More than 100 industry representatives from around Australia converged on CQUniversity Gladstone's Rex Metcalfe Theatre to attend the Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) industry conference during October (8-9).

The conference provided an opportunity for relationship building between the supply chain and local industry, as well as showcasing the capability of the Gladstone region.

Thanks to Faculty of Business and Informatics Research Higher Degree Candidate Ataus Samad for recording proof that, despite the closure of the Birdcage Bar, there can still be some wild life (or in this case wildlife) on Rockhampton Campus..

Up to 20 students were missing from this week's Bachelor of Learning Management completion of study celebration in Rockhampton due to them already beginning their careers as teachers.

CQUniversity's Deputy Head of School, Learning and Innovation Bill Blayney said about 20 BLM graduands had already begun teaching this week, months before they officially celebrate graduation in February, under a "Permission to Teach" authorisation from the Queensland College of Teachers.

John Mcarthur said it was a great experience to graduate at the same ceremony as his son (Luke) in Rockhampton recently - especially as both completed Masters degrees.

Mcarthur senior, 48, works in Townsville as a QR locomotive manager and graduated with a Masters in Maintenance Management.

CQUniversity performing arts graduate Jessica Havens is continuing her education in America with a Masters of Worship Studies (song leading) degree at Virginia's Liberty University.

"Most recently I was in Manhattan, New York studying at the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, School for Film and Television (SFT)," Jessica says.

Professional industry mentors Wayne Scott Kermond and Katie Kermond once again join with the student company to stage this popular story of dance hall hostess, eternal optimist, and unlucky romantic, Charity Hope Valentine (played by Jenna Saini), as she searches for true love.

A total of 38 students celebrated completion of their STEPS program in Gladstone this week, and many friends and family members turned out to support them.

Tricia Stewardson gave a response speech on behalf of the Extended STEPS group, Debra Lait spoke about the Flex experience and Jodi Reynolds represented the Accelerated program.

CQUniversity put its support behind one of the region's most unique festivals recently which proved to be a positive marketing and engagement exercise.

The Capricorn Coast's Village Arts Festival provided art workshops along with a variety of music from local talent to a cross-section of visitors.

Organic food is often more nutritious and is almost always lower in chemical residues, but its 80% premium price is still a major barrier for consumers, according to CQUniversity's Professor Stewart Lockie.

Professor Lockie said recent research has proven that organic foods can have more essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin c, iron, magnesium and amino acids.