A decade of changing lives
Ten years, more than a quarter of a million dollars and hundreds of lives changed.
They’re the stats associated with CQUniversity’s Annual Appeal which this year celebrates a decade since inception.
During that time, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised and subsequently passed on to worthy causes as well as students in need - and 2025 will be no exception.
From Monday (23 June), CQUniversity is calling on its communities to be part of changing lives through its annual CQUniCares Appeal.
This year the University will again be giving donors the chance to champion a cause that they are passionate about. The causes are:
- Student success scholarships: ensuring every student has the support they need to overcome the financial challenges of studying.
- Beach access for all: funding for specialist equipment and training to help people living with a disability or mobility limitations to access and enjoy the beach.
- Sea Ranger training: funding to train Indigenous Sea Rangers through CQUniversity’s Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre.
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said all three causes were close to the University’s heart.
“Students are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to helping them succeed. Our student success scholarships play a vital role in removing financial barriers that can stand in the way of our students reaching their full potential,” Prof Klomp said.
"Our students are our future leaders - they will become our nurses, teachers, doctors, engineers, paramedics and tradespeople - so it is critical that we support them now so that they can reach their potential and give back to our communities once they complete their studies.”
Bachelor of Laws alumnus Dionne Singleton was a recipient of a CQUniCares Holding Redlich Indigenous Law Scholarship and said it was invaluable to ensuring her success.
“I was at work when I received the email about my scholarship. The relief I felt was incredible as it was a tough period for me financially,” Ms Singleton explained.
“I was initially hoping to receive some financial assistance to purchase textbooks, but was not expecting to be the recipient of a generous scholarship. It was also a confidence booster - to have the support of the scholarship donor and be connected with a mentor was incredibly helpful.”
Since graduating, Ms Singleton has been working towards completing her Practical Legal Training (PLT) and is this month aiming to be admitted to the legal profession.
“I encourage anyone to support other students like me.”
This year’s Appeal is also giving the community the opportunity to assist CQUniversity’s award-winning U-BEACH initiative.
“The Universal Beach Accessibility Hub (U‐BEACH) is a wonderful initiative that has been developed to help break down the barriers of beach access for people living with disability or mobility limitations,” Prof Klomp explained.
“By donating to this cause, you will help fund equipment for Mon Repos beach in Bundaberg that will enable more elderly people and others with mobility limitations to visit for turtle hatching events which the beach is famous for.”
The third deserving cause that donors can support in the 2025 Appeal is Sea Ranger training at CQUniversity’s Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC).
A donation to this cause will fund training for Indigenous Sea Rangers that will upskill the Rangers to undertake conservation work related to seagrass meadow restoration, which is vital to the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
Professor Klomp said all support to this year’s Appeal was appreciated, no matter how big or small.
“One hundred per cent of the donations will go directly to your chosen area,” he said.
“Every donation has a lasting impact and together – we will continue to change lives.”
Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of alumni, staff, students and community partners, more than $280,000 has been raised during CQUniversity’s Annual Appeals.
“I can’t thank everyone that has donated or supported the Appeal over the past 10 years enough for their generosity.”
Gifts over $2 are tax deductible.
Find out more or donate today, at the CQUniCares Annual Appeal website.
