This week is National
Volunteer Week, a time to recognise the people who volunteer in our community. For
the past 12 years, local resident Bruce McIntosh has dedicated his spare time, volunteering
at our Smart Farm. A retired vet with a lifelong passion for agriculture, Bruce
share his vast veterinary knowledge in the hope that it inspires students to
further their STEM studies.
A father of three children who each pursued a career in STEM, Bruce loves being around young minds who share his passion. “I hope the knowledge I share inspires students to further their studies in the plant and animal science fields," he said.
Before he graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons), Bruce completed a BApp Sc. (Rural Technology) with Honours from the University of Queensland. When he addresses students at Corinda, he highlights that he failed Senior Chemistry but eventually achieved a pass mark which allowed him to study the subject matter he enjoyed. When sharing his career pathway, he reminds students that they are responsible for their own destiny. “Set yourself a goal," he said. “If you don't achieve, maintain your passion and remain positive, and try again."
(Pictured above left to right) Bruce McIntosh, Year 10 student Oliver, Year 9 student Emma and past student Mitchell May conduct a health check on a young calf at the 2023 Farm Camp at Oxley Common.
Deputy Principal Tom Bates heaps praise on Bruce's contribution to the Agricultural Technology faculty. “He's been a constant source of knowledge for Corinda. He helps run our artificial insemination program, conducts lectures in Senior science topics, demonstrates veterinary procedures and assists with urgent health issues concerning our animals," he said.
Bruce's volunteering extends beyond the classroom. During last year's floods, he helped staff retrieve stranded cattle at neighbouring Oxley Common, and monitored their recovery in the months after the devasting floods. Assisting Bruce in the recovery effort was Mitchell May, a fifth year Veterinary Science student who graduated from Corinda SHS in 2017.
“I met Bruce in my first year of university when I was working as a farm hand at the school. He has helped me fine tune my animal handling skills. I did my first uni prac here, and I remember Bruce helping me pregnancy test cattle," Mitchell said.
“We have a lot of mutual respect for one another," Bruce said. “We share our knowledge and I appreciate Mitchell's input because of his recent training in improved technologies," he said.
“Mitchell is a fine example of the quality of students that graduate from Corinda State High School. I've taken him to dairy goat farms in the Lockyer Valley where my clients remark on his respectfulness, knowledge and animal handling skills. Corinda is a wonderful springboard for any student wishing to pursue further studies in Agricultural, Animal and Veterinary Sciences and the Biological Sciences."
“How fortunate I am to be still involved in my passion, but more importantly to be able to share that with the future leaders of tomorrow."
For more information about Corinda State High School's Smart Farm, please visit https://corindashs.eq.edu.au/facilities/smart-farm