Although Science Week activities finished last week, CQU Mackay lecturers Dr Judith Wake and Delma Clifton were still out and about analysing pond samples during this week's visit by Indigenous students from Mackay State High School.

During the environmental science workshop, students viewed micro-organisms including diatoms, rotifers, ciliates and flatworms under a microscope, and there were many surprised faces when the students realised the abundance of life in the CQU pond water!.

The students toured the campus in the company of their teacher Ms Lisa Veney and the CQU Nulloo Yumbah representative Ms Nikki Timor.

At Central Queensland University ‘Nulloo Yumbah’, meaning ‘my place’ in the language of the Darumbal people, is the place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community members meet.

“It’s important for the students to realise there is a lot of support available to them on campus,” said Nikki. “I can help students with scholarships, funding their studies and general problems or queries they may have during the course of their studies".

Mackay State High School teacher Lisa Veney said she was pleased the students had the opportunity to visit the campus and to participate in a science workshop.

“Activities like this help the students to see university study as a possibility for them,” she said.

“In particular, the support made available through Nulloo Yumbah means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander students have someone available on campus to help out”.

Before departing the campus the students enjoyed a barbecue lunch and a spontaneous live jazz performance by students from the CQCM.

Photo (above): Indigenous students from Mackay State High School enjoyed their science experience on campus this week.

Photo caption (left): CQU Mackay lecturer Delma Clifton shows a student how to use a microscope.