Central Queensland University has announced Rockhampton international student Kumar Gourav as the Face of the Fair.

President of the Central Queensland University International Student Alliance (CQUISA), 25-year-old Kumar will be the 2003 CQ Multicultural Fair and CQU Open Day’s community ambassador.

As the inaugural Face of the Fair, Kumar has been assigned the task of encouraging international communities and Central Queenslanders to get involved in the Fair.

No stranger to the Fair, in previous years Kumar has taken an active role in the parade of nations and also behind the Indian food stall.

Originally from north-eastern India, Kumar completed his year 12 at home before discovering CQU International’s programs in Rockhampton.

He first came to Rockhampton in 2000 after enrolling in CQU’s Bachelor of Information Technology program which he has recently completed. This semester Kumar will begin his Master of Business Administration at CQU. He also works at the CQU library.

As President of CQUISA for more than a year, Kumar has been responsible for bringing different cultures together on campus and for helping international students meet new friends and get involved in fun activities. Organiser Gina Yarrow said Kumar was an obvious choice as the Face of the Fair due to his work with international students, as well as being an international student and employee at the University. This year’s theme for the Fair is Multiculturalism in the Workplace, which has drawn displays capturing cultural diversity in some of the region’s key workplaces.

More than 30,000 people are expected to converge on CQU Rockhampton to attend the “Community Event of the Year” on Sunday August 17.

Mrs Yarrow said the event promised first class entertainment for the whole family.

“A big drawcard this year will be Grace Knight performing with Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music’s Big Band, as well as Torres Strait Island entertainer Seaman Dan,” Mrs Yarrow said. As well as performing at the Fair, Seaman Dan will be giving workshops and performances at schools leading up to the Fair.

“For the young children, Bananas in Pyjamas are sure to be a huge hit,” Mrs Yarrow said. A special children’s activity and entertainment area will also operate.

CQ Multicultural Fair is a joint initiative between CQU and ABC Capricornia, with support from The Morning Bulletin.