Last week's Melbourne Cup was also 'run' at the Quay Street Rockhampton precinct of CQUniversity, complete with horses, jockeys silks, sparkly punch and a fashion parade.

The Cup was recreated by the Bachelor of Learning Management Early Childhood students from Rockhampton and Gladstone.

LINK for larger images of the Melbourne Cup project

Working together in groups of four, the seven groups worked co-operatively to complete the challenge of creating a horse, jockey silks and a fashionable ensemble.

There was quite a hum of creativity as the students confronted the challenges. They became quite competitive, as tiaras, jewellery and high heels were added to the newspaper base of the dresses.

While it was great fun for all, the event had a serious purpose.

Meanwhile, Bundaberg Campus admin officer Suellen Thomas also got into the spirit of Melbourne Cup Day, with help from Dr Wendy Davis

Early Childhood educators not only need to know how important play is for young minds and bodies; they also need to understand the process deeply so they can 'scaffold' children's learning, as well as advocate for play to be embedded in all programs for young children.

That's according to lecturer Lyn Hughes who said:

"We could not teach in one University course all that the students learnt today about the importance of play for engaging children in meaningful learning and development. It is the context that we built and the relationships that were developed that enhanced the play. This will be a significant role of these educators when they enter an Early Childhood setting as a teacher in coming years."