CQUniversity is calling on its communities to join with them in changing lives through its annual CQUniCares Appeal.
Now in its ninth year, the Appeal will kick off on Monday, 14 October and will run until Friday, 18 October with this year’s aims to:
- Support students facing financial hardship
- Protect Central Queensland’s koala population
- Advance traditional medicine research.
“This year, we will again be giving our donors the chance to champion a cause that they are passionate about,” Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp says.
Klomp says that while many students faced challenges during their study journeys, financial disadvantage was one of the main factors causing students to drop out of university.
“With today’s cost-of-living crisis, the financial pressures facing our students is greater than ever and these students need our support to overcome financial barriers that might be limiting their success,” he says.
CQUniCares has been helping students to access and continue their studies by providing much-needed financial support through scholarships and financial aid for many years. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
“Our students are our regions’ 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.”
Scholarship support makes education possible
Occupational Therapy student Kurt Dunlop is a recipient of a CQUniCares scholarship and speaks from experience about how a scholarship has helped him on his study journey.
“As a low-income earner and father of four, I have faced challenges covering the costs of my ongoing studies,” Dunlop says.
“Textbooks, equipment, travel to and from university, and placement prerequisite medical requirements are just a few of the expenses I have encountered.
“I am thankful for my Student Success Scholarship meaning that I can continue to pursue my dreams and at the same time provide for my family.
“I encourage anyone to support other students like me.”
This year’s Appeal is also giving the community the opportunity to assist CQUniversity’s Koala Research – CQ team in protecting the Central Queensland koala population from the threats caused by climate change, habitat loss, disease and motor vehicle strikes.
“Our koala research team is leading the charge in identifying and mitigating the cause of the decline in the native animals’ health and their distribution specifically in Central Queensland, where little has been known about their habitation numbers,” Klomp says.
“There are several threats facing koalas today which are all resulting in declining populations and chronic health conditions caused by stress. By donating to this cause, you will be contributing to saving and protecting this important yet now endangered species.”
The third deserving cause that donors can support in the 2024 Appeal is the groundbreaking cancer-fighting Gumbi Gumbi research.
Led by CQUniversity and Ghungalu Elder Uncle Steve Kemp, researchers have found that the leaves and fruit of Gumbi Gumbi are packed with potent antioxidants, which help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
They are also seeing promising cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, opening the door to exciting new possibilities for natural treatments.
“By combining traditional Indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge science, your donation to this cause can help our researchers discover new ways to improve health outcomes for people everywhere.”
Klomp says 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 says.
“Every donation has a lasting impact and together – we will change lives.”
