CQU Mackay is even more on course to become a centre for simulation training - servicing the mining, engineering and construction industries - thanks to $100,000 funding for development of a specialised education program.

Member for Dawson De-Anne Kelly welcomed the funding announced by Minister for Vocational and Further Education Andrew Robb on October 19.

A new crop of potential champion cyclists will have their first big test soon thanks to a talent identification process hosted at CQU Rockhampton.

Masters by research student Morwenna Kirwan recently scoured school Physical Education programs and coordinated a talent testing open day in association with Rockhampton Cycling Club, the home club of many previous champions.

A happy group of STEPS (Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Skills) students celebrated the completion of their course for 2007 on Friday, October 12 at CQU Emerald.

More than 60 guests attended the event.

The Department of Health and Human Performance Volunteer of the Year award - part of The Morning Bulletin Sports Star of the Year Awards for 2006-07 - has gone to local basketball administrator Del Harney.

Around 140 people attended the awards presentation night at the Rockhampton Leagues Club last Friday (Oct 19), including parliamentarians, councillors and sports leaders.

Sarah-Joy Wolhuter has not only road-tested some uni courses before leaving high-school, she will also be a term ahead of other first-years when she arrives on campus next year.

The Rockhampton Heights College Year 12 student has already studied journalism, public relations, business computing and professional writing subjects at Central Queensland University.

A former Central Queensland University business student is now the head of commercial banking at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) Fiji.

Haroon Ali began working for the bank 27 years ago and recently was promoted from branch manager to senior executive.