CQU staff put the finishing touches on the Gladstone harbour festival parade floatThe staff of CQU Gladstone were part of the entertainment on Sunday when the annual Gladstone Harbour Festival kicked off with the Rio Tinto Street Parade.

This year's parade had almost 70 entries ranging from fully decorated semi trailers and surf lifesaving boats to walking groups in fancy dress.  The parade, organised by the Midday Rotary group of Gladstone, has always been an integral part of the Festival events.

The parade previously ended the Festival but last year it was decided to make it the opening event, a decision that has proven to be hugely successful judging by the increased participation of community groups.

Acting Community Relations Officer for CQU Gladstone, Sue Williams was pleased the campus was able to participate this year.

"The whole town generally comes out to watch the parade so it was important for us to participate to present CQU as a part of this community," Ms Williams said.

"Our float design was simple but effective and caught the eye of the thousands of people lining the street."

The float also caught the eye of the parade judges who declared CQU the winner of the educational facility category.

The theme of the float was to show the longevity of CQU, the campus and tertiary study with children dressed to represent the graduates of "2020".  Staff from the campus walked alongside the truck dressed as some of the careers available to a CQU graduate.

While this year's preparation for the float was a little rushed, there are already grand plans for next year's entry according to Ms Williams.

"Our aim for this year was just to get an entry in which we achieved," said Ms Williams.

"Now we have 12 months to make next year's entry bigger and better."

The Gladstone Harbour Festival included the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race.
Participants relax after the Gladstone harbour festival parade