CQUniversity has provided three of the key case studies enabling a network of Aussie universities to be mapped against an  international framework for benchmarking ‘regional contribution'.

A major report released this week demonstrates the myriad ways in which members of the Regional Universities Network (RUN), including CQUniversity, are making significant and diverse contributions to the social, cultural, environmental and economic development of their regions.

VC Professor Scott Bowman welcomes the RUN report

The report promotes the role of ‘embedded' universities using ‘power of place' in their local region as ‘thought leaders' and ‘community capacity builders'.

RUN study details universities' massive regional impact

Case studies illustrate some of the regional impact study's key themes

Regional Universities Network: Engaging with regions, building a stronger nation

CQUniversity, which prides itself on regional engagement, has contributed the following case studies towards the global benchmarking:

The Flexible and Innovative Solutions for Meeting Industry Skill Needs in Central Queensland Case Study describes how CQUniversity has been partnering with industry peak bodies and individual companies to provide rapid, innovative and tailored solutions for addressing skill shortages in the resources and related sectors. This includes: geoscience; mine technology; mine operations management; project management; and, engineering.

The 10,000 Steps Case Study highlights the significant national flow-on benefits of research and innovation emerging from regional environments. Rockhampton was initially selected by the Queensland Government as a pilot site for a new health promotion program due to the established collaborative links between key regional organisations, including CQUniversity. The university researched, developed and evaluated the pilot program, facilitated its roll-out at the state and national levels, and continues to lead research and innovation in its further development and deployment.

As described in the Choices Applied Theatre Project Case Study, CQUniversity Bachelor of Theatre students work in close partnership with health professionals, law-enforcement officers and community agencies to write, direct, choreograph and perform a 45-minute music and drama presentation woven around current health, safety and legal messages relevant to Year 12 students prior to the annual ‘Schoolies' celebrations. The Choices project has been running since 1999 and more than 4000 Year 12 students across 38 schools attended performances in 2012. The effectiveness of Choices in reducing infringements and reports of crime in Schoolies week has led to its adoption as one of the Mackay Police Service's key crime prevention initiatives.

LINK also to CQUni campuses contribute hundreds of millions to their regional economies