This week the Rockhampton economy should see a bit of a boost. Not just because of the Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur road trip, but with term 1 starting at CQUniversity. Students have made their way to Rockhampton from near and far to start or recommence their studies. Perhaps only when driving past along the Bruce Highway would you now notice the difference in the Uni car park with the overflow of student’s cars.
When I say far, I recall lecturing to a class that had 14 different nationalities; China, Sudan, United States, Germany, India, Thailand, etc. When they complete their CQU studies most leave and use the knowledge gained to develop their careers elsewhere. What do they take about Rockhampton? Is there more Rockhampton can do to further benefit from their time here?
Last week I suggested the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur road trip to Rockhampton could be catalyst not only for an individual’s life change but a community, by us all embracing and encouraging more start-up’s and entrepreneurial spirit to move and flourish here.
As part of this community change could a greater effort be made to embrace all the students who come to Rockhampton, including the secondary school boarding students?
Could Rockhampton host a welcome to our community event for these students?
No doubt some of our entrepreneurial businesses have found ways to connect with the students, but wouldn’t a whole of community connection be more beneficial, both short and long term.
An event held just prior to the start of term at Victoria Park and the Southside Pool to which everyone is invited to welcome all the students that have moved to Rockhampton.
Live music in the park, multi-cultural food stalls amongst sporting and community group displays, pool activities, welcome kits with offers from local businesses distributed, etc.
Make a great impression on the students wouldn’t it. An impression they would let their family and friends know immediately about. Thus along with their comments about how hot Rockhampton is, there would be photos of the river, pool, park land, children swings, tennis and basketball facilities going worldwide, along with the people they’ve met.
Wouldn’t we all be richer for the interaction?
Could this also result in possibly more of these students staying after finishing their studies and maybe some developing their entrepreneurial ideas here?
A Rockhampton introduction, managed to show off some of our best features. There’s dividends to be derived in many ways.