More than 40 people attended the annual CQUniversity Academic Awards ceremony held at the Emerald Meteor Motel recently (July 25).

The Academic Awards acknowledge the outstanding achievements of CQUniversity students, as well as thanking the local business award sponsors.

L-R are awards participants Zara-Lee Bellette, Jodie Olive, Kirralee Stanton and Alison Gaudron

The evening commenced at 6pm with pre-dinner drinks. Guest speaker for the evening was Betty Melody, a 2008 graduate of CQUniversity Emerald Campus.

Mrs Melody spoke about her journey as an Emerald student and the fact that without the support of local staff, family and friends she would not have been able to achieve her dream of becoming an accountant.

Emerald Campus Coordinator Gai Sypher spoke of the commitment and enthusiasm of the students.

"It is often said that a 'high tide raises all boats'. Our winners' accomplishments impact and uplift the whole of CQUniversity, particularly Emerald Campus. When members of our community scale peaks of excellence, we want to honour them and rejoice with them. Our Academic Awards is one way that we as a community celebrate excellence together."

For further information about the Emerald Campus of CQUniversity Australia, please contact Gai Sypher on 4982 0456 or visit the website http://www.cqu.edu.au/ .