CQU Press has published a vast range of books but it has become the only university press in the world to specialise in northern Australia's outback culture and heritage.

The CQU Press imprint called Old Silvertail's Outback Books has certainly helped keep the dream alive.

This success has enabled publication of more than 150 books, meeting the mission of representing the best in literature, art, history and heritage from all the regions of decentralised Queensland.

Central Queensland University Vice-Chancellor Professor Glenice Hancock this week congratulated CQU Press and its publisher Professor David Myers on reaching the important milestone.

Professor Hancock said CQU Press had demonstrated a successful publishing commitment to Queensland, enabling it to reach audiences interstate and overseas through its online bookshop and retail stockists.

"CQU has encouraged CQU Press to form joint ventures and alliances in publishing with suitable partners. Since 1993, it has published books as joint ventures with shire councils, ABC Books, the Centenary of Federation Council, the Australian Army and with business corporations," Professor Hancock said.

"CQU Press appeals to the regional communities of Queensland by publishing their community histories and their heritage in accessible populist format.

"There has been enthusiastic support from regional media and the Press has established a distribution network embracing more than 750 bookshops and newsagencies and more than 2500 individual subscribers." CQU Press hosted the first of several 10th birthday celebrations during this week's Brisbane launch of a new mystery novel by High Court judge Ian Callinan AC. The launch was held in the Inns of Court, Barristers' Common room.

CQU Press has several books coming out for Christmas 2003: 'Appointment at Amalfi: A Murder Mystery' by Justice Ian Callinan; 'Horsemen of the Outback: Their Spurs and Spurmakers'; 'Angels Don't Go Droving'; 'No Holds Barred: The Hughie Williams Story'; 'Patrol in the Dreamtime' by former Victorian Judge Colin Macleod; 'Missionaries, Headhunters and Colonial Officers: PNG 1860s-1907'; and 'Japan Today'. Ends For details/interview call Professor Glenice Hancock via 07 4930 9752 or ‘Old Silvertail’, Professor David Myers, Publisher, Central Queensland University Press via 0419 778 208 or d.myers@cqu.edu.au or via 07 5552 4937.

Photo (below left): CQU Press staff Brad Tomlinson, Jan Cardnell and Nicole Cardnell celebrate 10 years of operations.

Photo (above): Out-going CQU senior executive member Eric Laakso congratulates Professor David Myers at the Brisbane launch of Justice Callinan's book. Metropolitan media organisations including The Australian, The Australian Financial Review, ABC Radio and The Courier Mail have given extensive publicity to the launch.