A Central Queensland University MBA student from Cameroon, Central Africa, has been selected as the 2005 Face of the Fair.

Sylvia Forsung will welcome the thousands of expected visitors to the Central Queensland Multicultural Fair and CQU Rockhampton Open Day on Sunday August 14 at CQU’s Rockhampton campus.

The 26-year-old has recently arrived in Australia after an 18-month application process to study at CQU. She is also the recipient of a MBA scholarship.

Coordinator for the Fair Gina Yarrow said Sylvia presented herself as a worthy recipient of the title due to her determination to be a part of our Rockhampton community while completing her postgraduate studies.

“Sylvia is a mature, international student ready to take on the challenges of a new way of life in Australia while imparting a taste of her own culture to our community,” Mrs Yarrow said.

“She will truly be an ambassador for the CQ Multicultural Fair and University Open Day.”.

Visitors to the Fair will experience and enjoy the many different cultures that have become a part of our Australian way of life and will have the opportunity to taste the many wonderful world foods on offer.

The Fair promises world-class entertainment including music from Sirocco. From performing to an estimated audience of 200,000 on Australia Day 1999 to a dance with the Dayaks in a jungle clearing in central Borneo, Sirocco reflects the creativity, popularity, charm and humour (and a touch of larrikinism) that is the spirit of modern Australia.

A group of German bell ringers will also perform along with popular local acoustic band Biorhythms, The Bushmill Band, Bangladeshi dancers, Aussie poet Lea Enchelmaier, MNA traditional folk dancers, line dancers and belly dancers.

“For the young children, Bob the Builder is sure to be a huge hit,” Mrs Yarrow said. “Bob will take time out of his hectic building schedule to meet and greet Central Queensland children and enjoy the festivities.”.

The Open Day is offering – for the first time – more than 30 information and career seminars during this popular family event, for people who are seeking career advice and exploring study options, including on-campus and distance-education opportunities.

CQU Rockhampton Open Day will feature scores of prizes, activities and competitions. You can test your piloting skills on a virtual jet (CQU offers a degree in Aviation Technology), win a PlayStation2, try claymation, explore a train simulator and lots more.

“CQU offers about 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programs. School leavers and adult learners will have a chance at Open Day to visit faculty displays, take campus tours and meet with lecturers, students and alumni. There’s nothing like visiting CQU to get a feel for the University and our services and programs,” explained Mike Donahue, an Open Day coordinator.

CQU Rockhampton Open Day is a great day to sort out careers choices and university programs.

CQU will offer 'Your Career Choice' information sessions for high school students and adult learners beginning to plan their future.

You will be able to take a Careers Test and see what may be best for you.

CQ Multicultural Fair and CQU Rockhampton Open Day is a joint initiative between CQU and ABC Capricornia, with support from The Morning Bulletin.

--ENDS--.

For details contact Gina Yarrow on 4923 2736, Sylvia Forsung via Forsung_Sylvia@yahoo.com, or Mike Donahue on 4923 2722.