Indigenous students meet up in O-Week
Published on 27 February, 2013
The Office of Indigenous Engagement recently got involved in O-Week activities in Mackay and Rockhampton.
While there are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying throughout Australia, there are a larger number of Indigenous students in the greater Rockhampton, Mackay and Bundaberg areas.
Engineering Co-op student Yarrndji Ingra and Prof Bronwyn Fredericks enjoy the barbecue
The Office of Indigenous Engagement held a barbecue on the Rockhampton campus, which offered an opportunity for commencing Indigenous students to make connections with each other and to visit the Office.
Students got to meet Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement, the Indigenous Engagement Officers, lecturers and administration staff.
Some students also brought along other people. For example, one new student brought along her partner and children, and another student brought along her dad.
Fred Power (Bachelor of Laws student) and Sandra Creamer, a lecturer who holds a Bachelor of Laws
Professor Fredericks said this was important "since it is often the other people in our lives who also help us achieve our goals. Going to uni is not just about uni, it also involves the families and communities of students".
CQUniversity's Vice Chancellor, Professor Scott Bowman also dropped by to welcome students and made special mention of Margaret Hornagold who was at the barbecue. Margaret is commencing a Bachelor of Laws and already holds a Bachelor of Arts from CQUniversity.
Indigenous students are enrolled in an incredible diversity of study programs, including accounting, business, engineering, nursing, allied health and law. This represents a major shift from past years.
‘I look forward to seeing the students who are commencing progress through their studies, graduate, and then move on to making an impact as professionals in their chosen fields," Professor Fredericks said.
Rodney Stoter, Liz Stoter and Prof Bronwyn Fredericks 
VC Scott Bowman welcomes Margaret Hornagold back as a Laws student 
O-Week barbecue participants