Central Queensland University will farewell its long-time Japanese Coordinator Chieko Klerkx at the end of January.

Chieko will be relocating to Brisbane to be close to family.

“Brisbane is the most appropriate place for me to live as it is closer to my home town, Tokyo, and my children. I also have many close friends in Brisbane,” she said.

“In Brisbane I will be conducting Ikebana, Japanese, Japanese Culture Appreciation Courses and so on.

Chieko will also be studying to upgrade her translation skills to gain accreditation.

“I'll be very busy and enjoying myself,” she said.

“Over the many years at CQU, I met many beautiful people, many of whom have left Rockhampton. I would like to express my gratitude to all my friends and colleagues who helped me to have a very memorable time at CQU. I'll miss them all.

Chieko has worked for CQU for 15 years as the coordinator of the Japanese Program at regional and international campuses. Other than her normal teaching commitments, she has organized Japanese concerts, Japanese dinners and study tours to Japan.

She also had extra-curricular involvements, Chieko interpreted for former Vice Chancellor Professor Geoff Wilson, Professor David Myers and visiting Japanese university presidents and other guests.

She also acted as a liaison person between visiting Japanese university students and the CQU Language Centre and organized the Buddy System.

Her research interests included international students' issues and Japanese women's position in the workplace.

Chieko was president and a member of a number of associations including the Australia and Japan Society CQ branch, Central Queensland Multicultural Association, National Trust CQ Branch, Chinese New Year Festival and Steering committee member of Alliance Francaise Rockhampton..