Alumnus of the Year, Regional Achievement (October 2020)
Since graduating from USC in 2010, Raphael McGowan moved to Sydney and found his calling creating initiatives such as cycling and walking across the USA and Australia to raise awareness and funds to support research for melanoma skin cancer. In 2017, Raphael returned to the Sunshine Coast to create his current business 'bakslap', a sunscreen application device. The first product was designed, manufactured and launched with the involvement of many USC students and is currently available in 88 retailers nationally, including 44 on the Sunshine Coast. In 2019, bakslap won a Sunshine Coast Business Award for manufacturing, recognised for innovation and economic, social and environmental impact. (Full details via link above).
Raphael has also worked on campaigns with Facebook Australia and was invited as a panel member at Parliament House on Small Business Growth using Facebook. He has created new national skin cancer awareness events such as ‘Australia’s Biggest Bakslap’ event at Mooloolaba Beach and voluntarily lead national initiatives with the Melanoma Institute Australia such as ‘Melanoma March’ raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for melanoma research.
Giving back and sharing his knowledge is at the core of his business, having mentored 11 other business owners on the Sunshine Coast and creating continuous, meaningful work integrated learning opportunities for more than 30 USC students over the last four years.
“It is extremely special and humbling to receive this award," Raphael said.
"It was a life-changing experience coming to USC. I’m thankful I’ve been able to make an impact in this region and that so many have been a part of it."
Please note: this is archival information and may not reflect the recipients' current work details.