Jacqui Rayment has been a busy second-year Bachelor of Music Theatre (BMT) student in her final semester of study for 2006.

Not only is she putting her directing and performing skills to the test in a practical way but she is helping soon-to-be ‘schoolies’ consider consequences of their choices during the week-long celebrations in mid-November.

The Central Queensland University (CQU) Toastmasters Club is set to host a conference of the 6 Mackay and District Toastmasters Clubs on Saturday November 4 at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) theatre.

Toastmasters is an international organisation that helps people learn the arts of better speaking, listening and thinking, which ultimately build leadership and communication skills.

CQU Sydney International Campus was adorned with decorations including lights and candles on Friday October 20 to commemorate the holy celebration of Diwali (which was officially on October 21).

Also known as 'The Festival of Lights', it is observed over 5 days and is one of the biggest celebrations for Hindus around the world.

A luncheon was held recently at CQU Sydney International Campus to thank the students who volunteered at Tax Help Centres supported by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Tax Help is a free volunteer service supported by the ATO which enables people earning less than $35,000 to receive free help with their tax return.

CQU Bundaberg will be the assembly point for another 1000 Zonta Birthing Kits this Sunday, October 29 from 10am - 3pm.

The Zonta Club of Bundaberg’s goal is to assemble a total of 2000 kits (1000 were assembled at CQU Bundaberg in September) and this will be accomplished this weekend.

This summer, a record number of CQU biology students will undertake the course Industrial Placement as part of their science degree.

Head of School and acting course coordinator Dr Bob Newby said he was surprised at the range of placements that had been negotiated this year but it was indicative of the diversity of jobs available for biologists.

He told Radio National that 'southern cappucinocrats can be mugs', he released a book about the handover of Hong Kong, he fought internal battles about quality and made a name for eJournalism.

And that's only a small number of the many aspects of Alan Knight's 8-year career at CQU.

Nicole Swanson from Student Administration has won a prize for suggesting the best slogan to represent CQU Health and Safety, in conjunction with Worksafe Australia Week.

Ms Swanson's winning slogan was: "Health and Safety - Just 2 of Life's Essentials'.

Campus directors from CQU's Australian International Campuses this week gathered for a workshop to prepare for a greater role dealing with media interviews.

It has been recognised that the media often respond better to a local 'face' if the focus of the story is a particular campus.

A study by CQU's International Program for Psycho-Social Health Research (IPP-SHR) has revealed the use of standardised questionnaires in hospice practice negatively impacts upon the experiences and wellbeing of many patients and their carers.

The study, conducted in collaboration with Cittamani Hospice Service, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, involved a qualitative exploration of the impact on patients and their carers from using standard information gathering questionnaires.