CQUniversity Australia
 

Engaging Indigenous people within Higher Ed

CQUniversity's Office of Indigenous Engagement recently hosted a visit from the Oodgeroo Unit of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), at Rockhampton Campus.

Professor Anita Lee Hong, Director of the Oodgeroo Unit, and Lone Pearce, Project Officer, met with Office of Indigenous Engagement staff to discuss employment issues and best practice models for engaging Indigenous people within the higher education sector, including governance matters.

Full Details…

Val signs off for the last time 

This month CQUniversity says farewell to long-time employee Val Gribble.

After 21 years, Val will take some well-deserved leave before officially retiring from the University on November 12.

PhotoID:9353, Last day - Val Gribble will spend her last day at CQUniversity saying goodbye to some long-time friends and colleagues.
Last day - Val Gribble will spend her last day at CQUniversity saying goodbye to some long-time friends and colleagues.
Val came to the University in April 1989 as administration assistant, having previously worked in middle management roles within the Anglican Church. Within 6 months she began a relieving role as an assistant personnel officer and later moved to various middle and senior management roles.

She became involved in the beginnings of health and safety management and was responsible for the first rehabilitation policy and procedures for the University.  She worked as a senior rehabilitation officer and personnel officer (operations) up until 2000, when she became the first full-time manager of health and safety. In 2005, she moved to the current position of manager, HR services.

Over the years, Val says she has really enjoyed "working with people".

"I have enjoyed sharing very personal situations with many staff and supporting them to work through difficult situations. I have also enjoyed observing young staff develop careers and sometimes I have been a part of that development which has given me much satisfaction."

Commenting on the changes and advancements she has witnessed over the time, Val said the size of the University had been the biggest change.

"When I first commenced I knew just about everyone at least on Rockhampton campus, mostly by name and face. Now our footprint is so expansive that personal association is now near impossible."

"I am excited about the opportunities that lay ahead for the University. I think the current climate and vision is the most exciting and optimistic of my 21 years."

PhotoID:9354, Val Gribble with long-time friend Debbie Black who has also been at the University over 20 years.
Val Gribble with long-time friend Debbie Black who has also been at the University over 20 years.
As she heads into retirement, Val is looking forward to doing more voluntary work for the Anglican Church and intends to continue her work in Papua New Guinea. Val supports women and children around Popondetta, including the Kokoda area in PNG, and has visited the region once or twice a year since 1998.

In September, she will be conducting a basic computer course for women in leadership roles using a number of donated laptops, including her old CQUni laptop.

She also intends using the time to travel.

"My husband is an Anglican priest who pretends he is retired, but who spends many hours on the road on weekends visiting small centres which cannot afford a priest. I will be travelling with him around the region and also hope to visit our sons who live in Malaysia, Peru and New Zealand. Travel is definitely on the agenda."

CQUniversity wishes Val all the best in her retirement and thanks her for her outstanding contribution to the development of the University.