Central Queensland University’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team proved that regional universities could secure a top spot against the capital city giants at the recent SIFE Australia National Competition.

The CQU team made the national final in Melbourne last week (July 18 – 20) after a convincing win in its category.

CQU competed against 24 teams from 22 universities, mainly from capital cities, and was the only Queensland university to secure a position in the final, beating University of Queensland, Griffith University, James Cook University and University of Southern Queensland.

Joining CQU in the final round were Curtin University, Edith Cowan University and overall winner for the event, University of Melbourne.

SIFE Mentor and Head of the School of Commerce Beth Tennent said the success showed that CQU was a leader in business education.

“Our team demonstrated that excellence in business education and learning occurs in regional centres such as Rockhampton – not just big cities,” Ms Tennent said.

The CQU team also won the category for Outstanding Introduction which was presented by Penny Kowalski. Other team members included Andrew Maloney, Angela Waugh, Izzy Geritz sand Robert Sims.

CQU Vice-Chancellor Professor Glenice Hancock praised the students for their achievements and for being ambassadors for Central Queensland. Professor Hancock was invited to be a keynote speaker at the national competition following her win as Most Supportive Vice-Chancellor at last year’s awards.

SIFE is a world-wide organisation for students who want to make a difference in their community by developing leadership, teamwork and communication skills gained at university. The SIFE teams go into the community with student-designed outreach programs.

CQU SIFE wants to increase bonds between CQU and the regional business community,” Ms Tennent explained.

“Through SIFE the students hope to use their theoretical skills within a community and entrepreneurial framework.

“By participating in organisations such as SIFE, students give themselves a strong grounding in not only business skills, but also entrepreneurship and community spirit.

Left: The CQU SIFE Team before heading to Melbourne: (back) Andrew Maloney, Izzy Geritz, (frontRobert Sims, Penny Kowalski and Angela Waugh.

Above: CQU SIFE team member Penny Kowalski lead the CQU team to victory in the Outstanding Introduction category.