Collection celebrates the past and looks to the future

An historical display and living book collection celebrating 21 Years of Indigenous Education at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) was officially launched on Wednesday 4 July 2007.

Looking Forward Looking Back: 21 Years of Indigenous Education at USQ includes pictorial, audiovisual items and artefacts as well as a living book collection made up of past and present staff and students who can be "borrowed out" for a yarn.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Scholarship) Graham Baker said the launch signalled a time to celebrate USQ's ongoing commitment to Indigenous Education and take steps to ensure it has a strong future.

'The first step we have already taken in moving to form the Centre for Australian Indigenous Knowledges.

'This will join USQ's three campuses under the one title and aims to promote best practice in the education of Indigenous students.

'The second step involved community consultation in devising a strategy for the employment and career development of Indigenous Australians at USQ,' he said.

Education and the embedding of Indigenous issues throughout USQ's degree programs is the third element of the plan for the future.

'I believe if any group should show leadership and social justice it should be a university,' Professor Baker said.

Guests at the launch heard from two of the living books Lois Kelly and Maree Toombs, who spoke of their memories of arriving and studying at USQ.

Mrs Toombs told how she initially resisted studying at university, but ended up enjoying it and is now an Associate Lecturer.

'I was dragged kicking and screaming. I was absolutely terrified,' she said.

'It was the friendship that was the most important thing in getting me through those first 12 months.'

Mrs Toombs is currently completing her Masters by research into the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous students in an effort to improve retention.

Members of the community can enjoy a yarn with Mrs Toombs and other living books at two sessions on Wednesday 11 & Wednesday 18 July 2007 from 12 – 2pm. The historical display will be open in the USQ library until July 27.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559