This year, CQU's Advanced Public Relations students have been put to the test with their first assignment involving the running of a real-life PR campaign for a local charity, Rockhampton Horse Riding for the Disabled Association (RHRDA).

The students have been hard at work since the start of term planning and implementing a Wine and Cheese Evening for September 21 at Rockhampton Customs House, in an effort to raise awareness and gain much-needed funds for the RHRDA.

With 36 students in total being enrolled in the course at Rockhampton, Bundaberg and via Distance Learning, the students were split into 7 groups to ensure that each step of the PR campaign was successfully executed.

Jacqueline Sanders, an internal student at Rockhampton campus, has enjoyed the way the course has been run this year.

"The entire learning process throughout the campaign has been fantastic. Being able to plan, implement and evaluate a ‘real' public relations event has given me a ‘can-do' confidence that will prove vital in the business world".

The theme of the night is Sponsor-a-Pony, which will allow guests the opportunity to donate funds towards each horse and their upkeep.  All profits from the fundraiser will go to the care of the horses, including food, maintenance and riding equipment.

Everyone is invited to the Wine and Cheese Evening, not only to see exactly what our up and coming PR professionals can do, but also to help an association (RHRDA) which brings much joy to those who have a disability.

The evening will commence at 6pm with a cost of $15 per person.  Tickets can be purchased on the night.