CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman has recognised The Rock Building Society's record of 'Community Participation' during presentation of category prizes at the recent Business Excellence Awards.

The Rockhampton Regional Development & Ergon Energy Business Excellence Awards were held on August 21.

Professor Bowman presents the award to The Rock Building Society Managing Director Derek Lightfoot

CQUniversity sponsored the Community Participation Award, designed to recognise and reward local businesses that are giving back to the communities in which they operate. The sponsorship also aims to encourage other businesses to support their community.

The Rock Building Society's community commitment encompasses ongoing partnerships; strategic sponsorships and donations; in-kind support; knowledge sharing with fellow business; fostering of community spirit and staff participation in fundraising initiatives.

The Rock has been involved with organisations including Anglicare, Multicap, CQ Brahams Rugby Union team, CQ Rotary, RSPCA's Pet Adoption Centre and Pet Shop, the Rockhampton Cancer Education and Support Centre and Camp Quality. 

Professor Bowman said The Rock should be applauded for these and many other examples provided of their extensive community involvement.

The new Vice-Chancellor has charged CQUniversity with its own goal of achieving success by becoming Australia's most engaged University.

"Regionally-based universities have a massive impact on the communities that they serve - from economic and community development to research conducted locally in national and global contexts. Transformation will be achieved when CQUniversity - with the community - defines its problems jointly, sets common goals, develops measures of success and leverages university, public and private resources," he said.