COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
REPORT
2023
Message from the
Vice-Chancellor and President
In presenting our annual Community Engagement Report, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the broader UQ community for their invaluable support in 2023.
This year, we witnessed exceptional achievements that underscore the profound impact of community engagement. From addressing educational inequality to advancing research, our accomplishments stand as a testament to the power of collective efforts.
The University’s founders went to great lengths to describe this new institution as the “people’s university”, or quite deliberately as the 'University for Queensland'.
Education and opportunity must be available for all Queenslanders and we have committed to break down personal, financial and geographical barriers facing students aspiring to study at UQ.
The Queensland Commitment reaffirms the founding principles of the University, and underpins our commitment to work collaboratively with the community to deliver generational change across the state.
We also seek to deliver broader economic and social benefits to Queensland by leveraging our research and teaching expertise in a diverse range of fields, including healthcare, agriculture and sustainable mining.
We are committed to serving as an innovation partner for our whole state and our work towards this goal is a testament to our desire to not only support problem solving at a community level, but to contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Queensland as a whole.
This report is a celebration of the transformative effect of community engagement and the impact we've already achieved together with our valued partners across the state.
Thank you for partnering with UQ to create change.
Professor Deborah Terry AO
Vice-Chancellor and President
Our history
and our vision
The University of Queensland (UQ) was founded in 1909 by – and for – the people of Queensland.
More than a century later, UQ has become a leading global institution for teaching, learning and research, but our founding commitment to Queensland remains at the core of who we are and all that we do.
From field camps to palaeontology digs, coral reef expeditions to rural medical programs, UQ has a long history of conducting research in regional and remote Queensland to support and strengthen communities.
Biology students in 1915, working with the Caloundra community to manage beach erosion.
Biology students in 1915, working with the Caloundra community to manage beach erosion.
A bore expedition on Heron Island in 1937.
A bore expedition on Heron Island in 1937.
The University College of Townsville, established by UQ in 1961 to invest in country towns and establish regional university centres for high-quality tertiary education outside of Brisbane.
The University College of Townsville, established by UQ in 1961 to invest in country towns and establish regional university centres for high-quality tertiary education outside of Brisbane.
Redland Bay Farm circa 1965, a 9-acre property to support education in botany and shape the future of Queensland agriculture.
Redland Bay Farm circa 1965, a 9-acre property to support education in botany and shape the future of Queensland agriculture.
UQ Gatton circa 1902, which became a University of Queensland campus in 1990, becoming an international centre for excellence in teaching and research, touting several major scientific achievements.
UQ Gatton circa 1902, which became a University of Queensland campus in 1990, becoming an international centre for excellence in teaching and research, touting several major scientific achievements.
Boyce Gardens, given in trust to UQ by Leslie and Margaret Boyce in May 1969, is open every day for the enjoyment and education of all visitors and the enjoyment of Toowoomba residents and visitors.
Boyce Gardens, given in trust to UQ by Leslie and Margaret Boyce in May 1969, is open every day for the enjoyment and education of all visitors and the enjoyment of Toowoomba residents and visitors.
Moreton Bay Research Station, opened in 2000 to support projects on sea grasses, dugongs, whales and dolphins, sea turtles, mangroves, fish and their parasites, invertebrates, plankton, sharks and rays, migratory sea birds, habitat complexity and connectivity, hydrology and archaeology.
Moreton Bay Research Station, opened in 2000 to support projects on sea grasses, dugongs, whales and dolphins, sea turtles, mangroves, fish and their parasites, invertebrates, plankton, sharks and rays, migratory sea birds, habitat complexity and connectivity, hydrology and archaeology.
Dalby Dental Clinic, established to provide dental services to the communities of Dalby and St George.
Dalby Dental Clinic, established to provide dental services to the communities of Dalby and St George.
The staff of Bundaberg Rural Clinical School, established in 2015 to serve the local community.
The staff of Bundaberg Rural Clinical School, established in 2015 to serve the local community.
Hidden Vale Research Station and Wildlife Centre, established to support Australian wildlife research and conservation.
Hidden Vale Research Station and Wildlife Centre, established to support Australian wildlife research and conservation.
Young Achievers Program students in 2019
Young Achievers Program students in 2019
The Queensland Commitment
Launched in August 2022, The Queensland Commitment is an initiative that encapsulates our founding commitment to the people of Queensland.
We believe that education and opportunity must be available for all Queenslanders.
Our goal is to break down personal, financial and geographical barriers facing Queensland students aspiring to study at UQ by 2032.
The Queensland Commitment is much more than a philanthropic campaign. It is a comprehensive initiative to support Queensland’s future by increasing access to education, engagement and partnership. 
To achieve this, we are working collaboratively with communities, partners and government across the state.
A key ambition of the initiative is for 30 per cent of our domestic undergraduate students come from a regional, remote or low socio-economic background.
We also aim to have the proportion of domestic students identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander reflect the representation of people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in Queensland.
The Queensland Commitment in numbers
$11m
committed to date
64
funds supported
To date, over 1,100 donors have partnered with us to support our work on this program, supporting more than 64 scholarship funds that directly assist underrepresented students as they commence their journey at UQ.
The Regional
Roadshow
Almost 60 per cent of UQ’s 330,000-strong global alumni community are based right here on our doorstep, in Queensland.
UQ’s Regional Roadshow program aims to celebrate UQ students, alumni and diverse partners across the state and the impact they have in their local communities.
Through this program, UQ representatives visit regional communities to discover more ways to foster growth, health and prosperity for all Queenslanders.
Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry with Roma State College students
Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry with Roma State College students
The touring program features meetings with local community to understand how UQ can support the needs of regional and remote Queensland, school visits with researchers to showcase the breadth of opportunities available to students, and a wide range of community events.
Since launching, the annual program has now visited:
- Bundaberg
- Chinchilla
- Dalby
- Gatton
- Gladstone
- Gold Coast
- Gympie
- Heron Island
- Hervey Bay
- Laidley
- Longreach
- Maryborough
- Redlands
- Roma
- St George
- Sunshine Coast
- Toowoomba
- Townsville
- Warwick, and
- Winton.
The 2023 Regional Roadshow in numbers
11,746km
travelled across Queensland
21
Queensland towns visited
94% strongly agreed or agreed attending the strategic discussion was a great opportunity for their community.
Roadshow spotlight:
Opera Queensland Partnership – Festival of the Outback Opera
The great Australian Outback sounded a little different thanks to the return of Opera Queensland’s Festival of Outback Opera.
Presented in partnership with UQ for the second year in a row, the unforgettable landscapes of Longreach and Winton took centre stage from 16–22 May in an array of spectacular open-sky concerts, pop-up performances, panel discussions and events.
Performers on stage in Longreach for Festival of the Outback Opera. Image: Glenn Hunt
Performers on stage in Longreach for Festival of the Outback Opera. Image: Glenn Hunt
This vibrant partnership is part of the newly-launched UQ Arts initiative to increase cultural engagement with the arts across Queensland, connecting people and ideas, artists and audiences, students and opportunities.
21 UQ students and staff performed alongside Opera Queensland and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, as well as performing at Winton Primary School, and a nursing home in Longreach.
UQ Music students in Longreach. Image: Glenn Hunt
UQ Music students in Longreach. Image: Glenn Hunt
Head of UQ’s School of Music Professor Liam Viney said the partnership shows students how to work in a professional environment with industry leaders, and also gives them an insight into regional Queensland and what the arts can do for the community.
“There is also the component of them understanding what the logistics are for organisations that put this type of show on in regional areas,” he said.
UQ Music student performer Lara Miller. Image: Glenn Hunt
UQ Music student performer Lara Miller. Image: Glenn Hunt
UQ Music student and first-time performer at the Festival of Outback Opera Lara Miller was excited to broaden her knowledge of Queensland by visiting Winton and Longreach.
“As an Indigenous woman, the land means a lot to me, and I’m also interested in learning more about the communities and the people that live there.”
Roadshow spotlight: CoralWatch and the Heron Island Research Station
In 2002, at a time when corals were bleaching the area surrounding UQ's Heron Island Research Station, the world’s first Do-it-Yourself method to monitor coral bleaching was developed by scientists from The University of Queensland, Professor Justin Marshall, Dr Uli Siebeck, Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg and Dr Anke Kleuter.
Their work resulted in the development of the Coral Health Chart, designed for anyone around the world to use to monitor the health of coral.
The resulting program, CoralWatch, based at UQ, is now a well-established and world-leading citizen science program.
There are not enough scientists to monitor the world's reefs and now anyone can help collect valuable coral data.
Volunteers have been able to cover places scientists can’t get to, including reef systems from Indonesia to Mexico.
CoralWatch's youngest ambassador Elijah Richardson. Image: Nathan White Images
CoralWatch's youngest ambassador Elijah Richardson. Image: Nathan White Images
The chart is used in the field and classroom, is available in 12 languages and data on >230.000 corals from >1910 reefs in 79 countries is publicly accessible.
CoralWatch also provides regular workshops for communities, teachers and students.
The program, and the team at Heron Island, had a big year in 2023. In March, over 90 UQ alumni, staff and community visited Heron Island Research Station to hear from UQ's marine scientists, tour the station, and explore the surrounding pristine wildlife habitats, as part of the 2023 Regional Roadshow.
They participated in guided reef walks with CoralWatch volunteers, and learned how to use the Coral Health Chart to take back to their own communities.
CoralWatch's youngest ambassador Elijah Richardson attended the weekend to inspire visitors to protect the reef.
Elijah interviewed on ABC's War on Waste in 2023, to share his ideas and projects to save the reef from plastic.
Partnering
for regional success
Business Chamber Queensland
Strong partnerships are critical to achieving our mission of education and opportunity for all Queenslanders.
The University of Queensland and Business Chamber Queensland (BCQ) have partnered to strengthen businesses across the state through a new Innovation for Growth program.
Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper, Professor Tim Kastelle, and UQ Chief Community Engagement Officer Mikaeli Costello
Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper, Professor Tim Kastelle, and UQ Chief Community Engagement Officer Mikaeli Costello
The collaboration will bring together academics, government representatives and community business leaders to exchange ideas and shape the future of business in Queensland.
UQ and BCQ kickstarted the partnership in Toowoomba on 3 October 2023 for the first of four design thinking workshops led by globally recognised business leader and Director of UQ's Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership, Professor Tim Kastelle.
By bringing together essential local knowledge of community leaders, the research capabilities of UQ, and business acumen of BCQ , we can harness Queensland's potential as a hub for innovation, excellence and meaningful opportunities for all.
This partnership will result in direct investment in regional Queensland, with infrastructure and enterprises to be developed in Toowoomba and other regional hubs.
Inspiring Australia
Inspiring Australia is a national strategy to help build connections between scientists, organisations, businesses, students, and the community.
Inspiring Australia science engagement activities aim to build an awareness and appreciation of science, celebrate the excitement of science and scientific discovery, enhance the focus on capability and skills, and improve science communication. This includes the annual National Science Week.
Six species of turtle from the Mary River catchment in South Queensland, shared with event attendees for National Science Week.
Six species of turtle from the Mary River catchment in South Queensland, shared with event attendees for National Science Week.
In 2023, The University of Queensland became the host of the Inspiring Australia program for Queensland, to encourage all Queenslanders – regardless of interests, abilities, and backgrounds – to engage with science by making it accessible, approachable, and fun.
Partnering with the Bundaberg community
On 31 May 2023 UQ Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry AO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mayor of Bundaberg Regional Council (BRC).
The MOU aims to strengthen collaboration between BRC and UQ in the areas of sustainable tourism, marine science, engineering, agriculture, business and innovation, bio-economy and health.
As part of the 2023 Regional Roadshow program, UQ visited students at Bundaberg North High School, held a community event at Mon Repos Turtle Centre, and the UQ Ventures team hosted a design sprint for primary producers and key local community members in agriculture, to support entrepreneurship in the region.
Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry with students at Bundaberg North High School.
Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry with students at Bundaberg North High School.
Attendees of the design-sprint explored new ways of dealing with bio-waste in the region that could be commercially beneficial for producers.
The workshop sparked conversation around sustainable and innovative ways to repurpose waste for the community, while generating an income for local businesses.
The Roadshow program provides an excellent opportunity to elevate the MOU and to give back to the Bundaberg community, with hopes for more regional MOU's in the future.
Celebrating and supporting Indigenous communities
The University of Queensland embraces a diverse range of partnerships and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations across Australia.
We strive to nurture the transformative power of higher education and outcome-focused research carried out in concert with Indigenous peoples.
We value the contributions that Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing bring to UQ’s curriculum and wider university life. This includes embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design values to reshape our campuses, so they better recognise, include and celebrate deep connections to places.
Importantly, we also strive to walk the talk when it comes to ensuring that reconciliation is part of every aspect of university operations.
Professor Bronwyn Fredericks
Deputy-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement)
Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan
Through our 2019-2022 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, we have been working towards addressing the legacies of the past and making a substantial and ongoing contribution to reconciliation by fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and collaboration for shared learning, knowledge, language and culture.
In 2023, we are working toward the next level Reconciliation Action Plan – a Stretch RAP.
The new RAP will embed reconciliation in all aspects of UQ’s operations, making it business as usual. With a Stretch RAP, the University is working to become a leader in reconciliation.
10th anniversary of InspireU
2023 marks the 10th anniversary of InspireU, which brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from across the state for a week-long camp on our St Lucia campus in Brisbane.
The camps are themed around the professional disciplines such as engineering, science and health sciences, business, economics and law. Students participate in a range of interactive and fun activities led by UQ academics and our industry and community partners.
InspireU is designed to raise aspirations, demystify previously held misconceptions, break down barriers about university, and ultimately empower students to not only see themselves at UQ, but also be adequately informed to navigate the subject selection and application process.
Campuses on Countries
The UQ Campuses on Countries Design Framework acknowledges Traditional Owners, including their custodianship of lands beneath and around UQ's campuses which range across Queensland.
The Design Framework has produced a set of guidelines for those designing the built and landscape environments at UQ in recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples histories and connections to UQ.
The Framework follows six principles seek to capture Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cultural values and how they will be used by UQ to positively influence the built and natural environments on its campuses.
- First Caring for Country
- Shared Respect, Shared Meaning, Shared Knowledge
- Deep Listening
- Embedded Voices
- Celebrating Excellence
- Exploring Storylines
2023 InspireU student Tajhanna Teale taking part in camp activities
2023 InspireU student Tajhanna Teale taking part in camp activities
InspireU Campu students on St Lucia campus
InspireU Campu students on St Lucia campus
InspireU Ambassador Angus Loft, showing new InspireU camp students around St Lucia campus
InspireU Ambassador Angus Loft, showing new InspireU camp students around St Lucia campus
InspireU camp students enjoying an expert talk in a St Lucia campus lecture theatre
InspireU camp students enjoying an expert talk in a St Lucia campus lecture theatre
The Young
Achievers Program
The Young Achievers Program (YAP) was established with the financial support of two extraordinary UQ alumni and philanthropists, Andrew Brice AM and Graeme Wood AM, who shared the belief that a university education should be a realistic dream for all young people in Queensland.
Since it's inception in 2009 YAP has supported more than 1600 students and a further $10 million has been donated, providing much needed assistance for aspiring students as they embark on the journey of fulfilling their tertiary study and life ambitions.
UQ welcomed it's 15th cohort of YAP students in October 2023, providing mentoring, on-campus experiences, financial assistance, accommodation support, scholarship support for up to 4 years.
Recipients also receive opportunities for personal growth and leadership development, and tailored support for their transition from secondary school to university.
The 2023 Young Achievers Program in numbers
540
students supported
53
schools represented
46%
regional and rural students
51
student mentors
UQ Regional Medical programs
By inspiring and training the next generation of healthcare workers, and working collaboratively with health organisations, educators and community, we can create positive, sustained improvements to the healthcare outcomes of regional, rural and remote Queensland communities.
Regional Medical Pathways
The Regional Medical Pathway will secure long-term, locally-trained workforces, and improve health outcomes for regional, rural and remote communities of Queensland.
The Regional Medical Pathway (Central Queensland and Wide Bay) is a partnership between UQ, CQUniversity and the Wide Bay and Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services.
It is a community of educators, learners, mentors, clinicians and advocates committed to improving regional, rural and remote health by nurturing and inspiring the next generation of doctors through training and education.
The Darling-Downs South West Medical Pathway is a partnership between UQ, University of Southern Queensland, Darling Downs Health and South West Hospital and Health Services.
This includes immersive, innovative and engaging pre-medical, medical, pre-vocational and vocational training programs with the aim to create positive, sustained improvement in health outcomes and to establish long-term careers, in the Darling Downs and South-West Regions.
By 2026 medical students will be able to complete their entire medical degree in the regions.
21 years of UQ's Rural Clinical School
In 2002, the Rural Clinical School was established to train medical students in regional Queensland, increasing the likelihood they would return to rural areas as general practitioners, specialists and academic specialist staff.
The program has grown considerably since the first 28 medical students participated in 2002. More than 1600 medical students have come through the program since it's inception, with many of these graduates remaining in regional areas to complete internships and live long-term.
The UQ Rural Clinical School has five key locations which include Regional Clinical Units in Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and the Rural and Remote Medicine Clinical Unit, attracting and retaining future doctors to regional, rural, and remote practice.
Goondir Health Clinic
UQ's School of Dentistry partnered with Goondir Health Services to provide dental services to the communities of Dalby and St George through clinics run by supervised fifth-year dental students.
The Dalby clinic, established in 2013, now treats about 800 Indigenous patients a year.
The St George clinic followed in 2017, and both clinics have increased access for the community, while easing the demand on other local dental services.
The unique co-location model and a student-led workforce has the potential to be replicated across a range of allied health fields, working together to keep communities healthy.
Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH), a collaboration between UQ, The University of Southern Queensland, Darling Downs Health, and the South West Hospital and Health Service, has also partnered with Goondir Health Services to establish an allied health and education training hub in St George.
Additionally SQRH has partnered with Southern Cross Care Queensland to establish an aged care education and training centre in Chinchilla.
Message from the
Chief Community Engagement Officer
As we bring our inaugural Community Engagement Report to a close, I want to thank you for being an integral part of our ongoing commitment to the people of Queensland and beyond.
The outcomes shared in this report are a testament to the impact of our enduring partnerships, the power of local knowledge, and the importance of working together to strengthen communities.
6 core principles guide our community engagement:
- A united mission: Together we share a commitment to transform lives through education and create a prosperous future for Queensland.
- Mutuality and reciprocity: We believe in two-way partnerships built on the Carnegie Classification definition of mutuality and reciprocity.
- For the public good: Enriching communities is core to our mission. Our engagement is values-led and deeply commited to delivering for the public good.
- Listen and learn: By listening we will gain an improved understanding of the community's needs, values and aspirations.
- Community-led: We believe in locally embedded community engagement, particularly with First Nations peoples, and a consistent presence in the region.
- Give voice: Leverage UQ's networks to elevate key local and regional issues.
Our extraordinary alumni community of over 330,000 ChangeMakers embody our commitment to creating change, and 18 remarkable UQ graduates who are transforming their communities for the better were recently celebrated through the 2023 UQ Alumni Awards.
Reflecting on our collective achievements this year, I am reminded that our shared responsibility extends beyond collaboration–it is a commitment to the belief that together we can create a brighter future for our state.
Thank you for standing beside us as we strive for a Queensland with meaningful opportunities for all.
Mikaeli Costello
Chief Community Engagement Officer
Together, we want to ensure that by 2032, every Queensland student accepted into UQ has the support they need to overcome any personal, financial, or geographical challenges they face in studying at university.
We hope that you can join us on this journey.
Acknowledgement of Country
The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ operates.
We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.
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