A long-time supporter of CQUniversity - especially the Gladstone Campus - has been confirmed among the 4 Queensland recipients in the Australian of the Year Awards 2009.

Philanthropic businessman Cyril Golding - whose name adorns the Gladstone Campus Library* - has been announced as the 'Queensland Local Hero of the Year'.

Cyril Golding at the Gladstone Campus library

Recipients were announced during the Queensland Australian of the Year Awards event on Friday, November 28, in Brisbane. The Queensland recipients will join recipients from all other States and Territories as finalists for the national awards. The national awards will be announced on January 25.

"When Gladstone's Cyril Golding started his business as a sole operator in 1942 he had no idea that it would become a mining and construction company employing 1000 people and running one of the largest privately owned earthmoving fleets in the Southern Hemisphere.

"Under Cyril's leadership Golding Contractors has played a prominent role in shaping the economic development and prosperity of Queensland, undertaking many major civil infrastructure projects and mining developments.

"Furthermore, Cyril's voluntary contribution to community life has been so significant that he is often referred to as Mr Gladstone. He has supported the Red Cross emergency accommodation facilities, the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum, and the CQUniversity Library, which carries his name.

"He has also contributed financially to a wide range of charitable causes. Cyril was born with a hole in his heart and predicted to live only seven days. He survived a further two similar predictions during his life, and has recently retired as the company's managing director at the age of 87. He is greatly admired and held with tremendous affection by all those who know him."

* The Cyril Golding Library was opened on September 23, 1999, and built from funds donated by Cyril Golding and the Gladstone community.