Two professors have ensured CQUniversity's engagement mantra rings true by conducting a series of joint meetings with community members and stakeholders in Mackay.

Professor Pierre Viljoen, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community and Engagement)/Head of Campus Mackay coordinated with Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement for the meetings.

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L-R Prof Bronwyn Fredericks, Brendan Bishop, Greg Sutherland and Prof Pierre Viljoen

One of the successful meetings was with Skills Training Mackay General Manager Greg Sutherland and Brendan Bishop, Manager of First Enterprises, Indigenous Business and Economic Development.

Both of these organisations are key leaders in the field of training across Mackay, the Bowen Basin, Queensland and beyond. They offer training to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and are involved in many business ventures and partnerships.

"It was important to be aware that Indigenous organisations and businesses are the leads in some communities for whole of community initiatives, and are not just working on Indigenous initiatives. The work that Greg and Brendan are doing is evidence of this," Prof Fredericks said.

Professor Viljoen added that engagement with Indigenous organisations is part of CQUniversity's broader engagement strategy.

"We are opening up spaces for dialogue and facilitating new partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations and stakeholders that will assist in building stronger communities," he said.

Professor Fredericks added that "we can expect to see the development of new initiatives based on Indigenous and non-Indigenous partnerships in Mackay, and indeed other campus sites too".