CQU Bundaberg student Rowan Graham began 2003 as he ended last year with another great award and according to him its all thanks to being a CQU student.

Mr Graham was awarded the Bundaberg City Council’s Australia Day Sports Award at the recent ceremony. At the end of last year he won Central Queensland University Student Association’s 2002 Sports Star of the Year.

Rowan Graham, a third year Bachelor of Learning Management student was also awarded a prestigious Full Blue Medal, had his name added to the University’s honour board and received $500 before the year ended.

The Australia Day award was based on his involvement with the Queensland Universities Rugby League state team, the Australian Universities national team and local rugby league both as a coach and a player.

“I knew that I was in the running for the Australia Day award, but I didn’t think I would actually win. I am very proud and honoured to have received such recognition from the local community,” Rowan said.

“It has been a great year for me and this award just tops it all off. For me in the last year I have simply achieved some personal goals which would not have been possible had I not made the decision to study at the local university.

“When I started university I decided that I wanted to play league for the University, then I aimed for the state and then finally my country, so it was a great year and the Australia Day award is the final cap that would not have been possible without being a university student.

“Being able to play league has been an added bonus to my studies. When I finish I intend to be a physical education teacher, so I’m sure this will all be beneficial.

"The University has also assisted financially to help me reach my goals and compete at the state and national level.” Rowan was one of only two CQU players selected to tour Tonga and New Zealand with the Australian University Rugby League team last year.