Community
18 June, 2025
Good Shepherd student in line for QRC recognition
The student his a finalist in the Exceptional Indigenous Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy Student Award.
Xanda Chiauzzi has been recognised as one of the top Indigenous students in the state by the Queensland Resources Council.
The Good Shepherd Catholic College Year 11 student has been named as a finalist in the Exceptional Indigenous Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy Student Award in the Queensland Resources Council Indigenous Awards.
He is a finalist alongside two Brisbane-based high school students, with the winner announced at an awards ceremony on June 25.
An award submission by Good Shepherd Catholic College stated that Xanda had shown his commitment to leadership and personal growth, with a focus on making a meaningful impact in the resources sector, which has included work experience with Glencore.
The statement said Xanda’s passion and willingness to share his journey have helped spark an interest in the industry among his fellow students.
The 16-year-old has excelled in the Emerging Leaders Incentive Scheme, which rewards First Nations student for attendance, academic performance and school engagement with fee and uniform/school supplies subsidies.
An aspiring mine engineer, Xanda has also volunteered for numerous full-day Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy events, which tasks students with solving real-world resource industry issues around exploration, extraction and rehabilitation using hands-on skills such as programming, robotics and chemical processing, with a focus on teamwork and mentorship.
Designed with input from resource industry professionals, the events encourage students to pursue further maths and science studies towards a university pathway.
A keen sportsman, especially soccer and muay thai, Xanda has stepped back from some of his after-school activities this year to focus on his final two years of study.
“I was really surprised to be a finalist, and I really hope it helps with my future career after school,” Xanda said.
“I like to test myself to see what I can do. I am keen on mining engineering but the more things I do to test my skills then I might find my exact calling.”
The Queensland Resources Council’s Indigenous Awards will recognise top achievers.
“The awards recognise the outstanding Indigenous talent in the resources sector and in 2025 our finalists come from across the state and from diverse management, operational and specialist roles that the sector offers,” QRC chief executive Janette Hewson said.
“All our finalists are exceptional and deserve recognition for what they contribute to the sector, to the state of Queensland and for the role they play in encouraging more Indigenous people to work in the resources sector.”