Shirley Hopkins has had a long association with Central Queensland University.Despite retiring from work 13 years ago, Rockhampton stalwart Shirley Hopkins' passion for work and her community has never stopped and neither has she.

At 76 years of age, she often shows up for a workout at the gym, followed by an aerobics session or two, and later may slow down just a little for some tai chi. Priding herself on a better blood pressure than her doctor, she is committed to keeping fit and continually supports others to do the same. And she has just bought a 6-speed mountain bike, which I'm sure will get much use - if only it could keep up with her.

If she's not running rings around her younger peers, Shirley is taking an active role in the Friends of the Theatre, U3A, the Society of Growing Plants, Jacana Bushdancers, Capricornia Bush Walkers and her contract bridge club.

But one of her most passionate endeavours is her work with Central Queensland University (CQU), in particular her involvement with the Central Queensland Koala Volunteers - a group which raises money for koala research through the Koala Research Centre of Central Queensland at CQU.

After serving as a CQU staff member for almost 20 years in various roles in the then Department of Education Studies, the CQU Council as minute secretary and secretary to the registrar, and later as Admissions Officer in Student Administration, she retired in 1994. But never stopped working for the University.

She later coordinated the Golden Years program, a program designed to get older members in the community interested in the University. This lasted almost 7 years, before her interest in science came to the fore and Shirley then became involved in the Koala Volunteers - a group which is dear to her heart and the focus of her efforts.

Shirley is in disguise for help raise funds for her beloved koalas. CQU Bookshop staff show off the Canterbury Uglies which are now on sale.She has been the force behind fundraising ventures such as the koala chocolates and the Canterbury Uglies (jerseys) and also has been involved in field trips to St Bees Island, Thompson River, Springsure and other local koala habitats.

Shirley believes research into koala behaviour and health is the key to their continued existence.

"We are currently supporting a PhD researcher in Mackay who is looking at vegetation; a Masters student in Rockhampton who is researching koala sub-adults; and a Masters student looking at koalas in captivity at the Rockhampton Zoo."

"If we don't look after our koalas now, we may lose them forever," Miss Hopkins explained.

Shirley is always keen to recruit new members for the Koala Volunteers. Membership to the group is $15 for adults and $10 for students and concessions. Members are involved in fundraising and regular field trips.

For more information about the work of the Koala Volunteers visit the website at http://www.cqkoala.org.au/ .

Over the years, Shirley has also been recognised for a community endeavours through a list of awards. She was awarded the Companion of the University, Senior of the Year (2003), and Rockhampton City Council Community Award (Australia Day Awards 2004).