Some of Australia’s leading journalists and academics have joined forces to help ordinary people gain input into decisions affecting their future.

Their new book aims to make people aware that society’s dominant systems are manufacturing their consent, rather than seeking their consensus.

The Concrete Institute of Australia (CIA) has awarded former CQU student Daryn Spilsbury with their biannual Engineering Bursary for the best undergraduate thesis.

Mr Spilsbury completed his winning thesis in 2003 titled "Determining the air void content in concrete using an automated method of image analysis" under his supervisor Remadevi Dhanasekar.

Digital multimedia presentations produced by CQU Bundaberg students, Max Fleet and Paula Swift, were a highlight at the recent Drovers Tribute Dinner at the Fifteenth Outback Muster and Drovers’ Reunion, in the theatre at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

With a campfire in the background and billy tea on the boil, guests watched the presentations unfold in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Central Queensland University is delighted with the news that its former Chancellor, Hon. Justice Stan Jones, has been made an Officer in the Order of Australia.

The Bar Common Room of the Queensland Barristers’ Association was packed on a recent evening (June 9). Over 120 of Queensland’s judges and barristers gathered to celebrate the launch of High Court Judge Ian Callinan’s fifth novel, 'After the Monsoon' (published by CQU Press).

CQU's Dr Errol Vieth and Kate Ames, from Informatics and Communication, have gained Army History Research Grants Scheme funding to examine the growth of the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area.

They will do so through the eyes of its first commander, Maj.

CQU's Mike O'Malley from the School of Computing and Information Systems has started writing a fortnightly column on renewable energy, conservation, and environmental protection for Mt Morgan’s local newspaper 'The Mountain Echo' .

You can view Mike's initial columns via the newspaper's web page or via specific editions at the following URLs.

A number of CQU staff members, family and friends are knitting small squares to make into blankets this winter for the Salvation Army project 'Knitting for the Homeless'.

They are considering challenging James Cook University and the University of Southern Queensland to do the same, with a video link at lunch time on June 17 to exhibit the finished blankets and share some fun.

CQU Emerald students, special guests and staff experienced an enjoyable evening with the celebration of the annual Academic Awards Presentation on June 3.

This event acknowledges the outstanding academic achievements of CQU students as well as thanking the local businesses who generosity sponsor these awards.

High school students from throughout Central Queensland will visit CQU Rockhampton later this month (June 20-24) for a university experience.

The annual CQU Connections event will enable the visitors to stay at the Capricornia College and experience different aspects of campus life.