If you’ve seen The Sapphires you will know exactly what I mean when I say that I’m so proud to be an Australian and a Central Queenslander. This film is an amazing credit to not only the four Aboriginal women who star in the film, but also to its hugely talented director and former Rockhampton lad Wayne Blair.

By Priscilla Crighton ...

I saw the film while on holidays with my family on the New South Wales coast. In fact, the cinematic experience was truly fitting for the occasion. The film was screening in an old, refurbished weatherboard theatre, formerly the School of Arts building which dated back to 1926. It was fitted out with mainly orange, plastic chairs (the ones familiar with community halls); some patrons were even treated with cushioned seats, while its advertised drawcard was air-conditioning – must have been a new addition.

Because of the ambience I was totally drawn into the era of this flick. I even found myself imagining the cinema had a dirt floor and that the admission charge was two bob (but don’t be fooled, it wasn’t).

It took me back to my childhood here in Central Queensland. I felt a deep connection to the film, which I can only put down to the amazing direction of Blair.

In our next edition of Be magazine we have a special feature on The Sapphires, with a Q&A with Blair who happens to be a graduate of CQUniversity. Blair talks about his experiences growing up in regional Queensland and how it prepared him for the global stage.

We’re also giving away three DVDs of the film. You’ll have to read the magazine to enter.

Also in the upcoming edition, we look at the amazing account of a potentially catastrophic aircraft incident by Qantas pilot Richard de Crespigny. You may recall back in 2010 the news of Qantas flight 32 out of Singapore which was lucky to land safely after an engine explosion caused a series of flight malfunctions in an A380 superjumbo.

The destroyed engine of the Qantas A380.It’s a truly remarkable story; and Be gives you Richard’s first-hand account of how it played out.

We also look at: how early intervention in autism sufferers is paying off; why the koala in on Australia’s most wanted list; why our cats and dogs are becoming more than just man’s best friend; how personal assistants provide wise counsel to CEOs; how musical duo Busby Marou came to be; and how the shift of Year 7 into high school could affect children and parents.

In our Be my guest feature we focus on Adelaide, while our special engagement feature is on the Salaam Baalak Trust.

I hope you enjoy our 16^th edition of Be magazine which will be available on campus the first week in January and also online via www.be.cqu.edu.au . Don’t forget our online edition is also tablet-friendly and comes with loads of extras – videos, photo slideshows and twitter feed. Be Extras is also available via our website. Enjoy!