Skye’s the limit: Turning rural roots into accounting ambition

Growing up around cropping and feedlot operations gave Skye Hallett an early insight into the business of agriculture – and ultimately helped shape her future.

Now studying a Bachelor of Accounting at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), the Dalby local hopes to use her skills to support farmers and agricultural businesses across regional communities.

Skye has already gained valuable industry experience through Carrick Aland Accountants and received the Downer Group Warwick McEvoy Memorial Scholarship, helping ease the financial pressures of studying while living regionally.

Her long-term ambition is to establish her own rural accounting business.

We caught up with Skye during UniSQ’s 2026 Regional Tour in Dalby to hear how her regional upbringing shaped her career ambitions and what the scholarship has meant for her university journey.

How did growing up in a regional community and around agricultural businesses shape you and your interest in accounting?

Growing up rurally on properties was definitely a barrier, limiting opportunities and activities that were accessible to us. Despite this, having my parents manage both cropping and feedlot industries gave me an opportunity not many children get to experience, and I will forever be grateful for this. My parents never allowed the travelling distance or being secluded from many communities restrict what we could achieve. They ensured we had the best education possible and encouraged us to take every opportunity and instilled a mindset that ‘you can achieve anything you put your mind to’. Having the opportunity to work alongside my dad in his managerial role allowed him to teach me the importance of agricultural business and the significance of financial management that allows operations to run smoothly. These experiences have strongly influenced my decision to study accounting and have equipped me with knowledge and skills I can apply to my career. Once I graduate, the thought of assisting rural communities, farmers and property owners, making financial decisions and managing their businesses, would be a significant goal I aspire to achieve.

When did you first realise accounting was something you wanted to pursue?

My interest in accounting was sparked through work experience, where I realised this was something I was passionate about. However, having been given a traineeship through Carrick Aland in Year 12 gave me valuable and firsthand experience for the field, and encouraged me to study accounting.

How did your time at Dalby State High School and your work experience help shape your career path?

During my senior schooling, I attended Dalby State High School. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as they were incredibly supportive and encouraged students to strive towards their greatest potential, particularly in academic achievement. The school provided students with work experience, allowing students like myself to experience the workplace and explore various career pathways. Having had both this academic support and the opportunity of work experience gave me valuable insight and opportunities and ensured I made a confident decision to study accounting.

What has your experience been like as a UniSQ student so far?

My first year at UniSQ has been both challenging and rewarding. Throughout this time, I have been challenged with workload and balancing online studies. However, I have also been involved with many rewarding experiences, including the scholarship ceremony and being placed on the UniSQ panel in Dalby.

How has receiving the Downer Group Warwick McEvoy Memorial Scholarship impacted your university experience?

Receiving this scholarship has significantly impacted my university experience, as it has allowed me to continue on with my studies without having the financial burden that comes with studying at university and living remotely. It helped me understand that there are many generous individuals willing to help students like me achieve our goals and aspirations. This has allowed me to stay motivated and committed to my studies, achieving the best possible outcomes in my university results and ensuring I am making the most of the opportunities university has to offer.

What difference has the scholarship made in helping you balance study, work and other commitments?

Having received this scholarship has been a significant gift. It has ensured I can focus on my studies without having the financial burden that comes with university. The financial support has enabled me to balance work and uni while maintaining a healthy life outside these commitments.

What would you like to say to the donors who made the scholarship possible?

I would like to say a massive thank you to the donor of my scholarship for their support and huge generosity, and most importantly the gift they have given me. This scholarship has helped reduce the financial burden that comes along with studying, but as a donor, you have made a significant difference to my future by assisting my future achievements of graduating with a Bachelor of Accounting. I would like to say a huge thank you for believing in students like me, and I will never be able to express how much your support means to me.

What do you hope to do once you complete your Bachelor of Accounting?

After completing my Bachelor of Accounting, I hope to continue working with Carrick Aland Accountants in Dalby, where I will have the opportunity to expand my knowledge alongside many experienced and knowledgeable accounting professionals. The opportunity to work in my area of study has been valuable and I hope to continue to grow in these areas. I would also like to commence my CPA course to further my knowledge throughout the accounting industry. Looking into the future, my goal is to expand my knowledge immensely throughout my career, to the point where I can start my own business, where I hope to provide assistance to those, particularly in rural and agricultural communities.

Why is starting your own rural accounting business such an important ambition for you?

Starting my own accounting business rurally to support those in the agricultural industry would be a massive opportunity. Having always been encouraged to strive towards my goals and having my parents always encouraging me to do my best has inspired me to plan ahead for the future and make these goals a reality. Since being younger, I have always had a desire to own my own business, and working towards my younger self’s dreams would be a massive accomplishment, as in the future I don’t want to look back and wonder ‘what if?’. I want to ensure I conquer every ambition that I desire. Having said this, I am not only achieving my goals, but I am continuing to learn and improve and create a future that hopefully my younger self will look back on and be proud of.

Finally, what would you say to other regional students who might be considering university but aren't sure whether it’s the right path for them?

Firstly, I would strongly encourage students to engage in work experience in an area they think may interest them. I would also strongly recommend going to open days and getting hands-on experience and having the opportunity to speak with current students and lecturers to help better understand university. But my biggest piece of advice would be to take one step at a time; you don’t have to have everything figured out; you just need to make choices that enhance your learning and help you better understand what you truly want to do.

Learn more about accounting at UniSQ.