Central Queensland University will play a key role in Beef Australia 2003 from 26 April to 4 May.

CQU’s Coordinator for Beef Australia 2003, Tony Gubbins said the University will coordinate the opening ceremony and will feature at the trade show. Both of these events will take place at the Rockhampton Showgrounds.

He said CQU’s journalism students would also have the opportunity to be a part of the International Media Centre which will be set up at the exhibition. Students will be able to write press releases and learn from experienced journalists and camera operators working on-site.

CQU’s international students will also play a vital role by greeting and interpreting for international visitors.

CQU Vice-Chancellor Professor Glenice Hancock said Beef Australia 2003 was one of the largest events staged in Queensland and was a very important event for the Central Queensland community and for CQU.

“I am delighted to support our participation in it, which will take the form of displays, opportunities for our journalism, media, international and other students to gain valuable experience and an opportunity to promote our rural research activities,” Professor Hancock said.

Opening ceremony producer Marc Barnbaum, from Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music at CQU, said the opening ceremony would have a ‘Beef Meets Reef’ theme, recognising the industry’s importance to country and coast.

Thousands of locals and visitors are expected to crowd the main ring of Rockhampton Showgrounds for the afternoon and evening of entertainment on Sunday, April 27.

Mr Gubbins said the University will occupy two sites at the trade fair and will feature displays about the University’s investment and research in beef and agricultural fields.

CQU Press will also launch its new book, Australian Cowboys, Roughriders and Rodeos, at the trade fair.

CQU Press (Outback Books) will also feature 50 or so books it has published on the cattle stations of northern Australia. "We're consolidating our position as the only publishing house in Australia dedicated 100% to outback and bush books and specialising in the history and heritage of our cast cattle stations from Far North Queensland to the Kimberley," said CQU Press Publisher David Myers.

There will be a meeting of staff from all faculties and departments interested in participating in Beef 2003 at 9.30 am on Wednesday March 19 in the former Supreme Court Building (352).

For any further information about Beef 2003 phone Tony Gubbins at Community Relations on 4923 2504.