Brisbane-based menswear designer/retailer John Prikryl has won the Central Queensland University Career Achievement Award, during the Queensland Young Achievers Awards presented at the Gold Coast on Saturday night (September 22).

CQU Vice-Chancellor John Rickard presented the fashion graduate with his award during the event held at the Crown Plaza Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.

New mother Susan also a 'young achiever' 

In the presentation speech, Professor Richard said CQU was itself a ‘Young Achiever" in university terms, having only been elevated to university status some 15 years ago. He said how proud he was of CQU's various enabling pathways which give young achievers who are passionate about standing up to be counted opportunities to unlock their potential.

The Vice-Chancellor said CQU's sponsorship of the Career Achievement category was a natural flow on from its emphasis on business and industry partnerships and student work placements.

The event was attended by 350 guests and was a spectacular finale to the year's program involving over 1000 nominees across the 7 categories.

CQU academics Associate Professor Nanjappa Ashwath and Professor Phillip Clift were invited to be a part of judging panels for the awards.

Professor John Rickard congratulates John Prikryl

John Prikyl always knew he wanted to have his own menswear label and own his own shop.

While completing his degree in fashion at the Queensland University of Technology, John worked with an International Menswear Label, Rodd and Gunn as well as taking work experience in a Chinese clothing factory to gain invaluable experience. This also provided him with contacts for manufacture and textiles.

During his final year, he registered his label 'Check', and set about manufacturing (overseas) shirts and jeans.

As a result, he was eligible to enter the Mercedes Fashion Start-Up competition.  John became a finalist in this competition, which was notable considering he was still a student and was pitted against businesses that have been established much longer.

At the end of 2006 through Lindsay Bennett Marketing, John was offered the opportunity to open a shop in the new revamped T.C Beirne building in Fortitude Valley.  The store layout has been completely designed by John and the windows are unique in their presentation. The store opened in March 2007 and is doing very well.

As the winner of The Central Queesland University Career Achievement Award, John received a $2000 savings account from the Heritage Building Society and a superb trophy.

The Queensland Young Achievers Awards are held annually to recognise the outstanding achievements of our Queensland youth.

These awards acknowledge the contributions of young Queenslanders in the categories of: Arts, Sports, Community Service, Environment, Career Achievement, Science & Technology and Regional Initiative.