers – Miss Day, Mrs Reed, Mrs Maxfield, Mrs Psychoulas, Mrs McGovern and Mr Naiker – for their guidance and flexibility throughout. Special recognition is extended to Mrs Gabrielle Alder-Hughes (Year 10 Coordinator) for co-leading the program, and to Mr Ahmed Ebrahim, whose technical expertise and calm demeanour ensured the smooth running of this year's Change in Action.
We also acknowledge the exceptional work of Mr Salvador Cantellano from Studio Luma, who captured professional footage for the students to use in their video communiqués.
Partnerships and Support
Change in Action 2025 is a demonstration of QAHS leveraging our position within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, providing transformative opportunities for our students as a World Class IB School. The program was delivered in collaboration with Griffith University's PRECISE (Australian Centre for Precision Health and Technology) and Project BioSpine research centres, connecting students directly with cutting-edge health research.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Department of Education Queensland, whose Growing Global Competency Fund contributed to making the 2025 Change in Action program possible.
Proud of Our Students
The Showcase was the final stage of a program that challenged students to:
- Deliver professional pitches without palm cards
- Craft and film video communiqués to communicate their solutions
- Engage in networking and teamwork at a professional level
- Connect with Griffith University PhD and Postdoctoral students, as well as partners from the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
- Develop crucial soft-skills which included working as part of a large research team
We are proud of every Year 10 student who contributed their creativity, passion and teamwork to this program. Change in Action 2025 has highlighted the remarkable talent and future potential of our QAHS community. We look forward to sharing the video communiqués from each team with our community soon.
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect