The annual awards are an opportunity for students to demonstrate creativity, leadership and achievement in planning and the planning profession.
Stuartholme dominated the Outstanding Student Project Award – Secondary category with students Alexandra Gilley, Bridie Nicholson and Christie Moloney making up half of the winners in the category.
Year 12 student Alexandra Gilley was named the overall category winner, claiming the Excellence Award for her investigation into the issues and management of Macgregor Terrace, Simpsons Road and Jubilee Terrace in Bardon, close to her Toowong-based school.
According to officials, the judges were “unanimous” in recognising the “exceptional quality” of Miss Gilley’s work. They praised Miss Gilley for her innovative topic choice, sound methodology, and her comprehensive and detailed approach to the subject as evidenced in her recommendations and visual presentation.
Stuartholme senior boarder Christie Moloney’s entry questioning the planning behind Cramsie-Muttaburra Road in Longreach was also well-received, recognised by the judges for its importance in “raising awareness of transport planning within a regional and rural context”. Competition officials hailed Miss Moloney’s project as a highly considered strategy which will improve the on-going economic and tourism viability of the region, and awarded her with a Certificate of Commendation for her efforts.
Fellow Stuartholme student Bridie Nicholson was also awarded Commendation for her plan for Taringa Railway Station, which the judges agreed was both topical and innovative. They added that Miss Nicholson’s proposed strategies were “realistic” and adoptable for other transport nodes.
The achievements of the three young women were applauded at the official awards ceremony late last year, where Miss Gilley took the stage as an ambassador for Stuartholme to receive the honours.
Stuartholme School Head of Social Science, Mrs Wendy Bolton, congratulated the girls on their achievement and their entries, which were all major assessment items for their Geography class.
“To have so many entries and finalists from our school is an endorsement of the girls’ wonderful efforts in this area of Geography,” she said.
“The awards demonstrate the strong connections between school curriculum and the workforce.”
Miss Gilley’s work has now been forwarded to the national judging panel for consideration as part of the National Awards for Planning Excellence.
“We wish her well,” Mrs Bolton said.
