Authors of 32 short stories about growing up in Central Queensland were commended at the launch of the Down Memory Lane booklet on Friday, 9 August.

Central Queensland University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glenice Hancock and CQU Press manager David Myers launched the book at a special morning tea in the CQU Library’s Reading Room.

Sixteen of the 32 authors joined in the celebration and were presented with a special edition of the booklet.

CQU Golden Years coordinator Glenys Kirkwood said the booklet contains 32 wonderful short stories by local people, all telling their experiences of growing up in this region.

Included in the booklet are some incredible tales of hardship and endurance and inspiring tales of success and happiness, all mixed with a fair spinkling of humour.

“Some of the stories tell of the true pioneering ingenuity and inventiveness that became the foundation of Central Queensland,” Mrs Kirkwood said.

“All are peppered with humour and the genuine joy of living in an era that has now sadly passed.” Copies of the book are available from the CQU Foundation office. The standard edition is $2.50 and the special hard cover edition is $10.

Photo: (Above) Golden Years coordinator Glenys Kirkwood, Les Duthie, Graham Kirkwood, Emily Duthie and Grace Stewart enjoy the morning tea for the launch of the Down Memory Lane booklet. (Left) Margaret Moore, Bill Forday and Millicent (Milly) Forday remember the old days in Central Queensland at the booklet launch.