Born in Biloela, Wes Burrows attended Churchie as a boarder in Strong House from 1982 to 1986. He was a gifted student who excelled in and out of the classroom. His strong academic achievements saw him thrive in science and maths. On the sporting field he was a naturally talented athlete and a member of the school GPS athletics team for many years. Having first competed in soccer, Wes turned to rugby, culminating in representing Churchie in the First XV for two years (1985-1986) and playing for the Queensland Schoolboys XV.

After Churchie he continued his rugby and represented University of Central Queensland (CQU), Queensland Country, Queensland Reds B Squad, a Barbarians tour of Ireland and Premier Grade for Souths Rugby Union.

As a student at CQU, Wes completed a Bachelor of Science (Physics). He also completed a Masters in Geographical Information Systems at the University of Calgary, Canada, and PhD in Predictive Uncertainty Analysis at Flinders University. Wes was a Hydrogeologist and an innovative Groundwater Modeller. A dedicated professional, Wes was a perfectionist and a leader in his field. He not only wanted to do the science well but encouraged others to respect science for its positive outcomes and the answers it holds to sustainability as well as acknowledgement and respect for climate change. Whist the country he came from shaped his passion for the land, Wes carved his own path.

In November 2019, Wes was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and passed away in August 2020. At Churchie’s Annual Awards Assembly this year, to be held in October, Wes will be honoured for the first time by the presentation of The Wes Burrows Memorial Cup. This award, endowed by his family and the 1986 cohort, will carry the following citation.

This Cup may be awarded to a year 9 to 12 boarding student (who is not currently on a scholarship) who reaches high levels of achievement in both academic and sporting areas – demonstrating humility and strength of character through his actions, mannerisms and results, and who best exemplifies these attributes in line with the four tenets of the school.

Rest in Peace Wes!

U15 QLD Schoolboys - Wes Burrows (1986) kneeling second from the left