Local media reports indicate 25,000 people attended the 10th annual Central Queensland Multicultural Fair, hosted Sunday in Rockhampton by CQU & ABC Capricornia with support from The Morning Bulletin.

Thousands were on hand for ceremonies surrounding the signing of a reconciliation statement by representatives from Central Queensland University (CQU) and the Darumbal people following the opening of the Fair.

The Statement acknowledged a commitment to a just and meaningful partnership of reconciliation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people throughout the CQU campuses and communities it serves.

Vice Chancellor Glenice Hancock presented a framed copy of the Statement and a painting, a visual interpretation of the Statement, to Darumbal Elder Ethel Speedy (pictured)..

“It is an important step along the pathway to enhanced cooperation,” said Professor Hancock. *(See article "CQU & Prime Minister Howard ": Nullo Yumbah representatives and students will make a presentation to PM Howard on Monday.)*.

Crowds camped out on the lawn near the library to enjoy singing by Jimmy Little, dance and storytelling by the Blackfellas Cultural Group, skits by Bananas in Pyjamas and more. And tons of good foods from all over the world were sampled all day long.

Those attending the Fair also took advantage of CQU Open Day, meandering through the Rockhampton Campus sampling course offerings and participating in interactive exhibits across all the Faculties.

“Kids had a big slice of the celebration,” said Gina Yarrow, CQU’s corporate events manager.