Central Queensland University Emerald's very own Librarian and Arts Lecturer, Bronwyn Finnen was awarded the major prize of $1000 at the recent Sunflower Festival Annual Art Competition. 

About 120 people attended a wine and cheese evening at the Emerald Artists Centre for the opening of the festival exhibition on April 6.

CQU Emerald's second year Bachelor of Learning Management student Sarah Dennis was crowned Sunflower Festival Charity Queen for 2007.

Proudly supported by the Emerald Campus, Sarah raised over $10,000 for the Central Highlands Science Centre over the past few months.

In response to community feedback, CQU Mackay has increased the number of programs that can be completed locally by implementing the second year of the Engineering program.

"It's our aim to offer the entire Engineering program on campus so that local students will remain in the Mackay and Whitsunday region, supporting the mining and engineering industries," said Head of Campus, Dr Trevor Davison.

With interest piqued by the 'Down Memory Lane' series of 3 books, the Duaringa Historical & Tourism Association Inc invited CQU Community Liaison Officer and editor of the books, Glenys Kirkwood, to be guest speaker at its recent annual general meeting.

The Association is about to begin recording the rich pioneering history of the Duaringa Shire and is keen to follow the format used in 'Down Memory Lane'.

CQU's off-campus students are encouraged to attend free learning skills development workshops, scheduled for next weekend in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.

The venue for the Brisbane workshops is CQU's Brisbane International Campus, 108 Margaret Street (in the city).

Anglicare - Central Queensland has signed a $2000 scholarship agreement with Central Queensland University in an effort to attract and retain more social work students in rural communities.

Anglicare CEO for Central Queensland, Tony Stevenson said the industry was facing a real challenge in getting qualified students into rural areas.

Trials are underway to find the most suitable native plants to help stabilise Central Queensland's railway tracks, to reduce the need for expensive maintenance involving lime injection or replacement of ballast.

Preliminary studies carried out by Rail CRC (Cooperative Research Centre) scientists revealed that those sections of track that had vegetation were more stable than those that lacked vegetation.

Preparations have begun for Central Queensland's most popular family day out, the CQU Multicultural Fair and Open Day, to be held on Sunday August 12.

CQU Events Coordinator Gina Yarrow said the search has begun for bands, performers, stage managers, volunteers, multicultural participants, and arts and craft stall holders for the event.

CQU's Division of Teaching and Learning Services and Equity and Diversity Office have joined forces to deliver a revitalised Tertiary Awareness Program (TAP) to local secondary students.

Originally offered by the Faculty of Business, the revised program can be tailored to suit the needs of individual schools.