Aspiring engineer wins prestigious award

University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) student Max Corfield has been awarded the 2024 W.H. Groom Centenary of Toowoomba Scholarship for his academic and community service achievements.

With ambitions of designing new and better agricultural or earthmoving machinery, the third-year Mechanical Engineering student said the seed for his engineering career was sown in his upbringing on a cattle farm in the North Burnett.

“Living on the volcanic red soil, I was passionate about the land and sustainable farming from an early age,” Mr Corfield said.

“As I progress in my studies, I’m excited to focus on providing practical, safe and sustainable solutions to the farming community.

“I’m excited to keep learning about applications for 3D designing of machinery and using electronics to boost efficiency and precision in farming practices. This can help cut costs, energy use and reduce chemical and fuel inputs, which are all limited resources.

“Through my study at UniSQ, I am being provided with skills, knowledge and technology to make my dreams a reality.”

In addition to his studies, Mr Corfield is heavily involved with the UniSQ Residential Colleges community – be it volunteering to help at events, organising functions or ensuring fun and healthy spaces for new and returning residents to socialise and connect with each other.

The 20-year-old said the value of being an active participant has fuelled his desire to continue making an impact.

“I hope to continue shaping the UniSQ Residential Colleges community into an active, fun and engaging environment where residents are encouraged to get involved and have positive impacts on the wider Toowoomba community.”

Mr Corfield will receive $5,000 through the scholarship from the Toowoomba Regional Council. It was established in 2004 to mark the centenary of Toowoomba’s proclamation as a city and to honour the achievements of Toowoomba’s first mayor, William Henry Groom.