Recent staff achievements were recognised this week during the first of an intended series of functions to be hosted by senior executives of the University.

Pictured (top) from left to right are those staff who were able to attend, with Chancellery\'s Professor John Rickard (centre), Professor Alex Radloff (grey suit) and Professor Richard Smith (far right):.

Australian rail industry representatives will highlight how their organisations have benefited from Rail CRC research outcomes – reporting millions of dollars in savings in some cases – at a showcase event in Brisbane on June 7.

Rail CRC is headquarted at CQU's Rockhampton campus.

CQU graduate Darryn Nufer has been appointed the new chief of staff of Rockhampton’s daily newspaper, The Morning Bulletin.

Rockhampton born and bred, the 26-year-old Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) graduate has been a journalist at the Rockhampton Bully since 2001.

Volunteers from Rockhampton’s education and government sectors have come together to improve communications among family and community members and to keep cultural traditions alive by introducing ethnic language courses for all residents across the region.

Presently Rockhampton, home to more than 17 ethnic groups where 30 languages are spoken, does not offer ethnic language learning at primary and secondary schools like major metropolitan cities do.

Central Queensland University's STEPS Program is often recognised for transforming lives, but former student Johanne Stoodly goes one step further and calls it a great gift.

"The greatest gift STEPS has given me is that my children and others close to me are proud of my achievements and look to me as inspiration for their own goals," Ms Stoodly says.

CQU PhD student Kartik Venkatraman, of Plant Sciences Group, has received a $10,000 State Government grant over 2 years (2006-2008) to further his research into phytocapping technology to cap landfills.

Kartik is among the 24 Smart State funding recipients throughout Queensland in the current round.

Around 40 guests and students met at the Stamford River room in Brisbane for the Community and Corporate Engagement luncheon, held last Friday (February 5).

Students were able to mingle with guests from Suncorp, CPA, Redcross and other local not-for-profit and corporate companies in Brisbane.

This month's CQU Learning and Teaching Showcase will explore ways to maintain the enthusiasm of postgraduate research students, while ensuring they meet institutional expectations.

A workshop at the Showcase will be facilitated by Dr Bill Maher, Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Canberra (UC).

Central Queensland Univeristy (CQU) has recognised 12 of its best teachers in its annual teaching awards and among the recipients was Dr Cecily Knight of CQU Mackay campus taking the honour for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Education.

The Excellence in Teaching Awards is an annual award that has been established to provide public recognition of CQU’s best teachers.

Bundaberg’s Karen Seary has been recognised as one of CQU’s best teachers.

Ms Seary has been awarded with a Teaching Award – one of 12 teachers recognised across all of CQU’s campuses.