Launch to celebrate 21 years of Indigenous Education at USQ

Ron Hampton, Maree Toombs and Helen Hampton (Picture supplied)

An historical display and living book collection Looking forward, Looking Back: 21 Years of Indigenous Education at USQ will be launched at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) tomorrow (Wednesday 4 July 2007).

The display will include pictorial and audiovisual items and artefacts from the past 21 years and looks to the future of Indigenous education at USQ.

A highlight of the exhibition is the living book event – past and present staff, students and community members who will be available to be "borrowed out" for a yarn.

Helen Hampton from USQ said living books Lois Kelly and Maree Toombs would be speaking at the launch.

'They are people who have been involved in Indigenous education at USQ as both students and staff,' Mrs Hampton said.

Former USQ student Kev Carmody and staff member John McMaster will also be part of the living books event, which is open to the community on Wednesday the 11th and 18th of July from 12–2pm.

Mrs Hampton said the display and living books will be a great opportunity for the community to learn more about Indigenous education at USQ.

'The community can talk to people they've never met before about their involvement with Indigenous education, getting it established or just being part of it.

'People are encouraged to come by for a yarn with our living books. One of the great aboriginal traditions is to yarn and share experiences.
 
'The community is welcome to come and borrow our living books. They can take them for a coffee, or just sit in the library, as long as they check them back in before the next person has booked them!'

The session on Wednesday 18 July 2007 will include Kev Carmody as a living book. The ongoing display will be open until Friday 27 July 2007  at the USQ library.

Media are welcome to attend the launch and either of the living books sessions.
 
WHAT: Launch of the Looking forward: Looking Back display and Living Book event to celebrate 21 Years of Indigenous Education at USQ
WHERE: The Library, USQ
WHEN: Wednesday 4 July 2007, 2pm 

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