An AI generated track inspired by CQUniversity staffer Trent Jones which encompasses the mission and emotions of the CQUniCares Appeal in 2025.

CQUniversity has launched its latest podcast series CQUniversity Commentary. This podcast series brings you CQUni experts in research, work and study, dissecting the issues and current affairs that affect you, your family and your community. CQUniversity has dedicated the first season of CQUniversity Commentary to focus on conversations about the emerging issues from COVID-19. To listen to this podcast series head to Podbean https://cquniversitycommentary.podbean.com/, or find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube. Wholesome by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5050-wholesome License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

She says her whole life has been about science education, in one way or another, and now CQUni’s Dr Linda Pfeiffer’s legacy in developing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in regional Queensland has landed her as a semi-finalist in the Queensland Community Awards. Linda shares about what some see as a ‘glorified classroom’ known as STEM Central (which she helped design and now heads up) has become an amazing state-of-the-art facility in her hometown of Gladstone, thanks to a partnership with ConocoPhillips Australia Pacific LNG. Linda also explores why some kids find science boring and how the chronic teacher shortage is having a devastating impact on STEM education in regional Australia. And while it took her nine years to complete her Doctor of Science, Linda says it's one of her biggest achievements to date. Finally, Linda shares some helpful advice for up-and-coming STEM teachers.

She received a surprise round of tea-room cheers on her first day on campus, was suddenly in bagpipe-induced tears at her first graduation – and for Associate Vice-Chancellor (Victoria) Lara Carton, leading CQUniversity Melbourne has remained a rollercoaster. Lara shares the logistical nightmares of moving a whole campus, how the student cohort has quadrupled in Melbourne, and why you can always expect incredible catering on her campus. A busy mum to twins and a passionate home cook, Lara explains how weekend routines help maintain calm amidst the chaos of life and work. And as Director of Social Innovation, Lara also reflects on some of the highlights of CQUni’s five-year journey driving creative social change – and how it’s already transformed lives for so many students, staff and community changemakers.

Rhianna Wood is a dedicated nursing student with a heart for making a difference in the lives of others. As a child, she never dreamed that she would grow up to be a nurse, but always had a passion to help those around her. This passion led her to The Philippines on a mission and she has continued to help others in her community and afar. As well as being a second-year undergraduate student, the 19-years-old juggles a list of other roles at CQUni with her studies, including chair of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and a member of the Townsville Campus Life Committee. In this podcast, Rhianna shares about her desire to leave uni with more than a piece of paper that says Bachelor of Nursing, and provide tips on how students from any discipline can be more engaged in university life while building their resume for graduation.

Chris Veraa once worked as a barista at McCafe, before he ever drank a coffee, and later became a rural reporter, despite having little farming experience, and now is CQUni’s Director of Student Experience – and in case you’re wondering, yes, this time he’s got loads of experience. As a high school student who excelled at English, Chris decided to study journalism and marketing at university before embarking on a career as a journalist. Later, a working holiday in the UK allowed him to try the art of closed caption writing where he says his touch-typing course in school ‘saved his bacon’. Back in Australia, roles in media relations eventually paved a way to CQUni where he initially became the Director of Corporate Communications and then moved into Student Experience. He shares that his role now is less about being a practitioner and more about leading teams that focus on students’ uni experiences and support. He shares how scholarships and emergency grants can change a student’s life and how donors’ philanthropy help build the pipeline of talent.

With more than a decade of research experience, Nancy Greer has faced crocs at Rockhampton’s reptile farm (for an award-winning study about how excitement impacts gaming habits), tackled gambling studies in Bundaberg, moved to Brisbane and then into the heart of Melbourne to understand the huge and heartbreaking issues around homelessness. Now, her PhD subject has put her in the middle of the high-voltage world of esports, betting and skin gambling – where online gamers bet with money or video game items on professionals playing video games competitively. Nancy shares how she’s breaking new ground with the research, and what parents can do to protect young gamers.

From sacked sandwich maker to VET education innovator, Peter Heilbuth shares some of his early vocational fails and how an opportunity to teach at TAFE led to a rewarding career in the vocational education sector. Today, Peter is CQUniversity's Pro-Vice-Chancellor for VET Operations and Growth heading up the VET operations of Queensland's first fully comprehensive university. He reflects on some of his more interesting occupations - Sydney Opera House usher and magazine journalist - and provides advice to Australia's young job hunters: "Get a job that makes a difference in people's lives" and "use education as leverage".

This week on the Greatvine we chat with CQUni’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Student Experience and Governance Joanne Perry. Joanne shares the many changes she’s been a part of at CQUni over the years and tells us there are some things that haven't changed – the Uni’s commitment to students and communities. Growing up in Mackay, just down the road from where the Ooralea campus stands today, Joanne talks about a carefree childhood, later studying hospitality at TAFE after completing high school. A move to Rockhampton in her early 20s, saw a change in career paths to learn new skills in administration, which eventually lead to a position at CQUni in the Finance department. Fast-forward 23 years, Joanne now heads up the Division of Student Experience and Governance as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. She says the role is as diverse as it is rewarding. As we approach R U OK Day this Thursday 12 September, Joanne discusses the importance of supporting colleagues and students who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs. She also talks about the CQUniCares Appeal which kicked off for 2019 on Monday and encourages people to support this great cause.

This week on the Greatvine we chat with Bachelor of Digital Media student Beau Moloney. Beau shares about how a horrific car crash changed his life forever, forcing him to reevaluate his career ambitions and eventually leading him to his love of the arts, videography and animation. He talks about how he overcame many hurdles to study at CQUni and about the support he received from the University and a CQUniCares scholarship. Looking to the future, Beau discusses his future job prospects and how a recent internship at Channel 9 News has led to a casual camera operator and editor position, and he’s loving it!

This week on the Greatvine we chat with CQUni's hospitality teacher Charlie Jensen. Charlie shares how a smile can make all the difference to finding success in the hospitality profession. Her positivity and bubbly personality is something that always shines through as a teacher, but she’s modest about having her hard work recognised with a Queensland Training Award in 2018. She also shares the challenges and rewards of her work with Central Queensland’s disengaged youth through her involvement in the Project Booyah program. Not only that, Charlie shares the secrets behind what makes the perfect cup of coffee.