CQUniversity's donation of a framed poster to a fundraising auction recently has contributed to $250,000 raised in support of indigenous education.

CQUniversity's Multimedia Studies student Luke Mallie's poster (which recently won him the 2009 National NAIDOC Poster competition), was donated to indigenous organisation Yalari and auctioned at last month's  fundraising dinner in Brisbane.

Melissa Misztal and Trinity Harris from CQUniversity's Office of Development and Graduate Relations with Luke Mallie's poster.Director, Office of Development & Graduate Relations Suzi Blair, said the University is pleased to support initiatives that advance the education of Indigenous youth.

"The framed poster was the ideal way to show support while highlighting the achievements of our own talented indigenous students."

The poster titled Carrying On Our Culture represented elders teaching and keeping watch over their young as they learn and grow into adults to then carry on the culture.

According to Mr Mallie: "The painting also depicts past elders who watch over everyone to protect and guide us through our lives. We all have the ability to connect to those spirits if we need guidance or inspiration."

The poster was framed by Rockhampton Picture Framing.

The funds will go towards the Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship Program. This year's funds will enable the organisation to offer 42 new scholarships for 2010.  Yalari's aim is to give indigenous children from remote communities around Australia a first class education through full boarding scholarships at the highest achieving secondary schools.  The Rockhampton Grammar School is one of Yalari's schools and currently has one student undertaking the program.

Yalari's website - http://www.yalari.org/index.php