NAIDOC for 2012 was officially ushered in with the annual NAIDOC Ball held at CQUniversity Rockhampton on Thursday, 28 June.

The Ball saw a great a turnout from the local community, with over 200 people filling Rockhampton's Community Sports Centre.

A key part of the Ball and NAIDOC Week as a whole was the judging of the Miss NAIDOC competition.

(L - R) Miss Ally Aitken, BMA Chair and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks and Miss Jacinta Corbett

Two of the five entrants were students at CQUniversity, Miss Ally Aitken who is a first year Early Childhood Teaching student and Miss Jacinta Corbett who has just commenced a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and Human Welfare.

Jacinta took out the Miss Personality Award on the night, with both young women speaking extremely well and doing their families, community and the university proud.

The overall winner was Ms Charnell White.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks said the NAIDOC Ball, as well as the numerous other events throughout the week, were important in cementing the theme of togetherness.

"NAIDOC Week is a time to share the meaning of who we are as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and for us to come together as one, where ever we may be"  Professor Fredericks said.

She also encouraged all university staff and students to get out and participate in NAIDOC and to enjoy themselves.