Digital Media students support homelessness messaging
Raising awareness about homelessness in Central Queensland has been bolstered with three CQUniversity Digital Media students offering their skills to create an animation for the CQ Zero initiative.
Led by Roseberry Queensland, CQ Zero brings together the housing, health, and homelessness sectors to deliver a coordinated, data-driven response to homelessness across CQ.
Students Jade Erhart, Mads Lindgren and Chloe Tresidder created a short, animated explainer video to help CQ Zero communicate what the organisation is, why it matters, and what it’s working to achieve across the region.
Roseberry Queensland Program Development Manager and CQ Zero Community Lead Fabian Webber said he was genuinely impressed with what Jade, Mads and Chloe produced.
“They managed to take a complex subject like homelessness, and particularly the systems change approach underpinning CQ Zero, and communicate it in a clear, engaging and visually appealing way,” he said.
“What stood out was their ability to balance creativity with sensitivity to the subject matter. Homelessness is not always an easy topic to communicate, and it is important that the messaging respects the dignity of people experiencing homelessness while also building understanding of what needs to change.
“The finished animation in particular exceeded our expectations, particularly given that the students were working within the requirements of their studies. They should be very proud of what they have achieved, and we are grateful for the time, effort and creativity they invested in the project.”
Jade said working with CQ Zero was a valuable and rewarding experience.
“They were a wonderful client who gave us a great deal of creative freedom and encouraged us to explore our ideas,” she said.
Jade created illustrations and artwork assets for the animation.
“Preparing the artwork so Chloe could animate it effectively was also a challenge and not something I had done before. It required a lot of refinement and adjustments to ensure the assets were separated and organised properly to create functional puppets for her to use,” she said.
“My teammates and I were committed to putting in the effort to produce high-quality work that we could be proud of. I particularly enjoyed working with Mads and Chloe, as sharing ideas and collaborating throughout the project made the experience even more enjoyable.
“Overall, the project provided valuable hands-on experience, allowing me to apply the skills I have developed throughout my degree while gaining a better understanding of what it is like to work with a real client in a professional environment.
“It was also rewarding to contribute to CQ Zero’s cause through our work, knowing that the project had a purpose beyond simply creating an animation. It made the experience feel more meaningful and gave me a greater appreciation for how digital media can be used to support an organisation and its goals.”
Chloe said she had a lot fun working on this project.
“It was really enjoyable to animate all of the little bits and see the animation come together,” she said.
“Going into this degree I had never thought I would grow quite attached to animation, working on this project made that love grow stronger. I'd also like to thank both Jade and Mads for being some of the best teammates I could ever ask for.”
Mads said working on the project for CQ Zero was a wonderful experience.
“I think it tested all of our abilities in both our digital media disciplines, but also in soft skills of communication, brief elucidation, and thoughtful planning,” she said.
“Although it is the part that most stands out, the explainer video was only one part of a large-scale project, which included many more social media assets and professional documentation at every step of the way. We were constantly improving upon ideas and carrying out client presentations throughout the project.
“While I did not have a hand in the creation of the explainer video animation itself, I had the opportunity to oversee the project as Scrum Master (Project Manager) and watch the incredible work being done by Chloe and Jade while working on my own deliverables.
“However, you might catch my voice in the final video as the narration, and I also worked on sourcing music and SFX. We all learned a lot from this project and want to thank CQ Zero and the CQUniversity staff for making it happen.”
The animation now takes pride of place on the CQ Zero website.
Eligible organisations for the 2027 intake include not-for-profits, charities, councils, community groups, educational providers and government agencies seeking support with digital media and design projects. Applications close 29 January 2027. For more information or to apply, email Regina John Luan.
The Bachelor of Creative Media is also available online and at CQU campuses in Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Cairns, Mackay and Brisbane.
