40-year Evans Edwards Prize honours top accounting student
A four-decade commitment to supporting future accounting professionals has been celebrated with the presentation of the 2025 Evans Edwards Prize to CQUniversity student Mitchell Cole.
Awarded annually to the highest-performing CQUniversity student from the Rockhampton region across three advanced accounting and law units, the Evans Edwards Prize recognises outstanding academic achievement and dedication to the profession. The recipient receives a $500 award.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the prize, which has been supported by Central Queensland accounting firm Evans Edwards since 1986.
Mr Cole said he was surprised and honoured to be named the 2025 recipient.
"I felt a little surprised but also glad that something came from my hard work," he said.
Reflecting on what the recognition meant to him, Mr Cole said the award reinforced the value of commitment and perseverance.
"If you apply yourself and strive towards something, you can achieve good things."
After finishing high school, Mr Cole was uncertain about his future career path but knew he enjoyed mathematics and wanted to pursue a profession that aligned with his strengths.
"I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I've always been good at maths and enjoyed it, so I thought I would choose a career path that aligned with that," he said.
"I also got lucky when I finished school that a job opportunity with an accountant opened up for me."
Mr Cole credited the practical experience he gained while working in the industry alongside his studies as a major contributor to his academic success.
"The thing that probably contributed the most to my success in my accounting units would be the practical experience I have been able to get working for an accountant whilst studying," he said.
He also acknowledged the important role his family played throughout his studies.
"My family support network helped me a fair bit along the way."
Looking ahead, Mr Cole plans to continue building a career in the accounting profession and is working towards gaining CPA accreditation.
He thanked Evans Edwards for its longstanding commitment to supporting students.
"Thank you for supporting future students and I to achieve great things in our studies," he said.
For Evans Edwards Director and Principal Marni McGrath, the prize's 40-year milestone is particularly significant. Ms McGrath was herself a recipient of the Evans Edwards Prize in 1989 and has since gone on to lead the firm that sponsors the award.
"Reaching 40 years of sponsorship is something we're incredibly proud of," Ms McGrath said.
"It reflects a longstanding commitment to education, academic achievement and promoting the future of our region.
"For Evans Edwards, this milestone represents much more than an award. It represents four decades of recognising talented students and encouraging them to pursue their goals, while highlighting the opportunities that exist here in Central Queensland."
Ms McGrath said supporting the prize aligns with the firm's belief in investing in education and future professionals.
"Academic achievement demonstrates dedication, perseverance and a commitment to excellence, qualities that are equally important in professional life," she said.
"Supporting this prize allows us to recognise those qualities and encourage the next generation of business and accounting professionals."
Reflecting on her own experience as a student recipient, Ms McGrath said receiving the prize had been a memorable achievement.
"The recognition certainly provided encouragement and confidence at an important stage of my studies," she said.
"Looking back now, it's quite special to see the role that education, opportunity and community support have played in my own career journey, ultimately leading to my position as Principal at Evans Edwards."
Ms McGrath said continuing the firm's support of the award was both rewarding and meaningful.
"Having once stood in the shoes of a prize recipient, I understand how meaningful that recognition can be," she said.
"To now be part of the firm that continues to sponsor the award and support future professionals is a privilege."
She said investing in future professionals was essential to the ongoing success of the industry and regional communities.
"Strong industries depend on strong people," she said.
"By investing in the next generation, we're helping to develop the skills, knowledge and leadership that businesses and communities will rely on in the future."
Ms McGrath congratulated Mr Cole on his achievement and encouraged him as he begins the next chapter of his career.
"This award recognises the hard work, commitment and determination you've demonstrated throughout your studies, and that is something to be very proud of," she said.
"We hope this achievement gives you confidence as you take the next step in your professional journey. We look forward to seeing where your talents and ambitions take you, and we wish you every success in the future."
