For Kirstyn, completing TPP in second semester last year was the first step towards pursuing a new career in paramedicine. She decided it was “time for a change” after experiencing difficult shutdowns and cancellations from COVID-19 restrictions at the popular Gympie restaurant she was running with partner George Isaac from Gunabul Homestead. (Left to right): USC Gympie Manager Angeline Medland and USC students Faith Allcock-Webber, Kirstyn Owens and Ardyn Collins meet with Gympie and District Community Bank representatives Rae Gâté and Rens Poels at USC’s Gympie campus. “Being a paramedic was something I had always wanted to do before becoming a chef, so I thought there is no time like now to give it a go,” said Kirstyn, who has worked for more than 20 years as a qualified chef throughout Queensland and the United States.