USQ to launch Community Drive
The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is looking forward to launching a meaningful and long-lasting symbol of the link between the University and its many communities, with the official launch of the USQ Community Drive on Friday 2 November 2007 at 10am.
A keystone event of the University's 40th Anniversary, the Community Drive includes a time capsule, windmill wind sculpture, an avenue of international flags and a carefully selected grove planting of native and exotic species.
Chair of the USQ 40th Anniversary Committee, Dr Kate Foy, said the Drive reflects the University's regional development, internationalism and past achievements.
'The Community Drive is a partnership project with the Toowoomba City Council, reflecting our strong links with the Council and the local community,' Dr Foy said.
'Like all 40th Anniversary projects, the Driveway was developed in the context of communities near and far and provides a symbolic representation of the University's past, present and future.'
USQ Community Drive Project Champion, Harry Spencer, from the Faculty of Sciences said the driveway beautification project includes a mixture of native and exotic species.
'USQ has more than 7,500 international students who represent more than 90 nationalities and this mixture of native and exotic species aims to reflect our diversity and our strong links with our students and alumni around the world.
'The aim of the time capsule is to capture a moment in 2007 and preserve it for the people of 2047. As such, items included reflect the everyday experiences of staff, students and other members of the University community; as well as highlighting important contemporary issues - such as the role of technology and global warming,' Mr Spencer said.
The Community Drive development also includes a locally crafted wind sculpture (based on the original windmill that stood on the east ring road at Baker Street), symbolising USQ's regional roots and close association with the local community.
'The windmill sculpture is based on an original design by local artist Andrew MacDonald with additional design work by A/Prof Thiru Aravinthan and Tarek Omar from USQ's Faculty of Engineering.
'The piece has been realised through the wonderful work of Ross Watt and his team at Buchanan Advanced Composite who manufacturing the exceptional fibre composite base which supports a traditional Southern Cross head.
'As such, this structure represents the bringing together of the old and the new – tried and true technology alongside the cutting edge.'
A central Avenue of Flags, highlighting the diversity of USQ's students and staff will also be launched on Friday.
Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092 or +61 412 097 326