The Pacific Edge, Regional Arts Australia National Conference will be hosted in Mackay this Friday to Sunday and CQU is well represented by key contributors to the sessions over the weekend.

The Pacific Edge is Australia’s largest regional arts event, presented by Regional Arts Australia, Queensland Arts Council and Mackay City Council.

The Pacific Edge will showcase the best in regional arts performance and practice, while demonstrating the vital role the arts play in building the capacity, lifestyle and sustainability of regional communities.

Three CQU academics from various campuses will take a vital role in delivering presentations relevant to current priority issues as identified in Regional Arts Australia’s recent publication '2006 National Directions: Regional Arts'.

Dr Jeannette Delamoir of CQU Rockhampton, will co-present 'Chameleon Citizens' on Saturday at 10.30am. This explores the city of the Gold Coast and its capacity to adapt to an ever-changing city and community.

At 2pm on Saturday Dr Grayson Cooke of CQU Bundaberg will present and perform a CD/DVD project produced by the Bundaberg Media Research Group called 'Sweet Sounds of Sugar Town'.

Dr Ashley Holmes of CQU Mackay along with Dr Cooke and Dr Delamoir will present a discussion panel entitled, 'Region, Culture, New Media' on Saturday at 3.30pm. These 3 media artists/academics live and work in the broader CQ region and will reflect on the opportunities and obstacles for practitioners in this field.

For further information on the Pacific Edge Conference see: http://www.thepacificedge.com.au/