When Star Wars first burst onto cinema screen in 1977, its then groundbreaking special effects, enormous budget, extensive cast and crew and sophisticated marketing strategies were part of a new era in moviemaking that brought forth what became known as the Hollywood ‘blockbuster’.

“Right now – in our very own Galaxy, ordinary people like you and me are creating Star Wars movies on our home computers using software packages that enable us to create the kind of special effects that in the very recent past have required the resources and backing of major production companies,” according to Dr Liz Hills, Multimedia Lecturer at CQU.

A recent collaborative experiment to test the impact of information technology on journalism has raised some interesting outcomes, including the fact that the use of information technology in the community will be limited by the community, rather than the limitations of the technology itself.

Conducted between Central Queensland University and the University of Queensland journalism students, the project tested the ability of Information Technology (IT) to play a role in disseminating information across regional areas within the journalistic field.

The Central Queensland University Foundation has approved funding and fundraising to renovate and refurbish the Heritage Rockhampton Post Office in Rockhampton's central business district. Details of the $3 million project however will not be announced until commercial arrangements and MOUs with partners are signed and locked in.

A lot of turf has been covered in 18 months to develop an interactive CD that identifies and fully describes 85 of the 300 native grasses of the Northern Territories.

"Pastoralists, landcare groups, mining companies, shire councils, even interested home-owners will all find the colour pictures and data useful," said Sam Fesuk of Central Queensland University's (CQU) Plant Sciences Group.

Phil Hancock will commence as Director, Buildings and Grounds on Monday. Phil was a Facilities Manager with Resolve Engineering (NSW) and most recently has worked as Manager, Facilities Management with Optus where he was responsible for all Optus facilities in Australia and New Zealand.

Hop to it! Toads (Bufo marinus) are needed for first year Animal Biology and Physiology students.

“We go through several hundred at a time,” explained Dr.

Discover CQU held at Bundaberg campus last Thursday night (August 15) was a big success.

Head of Campus Alex Grady said the number of people that attended reflected the increasing role the University now plays in the area and highlighted an increase in awareness about the University.

There was action away from the station for two Bundaberg ambos recently.

CQU Bundaberg School of Nursing & Health Studies lecturers and members of the Queensland Ambulance Service combined to teach second year undergraduate nurses the principles of in-hospital advanced life support/resuscitation.

The O'Donnell Schools 2002 lecture was held at CQU Bundaberg campus last week.

Lecturer Desirae Kirby said the day was always popular with local high school students and campus students.

Veteran newsman Jeff McMullen received an Honorary Doctorate of Journalism from Central Queensland University (CQU) Thursday afternoon (22 August) during CQU's Sydney International Campus graduation ceremony.

"Dr McMullen's award reflects the importance CQU places on credible journalism," said Dr Alan Knight, CQU's Professor of Journalism and Media Studies.