More than 30,000 people are expected to converge on the Rockhampton Campus of Central Queensland University (CQU) to attend the Community Event of the Year: the 10th annual Central Queensland Multicultural Fair and CQU Open Day, on Sunday 11 August 2002.

Despite confusion that the annual event had been cancelled, organiser Gina Yarrow said the event is going to be one of the biggest the University and ABC, with support from The Morning Bulletin, have delivered.

“I believe there has been some confusion with the Gladstone Multicultural Festival which has been cancelled this year,” Mrs Yarrow said. However, our Multicultural Fair, held annually at the Central Queensland University Rockhampton campus, is gearing up to be one of the biggest ever held.

The family event will represent more than 30 cultures and will feature plenty of new attractions along with traditional favourites.

This year, the Year of the Outback, organizers will focus on contributions immigrants have made to the settlement and development of rural and regional Australia. There promises to be loads of entertainment including performances by all-time favourites Bananas in Pajamas, jazz-singer Ngaire Klip, Jimmy Little and the Central Queensland Conservatorium.

"It's a great family day and community event," according to Mrs Yarrow. "Thousands come year after year because they know it's a unique opportunity to celebrate, together, our diversity and showcase our ethnicity and culture," said Mrs Yarrow.

It takes months to coordinate the huge day. "Our CQU staff and students, the talented people at ABC Capricornia, the team at The Morning Bulletin and the community work hard each year to make the Multicultural Fair an outstanding community event," said CQU Vice Chancellor and President Glenice Hancock. "We are indeed fortunate to have such committed partners.

Central Queensland University (CQU) and ABC Capricornia were jointly presented with ABC's 2002 Community Event of the Year Award for the Multicultural Fair.

ABC reporters and personalities are key participants in festivities.

ABC Capricornia Manager Ross Quinn credits an excellent partnership between the University and the ABC for developing greater tolerance and harmony within the local community. "We are fortunate to have a dynamic and like-minded organisation in CQU who have co-hosted the Fair with the ABC in fine style each year," said Quinn.

The event is also great way for anyone in the region to learn more about their community university, Central Queensland University. CQU programs, clubs, faculties, divisions and sports staff will all be on hand for accompanying Open Day activities to explain what happens at university.

Features include CQU tours, storytelling (from a range of cultures), static and interactive displays, plus more drama and music performances. Also, science presentations will occur at various locations around the campus as a preview to National Science Week, which kicks off on 17 August.

A full-length colour Morning Bulletin insert, scheduled for publication 8 August, will provide up-to-date information on workshops, performances and other Fair events. Saturday 9 August edition will provide a map and full details of Sunday's schedule of events.