General News
30 July, 2025
Ten years just the beginning
CQUniversity is celebrating 10 years since it established a dedicated campus at Cairns Square in the CBD.
The university celebrated the occasion with key stakeholders and the university council at a networking evening earlier this month with university leaders reflecting on a decade of growth, community engagement and student success.
During his speech, CQUniversity’s chancellor Graeme Innes highlighted the profound impact the university has had in the region, since establishing a campus presence.
“From modest beginnings as a study centre, CQUniversity has seen its presence in the region expand and this presence has made a positive and lasting impact on the community,” he said.
“Over the past decade, the university has introduced a diverse range of new courses, welcomed thousands of students and launched key initiatives, including the establishment of the Jawun Institute, a First Nations research organisation based in Cairns.
“Since establishing a campus we have witnessed more than 2000 students cross the stage as graduates, many of whom have since gone on to become much-needed professionals, for example nurses, teachers and engineers, in the local region.
“This trend of growing local talent is having a direct, positive impact on the region’s economy and services and is allowing more young people to stay in Cairns, study and commence their careers,” Mr Innes said.
CQUniversity’s vice-chancellor and president Professor Nick Klomp said that as CQUniversity prepared for its next chapter, with plans and funding secured for a new purpose-built campus, the university’s impact would continue to grow in the Far North.
“In 10 years we have grown our course offerings and student numbers beyond expectations and through our continued engagement and collaboration with industry we have identified new ways to support the region and its future workforce needs,” he said.
“For example, from next year we will commence delivery of our medical imaging program and following completion of the new campus we will establish local delivery of our occupational therapy course.
“The support of the local community has made our success in Cairns possible and we are committed to giving back to the Far North by offering the courses and research the region needs long into the future.”
