The Australian Business Week competition is available to all schools around the country; however, it is usually only offered to students studying business. Here at QAHS we ensure that the ABW program is available to all Year 11 students every year. ABW allows for the development of key business skills and encourages students to take on roles such as CEO and COO as well as be part of a marketing and finance team. In 2022, 153 students participated across 15 teams, this is the largest cohort we have ever had complete the week. All teams worked within a field of disaster management and an assigned home nation. Countries represented from member nations of the European Union with disaster management fields including flooding, forest fires and earthquake.
The buzz of excitement was evident from day 1 when the 2022 colour and themes were revealed and as the Principal introduced the tasks, the CEO's were selected and operations began. Teams developed new and ground-breaking products to take to market including a hydroculture device aimed at reducing waste water run off polluting waterways, a virtual hologram of a family member/friend to reduce isolation and loneliness and a freeze dried capsule that rehydrated to produce a full plate of food for those in need.
The highlight of the week is the Trade Expo where teams display and sell their products to potential investors. This year was an incredible showcase of a week of hard work and dedication from each team. Each and every team member sold their product and discussed its benefits with guests with confidence and enthusiasm.
ABW culminates in a gala awards dinner to celebrate the successes of all students. This year we congratulate the following award winners:
Best Logo Design – Hestias
Oral Presentation Winner – EstoniAg
Business Simulation Winner – Packed Plates
Best Trade Display – Venti Energy
Best TV Advert – Gamma Safety
Best Website Design – EstoniAg
Company Report Winner – Nixie Water
People's Choice Trade Display – Deuca
Most Outstanding CEO – Andrew McMath
Grand Champion Team – Venti Energy
All the experiences of ABW would not have been possible without our generous principal sponsors. QAHS would like to thank Parker & Simmonds Solicitor and Lawyers, Aussie Truck Rental, Gold Coast Lung and Sleep, Gold Coast Heart and Lung Surgeons, Crescent Accounts and Quintessential Building.
We are also very grateful to our generous team sponsors; Ace of Frames, Abode Australia Migration, Mobile Digital, Austclean Southport, Studio Kirby and Terrene Craft International.
The QA community would also like to express our utmost gratitude to the business mentors from National Australia Bank, Mr. Gareth Hardman, Mr. Ross Crighton, Mr. Jason Wright, Mr. Bradley Wood and Ms. Kate Hare along with lecturers Mr. Mat Jones from GE Healthcare, Dr. Joan Carlini from Griffith University, Ms. Michelle Gargar from Pamiliya Accountants and Mr. Sam Worboys from our very own QAHS, who have all guided and directed the teams this year, enhancing their ABW experience.
Rachel Hart
HOD Global Learners