Scott Mackey, Cher’nee Sutton: Bundaberg school captains then and now
They’ve met royalty, struck deals with major retailers, conducted academic studies and led in the medical field. These are the stories behind 30 of Bundaberg’s former school captains.
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It’s no secret plenty of people who have gone on to do great things got their start in Bundaberg’s schools.
While we know the region has turned out its fair share of sporting greats and entertainers, we thought we’d look back on some of the region’s former school captains and leaders and look into what they’ve achieved since graduation.
Bryce Nichol
Before he was a doctor, Bryce Nichol was a school captain at Isis State High School in 2006.
Since then, he’s ticked off a long list of achievements.
Not only has he worked as a medical superintendent for Palm Island at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, but in 2018 he also received the ACRRM-RDAA Rural Registrar of the Year Award.
Having grown up in a regional town, Dr Nicol said he had a love and appreciation for practising medicine in rural areas.
“I love that I feel as though I make a difference every day, I love that I get to interact with my patients on a personal as well as professional level,” he said.
“I knew an amazing doctor in Childers during my youth – Dr Tim Lloyd Morgan. My mother worked as a nurse in his surgery, and Tim really took me under his arm.
“He gave me summer jobs at his practice, so I got an insight into what a career in general practice entailed.”
Amy Sheehan
Amy Sheehan is a news reporter for ABC Sunshine Coast.
The 2002 Isis State High School captain has taken massive strides in her career.
She previously worked for Seven News for 14 years in Mackay, on the Sunshine Coast and as a political reporter in Canberra.
Hayden Marvell
Hayden Marvell was a school captain at Isis High before deciding to take on environmental studies.
He now works as an environmental consultant.
Kurt Royan
Another small-town name who struck the big time is Childers boy Kurt Royan.
Mr Royan was a captain at the local state high in the year 2000 and would take his passion for film to amazing heights.
As the managing director of the Post Lounge, Mr Royan oversees film and television post-production and a VFX facility that specialises in feature films and TV series.
Beginning his career as an Editor, Kurt has been in the post-production and technology landscape for over 15 years.
Ever ambitious, he continued to impress by designing and implementing the custom-built facilities in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, and the chic, new space in Collingwood, Victoria.
An expert in workflow management and pipeline development, Kurt regularly creates bespoke technical workflows on a per project basis, designed to maximise quality and reduce overheads.
Kurt continues to expand The Post Lounge’s unique brand of creative production and personal service into new locations and sectors alike.
Kirsten Clements (nee Goding)
Kristen Clements is the proud principal of Burnett Heads State School.
It’s a role she took on in 2018, after being a school captain at Isis High in 1998.
She’s now the mum of three teens, and also runs a business with her husband.
Ms Clements told the NewsMail she was passionate about giving students a quality education.
“I believe in kindness, happiness, positivity, politeness and treating everyone with respect and dignity,” she said.
Mitch Parsons
PE teacher Mick Parsons is now the head of health and physical education at St Luke’s Anglican School.
Now in his 17th year of teaching, he is one of the school’s pillars of learning as he oversees the entire physical education curriculum.
Described by his peers as an astute teacher, it’s pretty hard to parallel Mick’s knowledge of the human body, body mechanics, nutrition, diet, sport, rehabilitation, wellness and health.
He is also a gifted coach with a love of union and league and a competitive lifesaver with a little silverware in his trophy case.
Last year, he won gold in the five-man crew of the surf boat discipline in the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships.
Mick was a school captain at Isis High in 2017.
Shannon Marvell
Shannon Marvell took on studies in physiotherapy and carries out a number of services and treatments.
In 2011, she was named school captain at Isis State High School.
The 2008 Isis High school captain Caitlin Marvell also took a career in health, becoming a speech pathologist.
Scott Mackey
He may well be the Bundaberg region’s most well-known real estate agent.
So, it’s no surprise Scott Mackey was also once a high achiever at school.
Mr Mackey took on the important role of house sports captain at Shalom College in 1992.
For 26 years Scott has dedicated himself to assisting Bundaberg home sellers, buyers and investors with all their real estate needs.
As an office owner and the leader for the highly successful RE/MAX Precision office, Scott can lay claim to many awards and achievements including winning the medium business of the year category in 2006.
He is also a member of the “1980 Initiative” – an exclusive mentoring group for the Queensland State of Origin teams.
His dream of working in real estate began when he saw his uncle in action.
“He has a very good lifestyle because he owned real estate,” he said.
But, Mr Mackey started his journey with a mowing business as well as a stint at clothing store Muscular Arm.
Once he got into real estate, there was no looking back.
The husband, father and, recently-crowned grandfather has spent 27 years in the industry.
“I still have the passion for it now,” he said.
Born in Bundaberg, he has stayed put.
“Bundaberg has been a great city,” he said.
One of the most important values in business, according to Mr Mackey, is the understanding that everyone in a workplace or team can lead in their own unique way, and that through that, everyone is just as important.
“The leader isn’t the only important person,” he said.
The same goes for his observations while being behind the Origin curtain.
“All people lead in different ways.”
Brent Illingworth
Brent, of Real Way Property Consultants is a self-professed “proud Kepnock school captain class of 2004”.
He said leading a school cohort was a lot like being a top real estate agent, principal and business owner.
“It’s more than a popularity contest, it’s about putting others before yourself and always striving to make a positive contribution to the system that was school and now is life,” he said.
“I have always loved working with people since I was a kid – my first job working for my family businesses. Bundy is a wonderful town if you do the right thing by people – they look after you right back.”
Noa Fletcher
Noa Fletcher has done big things in Bundy.
The former Bundaberg State High School captain was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student of the year at the North Coast Region Queensland Training Awards in Bundaberg in 2019.
Mr Fletcher works as a sea ranger.
He encouraged other young people to “take a leap of faith” and follow their dreams, and not to hesitate.
Lee Volker
Lee Volker was a school captain at Isis State High School in 2019 and is already taking giant leaps in life.
“Currently I am studying a Bachelor of business management/education (secondary) at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus in Brisbane,” they said.
“I'm taking it a bit slower than the full time standard so I can enjoy the university life while I also work my two jobs.”
Lee is keeping busy with their own business as well as work and study.
“I currently work both in private tutoring and run my own business as a disability support worker, helping people with disabilities with daily tasks so they don't have to worry about them and can live their best lives,” they said.
“I love both jobs and work with some absolutely amazing people in them.”
Lee says they have transformed and grown as a person.
“I have also been working on myself a lot,” they said.
“All through school I skated along with undiagnosed ADHD and autism, as well as stayed in the closet about being a transgender individual.
“I've spent a long time exploring what all these things mean for me and getting the help I need to be happier and more comfortable with myself.”
Lee has big plans for the future.
“I'm currently torn between two dreams actually, all my life I wanted to be a high school teacher, and I likely still will do that for a while because I love working with students and passing on knowledge, but I have also loved running my own business and am considering expanding the disability work further later in life,” they said.
And Lee’s best advice for students still at school?
“As much as teachers tell you your grades matter, do not hurt yourself for them,” they said.
“I worked way too hard in high school and have spent three years trying to undo the bad and toxic habits.
“I've found that made me overwork myself. Good grades are nice, but there are always other ways to achieve your dreams, there are so many back doors into university and jobs that hurting yourself in high school for a grade just isn’t worth it.
“Take more time if you need to, just look after yourself.”
Ellie Darlington
Kepnock High’s Ellie Darlington is making her way in life since being a school captain in 2017.
“I am currently in my third year of university studying a bachelor of education (secondary),” she said.
“I’m also working at Kepnock as a teacher aide until I graduate.”
Ellie said one of the most important things to remember was that there were plenty of ways to succeed in life.
“Be yourself, stay present and enjoy your time at school,” she said.
“Don’t put pressure on yourself to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. There are plenty of alternative pathways and options into so many different careers.”
Chern’ee Sutton
There’s no denying that Chern’ee Sutton is one of the region’s most recognised faces.
One of her earliest achievements was as a school captain.
“I was a school leader in Year 10 and year 11 and during that time as well continuing this work into Year 12 I participated in the UQ Young Achievers Program, the UQ Young Scholars Program, the Queensland Youth Parliamentary Program for two years and the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy,” she said.
“I did Acknowledgment to Country at many parades and school events and also helped out at many community events with H Block, my school’s indigenous education program, this includes the Biggest Morning Tea, Youth Homelessness Matters Day and Close the Gap Day to name a few, as well as workshops at primary schools around Bundaberg.
“ I was also in the first few years of my painting career at that stage, so I was representing the school through my art exhibitions, competitions and events that I was attending, exhibiting at, speaking at or organising.”
She’s had no shortage of big achievements since.
“Since graduating from school I have had many amazing achievements and experiences, ”Chern’ee said.
“I’ve created artworks for government departments and organisations from around Australia and the world including Tennis Australia, the NRL, Dreamworld, The Australian Defence Force, The Australian Government, FIFA, The Australian Mint and the Commonwealth Games to name a few.
“I’ve exhibited my artworks in Sydney, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, London and have sold my paintings to collectors all around the world, I even have two pieces hanging in the royal collection at Buckingham Palace and have met royalty on several occasions.
“I was an Artist in Residence at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and designed the Indigenous Component to the Mascot Borobi. I have received awards and accolades such as A National NAIDOC Youth of the Year Award, A Queensland Pride of Australia Young Leader Award, a Queensland Young Achiever Award as well as many local awards.
“I recently designed the new circulating and un-circulated Indigenous Military Service $2 coin, A V8 Supercar this year and recently collaborated with Woolworths who are now selling a range of pot plants featuring my designs.”
Chern’ee gave some sage advice to those still starting out on their life journey.
“Work hard at your passions and don’t let any opportunities pass you by, whatever it is that gets you motivated or inspires you, do it every day with passion and that is what will separate you from everyone else,” she said.
“If obstacles get in your way or if people try to knock you down, you need to get back up and fight harder to achieve your goals. You decide your own destiny and the path you will take don’t let other people decide for you.”
Brooke Sutton
Fellow Bundaberg artist Brooke Sutton was a student leader in Year 6 at Walkervale where she designed four mascots for each of the school’s sport houses.
“Into high school I was also a year 7 student leader and a part of Girl’s Academy, where I held several workshops with the participants, I also represented Girls Academy and the school when I entered and won a national art competition for Nestle,” she said.
“I did acknowledgment to country at parades and events and participated in the design tracks program, where I worked with other leaders and mentors in the arts industry to further my arts career.
“I also competed in the ATSIAP challenge where I won first place in two categories.
“I held art exhibitions at my school and I also represented my school through my art at different events around Queensland.
“I worked with my older sister Chern’ee, the Bundaberg police and kids at risk where we worked together to create a beautiful mural at Hinkler Central. I also worked with Chern’ee in a remote indigenous community where we created two large paintings with the police, elders and students.
“The artworks that we created were then used as vinyl wraps and put onto the police cars. The project was so successful that we were asked to come back a few years later.”
Talent runs in the family when it comes to the Suttons, with Brooke also picking up her fair share of accolades.
“I created an artwork for Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages which has now been used for the first indigenous birth certificate in Queensland,” she said.
“I collaborated with Spencil to create an artwork that is now being used on school supplies and products. I have also collaborated with my brother Jesse and Greensill Farming to design a tractor with our artwork on it to celebrate NAIDOC week this year.
“I created the guernsey design for Carlton Football Club for the indigenous round and I have also created artworks for several large businesses and government departments including JCDecaux, MBM, CentaCare, the defence force, Berghoffer medical institute and many others.”
Brooke also worked with Bunnings as one of their celebrity artists, won a NAIDOC youth of the year award for Bundaberg and has been invited to government house several times.
“My latest collaboration is with T2, where I designed and created the artworks for my own range of tea wares which with be sold in 72 countries around the world, this will be officially launched on the 31st of August and I am also currently dabbling in the world of fashion.”
Brooke encourages anyone starting out to follow their passions wherever they may lead.
“Don’t sacrifice your dreams for the sake of good marks, do what makes you happy and will allow you to reach your goals,” she said.
The young success is eagerly awaiting the release of her partnership with T2.
“My T2 collaboration is being launched tomorrow on the 31st of August,” she said.
“This is a major collaboration with my designs being used on tea wares, merchandise and throughout T2 stores around Australia and the world.”
Hollie Cooper
Hollie Cooper was awarded one of USC‘s most prestigious awards in 2019 when she received the $20,000 Renouf Family Scholarship.
The 2018 Kepnock High captain and OP2 student took up studies in law, criminology and justice.
Thomas Duffy
Thomas Duffy started out as a cultural captain at St Luke’s in 2017 and has ended up in a great place – with a degree in Laws and Journalism from QUT.
The young customer service officer is currently calling Brisbane home.
Anika Aziz
Former St Luke’s academic captain and one-time National Chemical Analysis finalist, Anika Aziz, inaugurated her school’s own debate team.
The intelligent young woman is now studying a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University.
Chelsea Warburton
Hoog House captain of 2017 Chelsea Warburton went on to work for Stockland as a customer experience officer.
Ella Wilkinson
Former St Luke’s school leader Ella Wilkinson took up a psychology honours degree at USC after travelling to Europe.
The Moore Park Beach woman says she's fascinated by the human mind.
Having scored an OP5, she has quite a bright one.
Alison Bedford
Former Bundaberg State High School student Alison Bedford was vice-captain in 2000.
“Since finishing school, I went on to study a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education at the University of Queensland,” she said.
“I began my teaching career at Kilcoy SHS in 2005, and after overseas travel in 2009, commenced at the Glennie School, Toowoomba, where I continue to teach senior modern history in a part-time capacity.
“I did my BA (Hons) in English Literature at UQ in 2007, and completed my PhD on Mary Shelley and Frankenstein in 2019. I now work as a full-time Lecturer (Curriculum and Pedagogy) in the School of Education at the University of Southern Queensland.”
Ms Bedford lists the completion of her PhD and publication of her thesis In Shelley‘s Wake: Mary Shelley, Morality and Science Fiction as being among her greatest achievements.
She has also co-authored a number of school history textbooks and had some special advice for young students.
“I would suggest they pursue the subjects that interest them rather than focusing on achieving a particular ATAR,” she said.
“There are many pathways to success so you may as well enjoy the trip by doing something that you enjoy.
“Take advantage of the many opportunities that schools make available: play a sport, join the theatre group, take up a leadership position. And say thanks to your teachers and family for supporting you along the way (shout out to Kay Gardiner and the teachers at Bundy High in the late 1990s!).”
Chloe Mesner
Five years since she was a school captain at Kepnock High, Chloe Mesner has a career in health.
The young achiever took up a Bachelor of Nursing at CQU and now works for the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.
Dayna Aislinn
In 2017, Dayna Aislinn was a captain at St Luke’s.
Today, she works in costuming for films and TV shows.
“Career wise, I want to work my way up through the Costume Department while finding a work/life balance,” she said.
“I also love to write, so a big dream of mine is to one day publish a book or write my own TV series.
“In a more general life sense, I’d love to live overseas for a time and start a family one day.”
Dayna said it’s all about taking your time on life’s path.
“If you’re unsure of what to do next, don’t stress! Everyone’s path is different and it’s OK if things take time,” she said.
“Money, work and your career shouldn’t be how you measure success. Appreciate your friends, be silly, and rest often.”
Blake Saffy
A captain at North High in 2019, Blake Saffy is already aiming big.
“I am a current third year physiotherapy honours student studying at the University of Queensland,” he said.
“ So lots of debt already.”
“I have spent the past two years participating in a volunteer program at UQ called the Young Achievers Program that helps high school students transition into university.
“We mentor a group of students from across Wide Bay over two years so they are about to graduate high school.
Mr Saffy said it had been a “big journey so far”.
“Lots of hurdles with lots of personal growth. At least I have a decent study schedule these days,” he said.
Caitlyn Anderson
Caitlyn Anderson was a school captain at Kepnock High in 2017 and she’s been making her way in the world ever since.
“After school I worked in hospitality for a few years and hospitality management,” she said.
“I then decided to move out of my home town to see what’s out there, so I took a chance and applied for a bank job. Now I live in Brisbane and I am working for the Commonwealth Bank as a home loan service specialist and working towards going into home lending.”
Ms Anderson said it’s wise not to rush in life.
“My advice would be to not feel you need to rush if you don’t know what you want to do after school,” she said.
“I was pressured to go to university right after school, but I didn’t know what I wanted to study.
“I decided against just studying anything and went to work.
“It’s important to still have goals even if they’re small, always have something to work towards. It will change over time, don’t worry, and you’ll end up finding what you want to do.”
Angus Ethell
Former Bundaberg North student Angus Ethell is pleased with how things have turned out in the time since he was at school.
“After graduating I took a gap year and worked before moving to Brisbane to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art) at QUT,” he said.
“Covid happened in my final year and made having a physical arts practice difficult, so I withdrew from studies and have been working full time.
“In March this year I moved to Tasmania with a work promotion to assistant manager for the Early Settler store in Devonport.
“I hope to be able to return to studying visual art in the near future.
“Since leaving high school, I’m most proud of my independence and personal growth. I’ve been able to explore my passions and I’ve allowed myself to be who I want to be.”
Frank Hart
A school captain at Bundy High in 1998, Frank Hart has gone on to do many great things.
“I spent some time in the army once I graduated from school,” he said.
“ I was lured by the promise of adventure and quick pay … I eventually joined the Army Band Corps, where I took my musical career as far as I wanted it to go. I left after a time and studied mathematics and physics at university.
“I always loved to build things so eventually landed in software development, where I still am today.”
Mr Hart’s life advice?
“Life is about working it out as you go along; it's kind of a right of passage, and you are the one to set your pace and direction … whatever you do, give it your best. Be aware and ready to pick up the lessons as they come and you’ll be OK.”
Chris Rhode
Chris Rhode, 2000 Bundy State High Vice Captain, had no idea he’d get into property when he was at school, but he is now directing real estate group Coronis in Brisbane.
He first spent a year studying engineering at UQ, before spending two years in the defence force and being discharged because of an injury.
This injury was a curve ball, and for a while, he wondered what to do when his main dream was over.
“It all came crashing down and it’s like ‘what do I do now?’” he said.
Chris then went on to working at the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane, before moving to Edinburgh.
When he came back, he took a job at Flight Centre, where he met his wife who he now shares two children with.
Then it was time to go back to university, where he completed an MBA and found himself in the world of real estate.
“It’s challenging, but I’m happy being challenged,” he said.
Chris said real estate was all about people and helping solve problems.
Having travelled the world, he highly recommends globetrotting.
“I reckon everyone should do that – save up some money, get a passport and go overseas,” he said.
“You become more open-minded to everything.”
The most important lesson he’s learned, in time, is that it’s not how many times you fail, but that you get back up each time.
“Everyone will fail, but it’s not about the failure, it’s about getting up,” he said.
“As long as you can get back up, you will be fine.”
Chris said it was important to focus on mental health and not to give up when hitting rock bottom.
Richard Norris
Richard Norris’s career took many different directions.
Starting as a school captain at Bundy High in 1999, he went on to study journalism in Brisbane before working in tourism overseas for six years in which he oversaw Contiki Tours.
He then achieved a masters in PR, working mostly in the mining industry.
Richard then found himself back overseas in Germany, but the pandemic meant he would have to make his way home.
He started up a small photography business and did some more work in the mining sector, including with Adani in Townsville.
Changing it up all the time, Richard has now bought a bar and has big dreams of opening a few other venues in the future.
He said he worked out, while at school, that there were many different paths one could take to success.
“It’s been brilliant,” he said.
“It’s been a huge amount of fun.”
Richard said it was good not to be afraid of taking chances and to remember the traditional ladder wasn’t for everyone.
But don’t forget to work hard – or the benefits that can be gained from a degree or learning a trade.
Richard’s brother Joe also became a school captain during the same year as Chris Rhode.
Mikala Smee
Mikala was a captain at Kepnock High in 2017 and is now in her final semester of uni atm at UQ.
“I lived in Northern Ireland for a year and a half in 2019-2021 during their lockdowns due to Covid,” she said.
“I compete with UQ cheer and dance and I have now been lucky enough to win three competitions with my teams.”
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