USQ Wide Bay opens its doors to the public

Close to 800 people are expected to pass through the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) Wide Bay campus when it opens its doors to the public this Sunday (6 August 2006).

Those attending Open Day at the Hervey Bay campus will be able to partake in a journalism competition and watch dissections in the name of science. There will also be food stalls and plenty of information for those looking to study at USQ.

USQ Events Manager, Ken Gideon, said the information-packed program caters for all interests.

"This year we have included a new feature to the program called The Battle of the Bands, where local bands will battle it out on the Main stage.

"This event features a lot of local high school students from the region and we expect that the competition will be really popular and fiercely contested.

"Popular local artist, Frank Benn, will also provide entertainment during the day.

"Jazz fans will also be catered for, with the USQ Ergon Energy Big Band performing a number of classical pieces."

There will also be plenty to keep the kids entertained, with Faculty of Education students providing free face painting, story telling and a scavenger hunt.

The University's Student Support services including our Indigenous Centre, Buallum Jarl-Bah, will be available to explain the University's new Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP).

Visitors will be able to view work by local artist, Ariella Anderson, in the Art Gallery and a local photography exhibition will also be on display.

The annual Open Day will be held between 10am and 2pm at the Wide Bay Campus on Old Maryborough Road in Pialba.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, 0439 760 106