Max Has His Boots Firmly Planted In Two Very Different Worlds

Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Max has his boots firmly planted in two very different worlds: the rugged, hands‑on life of a central Queensland cattle station, and the bustling day‑to‑day routine of boarding school in Townsville.

“I live on a station north of Clermont called Mazeppa,” Max explained. “When I’m not here at school, I live there with my family.”

Home for Max is anything but quiet. Mazeppa Station is a working property that runs both cattle and crops, keeping everyone on their toes year‑round. “We have a mix of cattle and crops, so there’s always plenty to do,” he said. “There’s not really such a thing as a day off on the property.”

Max is no stranger to getting his hands dirty. When he’s home, he’s often found helping his dad with jobs around the station, including driving tractors and mustering cattle, to basic maintenance like greasing machinery and checking equipment.

Max already has one eye on the future. His goal is to gain trade qualifications that will help him bring even more value to the family business.

“I think if I can do an apprenticeship as a mechanic or a diesel fitter or something like that, it’ll be great for working on the farm,” he said.

When he’s not lending a hand with station work, Max makes time for his own kind of fun. A keen rider, he often jumps on his CRF230 motorbike or catches up with friends. “We like to go pigging on weekends and in the school holidays,” Max said with a grin.

Despite the change of pace, Max has taken boarding school life in his stride. At Tec‑NQ House, he’s made strong friendships and settled well into the rhythm of living away from home. “In my free time, I go to Planet Fitness with my mates or watch the Storm play in the NRL,” Max said. “I’m enjoying it so far, it’s much better than regular school.”

Max is one of many regional students who benefit from Tec‑NQ House, a purpose‑built boys-only boarding facility located in Rosslea, Townsville. Opened in March 2022, it provides accommodation for up to 40 senior school students from regional and remote Queensland, helping them access Tec‑NQ’s unique trade‑focused senior school program.

The facility is designed to promote social connection and inclusivity while maintaining a nurturing, homely atmosphere. Students enjoy 24/7 supervised care, air‑conditioned double‑occupancy rooms, modern communal areas, streaming services, computers, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball court.

Tec‑NQ House balances structure and support. Dedicated staff foster wellbeing and independence, while the on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals. Students also enjoy after‑hours excursions, sports, and social activities. Daily transport is provided to the Tec‑NQ Douglas co-educational campus and work placements.

For Max, Tec‑NQ House isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a launchpad. With support and pathways into trade careers, students like Max are shaping their own promising futures, firmly grounded in both boots and books.