Why does it matter? That is the question posed at a monthly lunch time event which began last month at CQU Bundaberg.

Community Relations Officer Deirdre Fagan-Pagliano said the concept behind the lunch time session is to provide staff, students and members of the community with an opportunity to discuss matters which they believe need addressing. The speakers might also be linked in to the campus art space.

Local artist and CQU Bundaberg casual visual arts tutor Jennifer McDuff was the guest at the inaugural matter chatter.

“Jennifer is currently exhibiting works in the campus art space so it seemed appropriate that she launch the event. She is a fantastic artist and it is indeed a privilege to have her as a member of the staff . It was great. She spoke about her art work, what inspires her and why indeed art matters,” Ms Fagan-Pagliano said.

Jennifer's exhibition consists of three separate displays. Threads That Bind highlights women’s experience of their Vietnam veterans and includes clothing or letters cast in plaster which all relate to their personal experience. Treading On Eggshells: A National Vietnam Veterans Letter Installation is a collection of letters from Vietnam Veterans around Australia and finally five pieces from her own collection are on display.

This month the question is: does social justice matter? The campus Equity and Diverstiy Officer Neil Wex will chatter.

“I hope the session really grows and provides the University with another opportunity of being part of our local community by not only showcasing the matter we have here but allowing others in the community an opportunity to chatter about what is important to them.

“We already have a keen interest from artists wanting to exhibit in the art space and willing to chatter about why their art does matter.”