Geoff turns diagnoses into purpose

Six years ago, on an ordinary flight back from a work trip, a casual conversation changed the trajectory of Geoff Augutis’ life. 

The Bundaberg local and CQU alumnus was sitting beside a university professor and struck up a conversation.

“He explained his role in supervising PhD students, and I casually mentioned how I’d always wanted to pursue a PhD myself,” Geoff recalls.

Geoff said the passenger’s response was direct and unexpectedly challenging: “Why not do it now?”

“I had no answer. A year later, I enrolled – not knowing where it might lead, just a vague sense that I wanted to contribute to something meaningful.”

At the time, Geoff said his business – Queensland Computers – which he founded with brother Luke over 20 years ago, was thriving financially, but faced a critical gap: the technology they sold wasn’t being used effectively in classrooms.

“This realisation sparked an effort to not just sell, but to empower schools to maximise the value of their investments. My PhD, initially a vague ambition, soon became focused on addressing these real-world challenges,” Geoff explained.

Through research, Geoff said he stumbled upon an unexpected gap – the untapped potential of peer facilitation, where students help one another integrate technology into their learning.

“This discovery shifted my thesis, and I envisioned using my findings to help educators design more effective programs – a vision rooted in both personal and professional fulfillment.”

But life had other plans.

In February, after a brief foray into Muay Thai kickboxing for fitness, the 37-year-old husband and father of three children began experiencing unexplained dizzy spells.

“A series of scans revealed a 40mm brain tumour. What was initially thought to be benign turned out to be a rare and slow-growing form of brain cancer called oligodendroglioma,” Geoff said.

The diagnosis didn’t stop Geoff from completing his PhD.

“I contacted my supervisors Linda Pfeiffer and Michael Cowling and notified them of my situation and that I would be undergoing surgery, aware of the possibility that the procedure might impair my cognitive abilities,” he explained.

“Remarkably, I emerged unscathed, both physically and mentally, and my work continued.”

Next week, Geoff will cross the CQUniversity graduation stage to not only officially receive his Doctorate, but where he will share his inspiring story to the graduating crowd as the guest speaker – and there isn’t a dry eye expected in the house.

His journey from launching an incredibly successful business with his brother while studying an undergraduate degree, to navigating a life-altering diagnosis – has reinforced one truth: life rarely follows a linear path, but even in uncertainty, there is purpose.

“Whether mentoring young talent at our company, working to improve technology in schools, or cherishing moments with my family, I am focused on leaving a legacy of impact and gratitude.”

Geoff’s isn’t just a story about overcoming obstacles.

It’s about embracing them, finding meaning in the struggle and striving to make every moment count.

CQUniversity’s Bundaberg graduation will be held on Tuesday, 10 December.