CQU's Social Work students recently gathered to recognise achievers and to enable the 4th-years to bury a time capsule containing their aspirations, insights and messages for future students of the program.

The capsule will be opened when the current first-year students complete their final year.

Jason Fagg and Marg Monteith with the time capsule

A range of awards and practicum placements were also announced on the day.

Third-year student Patrician Vivian won the $2000 Anglicare Scholarship and, as a condition of the award, is now completing her 14-week practical placement in Emerald with Anglicare.

Ms Vivian is from the country and said she wanted to be able to give something back to regional communities.

"I chose to work in a rural organisation because I recognise the diverse problems that rural communities experience," she said.

Without the scholarship, Ms Vivian would have found it difficult to cover her finances during her prac placement, so it has helped both personally and professionally.

Meanwhile, it was announced that 4th-year student Jacina Banks is completing a 15-week practical placement in Cambodia.

The main focus for the practical experience is to provide training for foster carers, orphanage workers and human services workers who are involved with children - to build a relationship and bond between child and carer.

Child homelessness and poverty are huge social problems in Cambodia.

Ms Banks will be based in Phnom Penh and will work as part of a charity called Mercy Teams International.

Jacina's future goal is to pursue a career remedying behavioural problems in children and to continue with some more overseas and missionary work.

She said the University's flexibility and support is what made her trip to Cambodia possible.

Another award announced on the day was from the Rural Health and Allied Scholarship Department of Queensland Health.

Winners Fran Lofts and Sarah Arnold have each received 2-years of financial support woth $12,000 per year.

The students will complete their prac with Queensland Health and, upon completion of their degree, they will be placed in a rural/regional job and guaranteed employment for 2 years within the government/public health.

Ms Lofts said she is looking forward to experiencing a broad ranges of issues and establishing a solid learning platform from working within Queensland Health.

Fran is from NSW and is looking forward to moving to and working within north Queensland upon completion of her degree.

Kayleen Campbell, Debbie Langerak, Lisa Dykes and Paula Ward 
Fran Lofts enjoys the event
Social Work academic Daniel Teghe with Jacina Banks