Arnhem Land visitors perform for USQ

Four students from Arnhem Land performed traditional songs and dances on Friday, 30 November 2007 as a farewell in returning to their traditional country after a three-week visit to USQ, Toowoomba and Brisbane.

Jeremy Mununggurr, Gatha Mununggurr, Cain Mununggurr and Dwayne Mununggurritj performed the songs and dances for the audience in the Centre for Australian Indigenous Knowledges courtyard.

Assistant to the Director of Indigenous Education at USQ Ron Hampton said the boys' visit was organised by Bruce Leslie, an engineering consultant from Brisbane who wanted to assist people in Indigenous communities in obtaining engineering jobs.

'Bruce Leslie from Leslie Consultants approached USQ's engineering department about arranging the students visit,' Mr Hampton said.

'He wanted to establish a pathway to get them involved in engineering at university. Bruce funded their travel and accommodation and loaned a vehicle for them to use during their three week visit.'

During their time at USQ the students toured the faculty of Engineering and Surveying to get an idea of the courses on offer.

'They've had a week experiencing student life at USQ and workplaces in Toowoomba City. They visited council and the Department of Main Roads and Ergon Energy as part of the industry tours arranged,' Mr Hampton said.

The students also spent a week in Brisbane which involved meeting and working with Mr Leslie and learning to operate mining machinery.