CQU Mackay’s PhD student Lauren Danastas has proudly received commendation for her efforts in the inaugural CSR Essay Competition, placing her in fifth place across all Australian University entrants.

The competition is a government initiative of the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson presented the awards to the prize winners of the university section of the 2004 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Essay Competition.

Ms Danastas attended the award presentation and dinner in Brisbane with other finalists and received a framed certificate for her submission.

“The essay highlighted corporate social responsibility and accountability through the disclosure of social and environmental factors by Australian companies.

“It’s really about companies taking responsibility for their actions within the community and the importance of having acknowledged these social and environmental impacts,” Lauren said.

“It has been the valuable contribution of Lauren Danastas that reflects the high standard of work contributed by Central Queensland University students,” Mackay Campus Head Professor Phillip Clift said.

Lauren is a PhD candidate in social accounting with the faculty of Business and Law.

The essay competition is being held again and university students are encouraged to participate. To find out more, visit the website, http://www.partnerships.gov.au/csr .

Please contact Jo Falzon on 4940 7808 for further information.