Australian Adventure, Week 7: September 4-10

This week we explored Sydney, Australia - one of our favourite places in the world! I was invited to be an advisor for the Queen’s University (Canada) undergraduate case competition team as they competed in Sydney at the University of Technology. Webster tagged along for the adventure, became a second advisor for the team, and had a great time!

On Sunday, we drove 950km from Brisbane to Sydney. We wanted to take the opportunity to practice for our upcoming road trip and really test out the car before our 3 month warranty expires. We made three stops and arrived in Sydney just after 5pm. In the evening, we explored Circular Quay, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge with some of the students. We had a great dinner at the Opera Bar right below the Opera House.

On Monday, we started our day with the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk. We were joined by the Laurier advisor, Kathryn, who was in Sydney to coach the Laurier team. It was a beautiful morning with great views. Later in the day we got dressed up for opening ceremonies, a campus tour, and our first networking event with all the conference attendees.

On Tuesday, the competition began with a 6-hour case on the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. The students were given a business problem and six hours to develop a solution. At the end of the day, they were asked to present their ideas to the organizations executive team. During their 6 hour preparation, we couldn’t communicate with them so we explored the city. We walked to Mrs.MacQuaries Point, through the Botanical Gardens, past the Opera House, and then to the Australian Museum. For lunch, we visited our favourite spot, Spice Alley.

Later in the day, we watched Queen’s present alongside other competitors and win first place in the 6-hour case! It was an exciting way to start the week.

On Wednesday, we boarded the ferry at Circular Quay to head to Taronga Zoo. We saw a variety of animals overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour.

On Wednesday evening, Webster and I went out for a date night in Newtown to one of our favourite spots, Belly Bao. It was just as delicious as we remember!

On Thursday, the students started their 24-hour case. They were given a business problem by QBE Insurance and were given 24 hours to build a solution. During the 24 hour preparation time, we were not able to communicate with them so we enjoyed some more time exploring the city. We started our day with a walk over the Harbour Bridge. We had great views of the Sydney Opera House and the water. Then we headed to the QVB for some window shopping. Later in the afternoon, we had lunch at Din Tai Fung, our favourite dumpling restaurant! Our trip to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Paddy’s Markets. We picked up some souvenirs and explored the markets in Chinatown.

Later in the evening, the advisors headed out for a social in the Rocks. The area underneath the Harbour Bridge. It was a great evening of networking and sightseeing.

On Friday morning, we headed to the QBE Insurance offices to meet the competitors and watch their presentations. Queen’s did so well, our students are rockstars! After a first and second round, where they presented to both QBE Regional CEO & QBE Global CEO, Queen’s took home first place for their recommendation! They also took home the award for most purpose driven recommendation, taking into account people, planet, and profit in their recommendation. One competitor, also took home the best speaker award. Needless to say, it was a great day to be a Queen’s alumni!

On Saturday, we had one last breakfast with the team before we made our way back to Brisbane from Sydney, travelling 950km north.

This week we need to get caught back up on life - get groceries, do laundry, and finish some school work. The weather in Brisbane is getting warmer so we are planning on a few beach days this week to make the most of it. Thanks for following along on our adventures! See you next week!