What do you think Central Queensland would be like if it didn't have its own university? 

That's the question a panel of local experts tried to answer at the recent Universities Australia forum, hosted at CQUniversity Rockhampton...

The forum was moderated by well-known ABC Lateline host Emma Alberici, and sparked much discussion on current issues such as the merger with Central Queensland Institute of TAFE, research and innovation, the development of the Gladstone campus and also making the University as accessible as possible.

More than 100 students, staff and members of the community attended to hear for themselves about the future and relevance of the University to Central Queensland.
Over 100 CQUniversity staff, students, and members of the community turned out for last week's Universities Australia forum

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said the opportunity to host the forum was a huge coup for the University, being one of only four universities in the country to host a Universities Australia public forum.

"Hosting this forum allows us to involve the many communities CQUniversity encompasses in a central discussion about what our university is doing, and where it is heading" said Professor Bowman.

"Events like these are pivotal in the journey to becoming Australia's most engaged university, and we firmly believe that the current strength of a regional university such is ours justifies CQUniversity hosting this forum".

The forum included a panel of local experts in industry, business, Indigenous affairs, academia, government and regional communities.

Rockhampton panelist and Chief Executive Officer of Capricorn Enterprise Mary Carroll said the forum was a valuable tool in assessing the link between regional universities and the communities they serve.

"CQUniversity is a key organisation in the Capricorn area, with the location and function of its regional campuses closely aligning it with economic strategy and sustainability in those areas" she said.

"This forum provides us with a snapshot of the issues most important to the CQUniversity community, and industry partners such as myself are able to identify opportunities from hearing public opinion first-hand." 

As well as a live panel in Rockhampton, panelists also connected to Rockhampton from Mackay and Bundaberg campuses via video link.

Rockhampton panelists included CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman, Chief Executive Officer of Capricorn Enterprise Mary Carroll, Head of local firm Brown Consulting (formerly Graham Scott and Associates) and CQUniversity Graduate Graham Scott, Member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore MP, and Chief Executive Officer of Darumbal Community Youth Services Margaret Hornagold.

Connecting via video link from Mackay was Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community and Engagement) and Head of Campus, Mackay Professor Pierre Viljoen and from Bundaberg Phil Ainsworth, Chair of the Bundaberg Community Engagement Committee and co-founder of Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd.