Students at CQUniversity Mackay enjoyed a barbecue lunch and a chat with Senator John Hogg during his annual regional Queensland tour this week.

Senator Hogg's visit was organised by the newly established Forgan Smith Labor Club, which is run by a group of students studying at CQUniversity.

With Cairns set to promote itself as a tropical paradise study destination, CQUs Paramedic Science program is in pole position to take advantage.

A recent partnership between the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and CQUniversity has seen a 24 hour study hub open at the Cairns Ambulance Station.

CQUniversity students in Bundaberg will have the chance to display their artwork at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) foyer in Mackay, during the current visual arts exhibition ‘Illustrations, Animations and Games'.

First and second year Multimedia students have worked on black and white illustrations and photographs as well as games and animations for the exhibition.

CQUniversity has continued its strong commitment to industry engagement, with BMA Chair and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks and Director of Development and Alumni Relations Ms Suzi Blair recently visiting BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) offices in Blackwater.

The visit allowed the pair to tour the mine site, meet with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees and view a presentation by the management team including Mr Paul Hemburrow, the BMA Blackwater General Manager.

What do you think Central Queensland would be like if it didn't have its own university? 

That's the question a panel of local experts will try to answer at tomorrow night's Universities Australia forum, hosted at CQUniversity Rockhampton.

The forum is to be moderated by ABC's Lateline host Emma Alberici, and has so far attracted more than 150 registered participants.

NAIDOC for 2012 was officially ushered in with the annual NAIDOC Ball held at CQUniversity Rockhampton on Thursday, 28 June.

The Ball saw a great a turnout from the local community, with over 200 people filling Rockhampton's Community Sports Centre.

CQUniversity continued its mission to support improved Indigenous health relationships recently with the visit of Monash University PhD candidate Catherine Chamberlain.

Ms Chamberlain was visiting Rockhampton to present her research topic on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women at CQUniversity, and also allowed her to visit Queensland Health's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service.

Professional lifeguard Martin Dahlstrom lives and breathes an active lifestyle.

That's why the 21 year-old Brinsmead local jumped at the chance to study with the first cohort of CQUniversity students studying Paramedic Science via distance education in Cairns.

CQUniversity is further strengthening its partnerships in Cairns and the tropical northern region, through its membership and support of Advance Cairns.

Advance Cairns is the peak coordination agency for economic development in tropical North Queensland, with a vision to develop a vibrant and sustainable regional economy that promotes and facilitates diverse employment, growth, social and lifestyle opportunities.