13 Jan 2025
Gibb Willinck’s journey through his final year at school was nothing short of remarkable. As the 2024 Boys School Captain at Albury High, Gibb not only led his peers with grace and commitment but also achieved outstanding academic success, culminating in a Band 6 result in Agriculture, where he ranked 18th in the state and an ATAR of 91.7. This combination of leadership and academic excellence sets him apart as one of the most humble and dedicated students to have passed through the school’s doors.
When we sat down with Gibb, we asked him to reflect on his experiences and the path that led to his accomplishments. Here’s what he shared.
A Bright Future in Science
Gibb’s decision to pursue a career in science seems like a natural progression, given his background and interests. He will soon begin his studies in Science at The University of Melbourne, with a focus on Plant Science. “I’m excited to delve deeper into plant biology, ecology, and plant identification,” Gibb explained. His curiosity about the natural world and his future career goals are deeply rooted in his upbringing. Living on a small farm, with a mother who hails from a large farming family, Gibb has always been connected to the land.
“I’ve always had a passion for agriculture,” he said. “Growing up around it and seeing the impact it has on the environment and communities, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue further.” Gibb’s sister, Bella, who also studied Agriculture, played an important role in his decision. “She spoke so highly of the subject and of Mrs. Lee, our amazing teacher, and that was all the encouragement I needed.”
His goal is to one day work in native species conservation, though he’s open to exploring different career paths as his studies progress. “Right now, I’m focused on the journey and the learning. I’m not exactly sure where it will take me, but I know I want to make a positive impact in the world of plants and conservation.”
Balancing Leadership and Academics
One of Gibb’s proudest achievements during his final year was being selected as the School Captain. The role was a true honour for him, and he relished the chance to interact with students and staff alike, both at Albury High and in the wider community. “It was always such an honour to hold this role,” he reflected. “I loved being able to engage with people more closely and contribute to the school’s culture.”
But the role of school captain was not without its challenges. Gibb was initially concerned about how he would balance the responsibilities of leadership with his academic workload, especially during the demanding HSC period. However, the rewards far outweighed the difficulties. “I had concerns at the start about the time commitment, but in the end, the opportunities it gave me to connect with people and contribute to the school community made it all worthwhile,” he said.
Work Experience and HSC Focus
In addition to his leadership duties, Gibb also worked part-time at the Murray River Smokehouse, following in the footsteps of both his sisters Bella and Tilly, who had worked there before him. Gibb worked 5-6 hours a week, a schedule he maintained until the final five months of the HSC. At that point, he made the decision to temporarily step back from his work to focus more on his studies. “It was a tough decision, but I knew I needed to dedicate more time to school as the exams approached,” Gibb explained.
Despite stepping away from work, Gibb remained focused on his goal of achieving top marks, especially in Agriculture. His dedication paid off when he received the Band 6 result, ranking 18th in the state—a testament to his hard work and passion for the subject.
A Look Ahead
Looking to the future, Gibb is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in his studies at The University of Melbourne. “I’m looking forward to studying plant science in more detail and seeing where that can take me,” he said. With his passion for agriculture and conservation, it’s clear that Gibb’s future is bright.
From his leadership as School Captain to his dedication to Agriculture and his academic achievements, Gibb Willinck has proven himself to be a driven and capable individual with a clear sense of purpose. As he takes the next step in his academic journey, one thing is certain—he is ready to make a meaningful contribution to both the scientific community and the environment.