Central Queensland University celebrated the return of East Street last Friday evening with information and interactive displays and free giveaways.

Housed on the verandahs of Rockhampton’s Heritage Post Office, CQU featured displays by each of the University’s faculties, as well as the department for eJournalism, CQU International, Family Day Care Capricornia, Multimedia Design Centre, Institute for Sustainable Regional Development, Capricornia College, CQU Foundation and Direct Edge.

The Heritage Post Office, one of six buildings owned and operated by CQU in the Central Business District is soon to be the new headquarters for the recently announced Central Queensland Regional Health Partnership.

CQU has donated the use of the building plus an additional $2.25 million to the project. With financial support of industry, local business, and individuals the $3-million refurbishment and renovation of the landmark structure is expected to be operational by Spring 2003.

More than 20 staff, including members from the University’s Faculty of Arts, Health and Sciences, the Faculty of Informatics & Communications, and the CQU Library will be based in the building. The new facility is expected to draw scores of professionals weekly into the CBD for skills updating and professional development.

With the other five downtown CQU buildings filled, local officials say the University already brings more than 800 CQU staff and students into the area who shop and frequent area restaurants.

“There isn’t a better location for this Partnership. Downtown Rockhampton is the heart of regional services and this project which intends to make individuals healthier in the long-run, will also add to the economic and cultural heal and vitality of the CBD,” explained CQU Deputy Vice Chancellor (International and Corporate) Eric Laakso.