Dedicated diesel fitter Duncan earns Australia Day Awards recognition

A passion for sharing his knowledge with school students so they can do better than he' has earned Duncan Head the Central Highlands Australia Day (Blackwater/Duaringa) Young Citizen of the Year Award.

The fourth-year BMA diesel fitter is currently studying at CQUniversity's Emerald Campus' but also volunteers teaching students at Blackwater State High School.

"I help teach engineering at Blackwater State High'" Duncan said.

"I'm there because I want them to be better than me. If I can share some of my skills with students' they are more likely to become tradespeople."

His interest in mechanics started when he worked with his uncle' but it was when he completed work experience at Universal Cranes that his interest in becoming a diesel fitter was born.

However' Duncan is now considering a change in direction for his career.

"I love volunteering at the school. So much so that I'm thinking about studying to become a teacher."

Duncan said although winning the award was completely unexpected' he was excited to receive the honour.

CQUniversity Associate Vice President Rockhampton and Central Highlands Regions Kim Harrington said the university was very proud of Duncan's achievements.

"Duncan's passion for sharing his knowledge with school students is inspiring and it's exciting to see his work recognised by his community'" she said.

"The students at Blackwater State High are lucky to be able to learn from him. We believe his Australia Day Award is well earned and wish him well in whatever path he decides to take in the future."