There'll be plenty of music to underscore the inspirational personal stories* of around 150 graduates due to attend their ceremony in Mackay on Monday, April 7 (from 6pm).

The ceremony itself at Mackay Entertainment Centre will feature Conservatorium pianist Mark Gasser and student vocalists Paul Tabone (baritone) and Danielle Mullins (soprano).

Guest speaker Julie Boyd

And the post-graduation celebration at the Conservatorium building on CQU Mackay will feature jazz music performed by students.

The Mackay Campus Medal recipient is Bachelor of Learning Management graduate Gitta Adams and she will also deliver the closing address on behalf of all graduates.

Guest speaker Julie Boyd*, the former long-time Mayor of Mackay, is now Trade Queensland's special representative to Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines and will address graduates about politics and communication.

For some of the personal stories behind Mackay Graduation you can visit:

Mother and son graduates were 'friendly rivals' 

Single mum Maria takes account of career 

*  Julie Boyd was a registered nurse and midwife before becoming involved in local government.  She was first elected to the Mackay City Council in 1988 as an Alderman, resigned in 1990 when she moved to Pioneer Shire, and then returned to Council as the Division Four representative after the 1994 amalgamation.  Julie was the first woman to become Mayor of Mackay when she was first elected in 1997 and re-elected in 2000 and again in 2004.

During her time in office, Julie chaired various committees including the Mackay Local Government Counter Disaster Committee, the Natural Environment Advisory Committee and the Audit Committee.  She was involved in the Pioneer River Improvement Trust and was a board member of Sunwater, Museum and Gallery Services Queensland and the City Centre Revitalisation and Regional Economic Development Corporation.  She is also the deputy chairperson of the Australian Institute of Management, Mackay branch.

As part of the state government's plans to strengthen Queensland's links with Asia and reinforce its position as being serious about building and maintaining close ties with its geographical neighbours, Julie has recently been appointed Trade Queensland's special representative to Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines.  In this role, she will be responsible for building relationships within these markets and promoting Queensland businesses and their products and services.  She will act as a direct advocate for export capabilities, help share trade policy and actively seek new investment opportunities in these areas.