Celebrating UQ's regional history

The University of Queensland (UQ) was founded in the early 20th century 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.

To celebrate 110 years working, learning, researching and engaging in the regions, we took a look back at UQ's rich history across Queensland.

1913–1949

A black and white image of 8 white tents in the forest with students sitting outside around a campfire

A UQ Geology Camp at Cunningham Gap in 1913. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white image of 10 students and community members on the beach studying the erosion

Biology students in Caloundra in 1915. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A yellow poster and an orange poster for a public lecture series

Image: University of Queensland Archives

An old faded black and white image of Heron Island Marine Research Station

Heron Island Marine Biological Research Station. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A collage of 4 black and white images, top left is 4 boys working on large logs to build a bridge, top right a wooden-fenced cattle yard with a shed, bottom left is a white sheep shed, and bottom right is a large administration building with 20 students spread out standing on the grass in front of the buildin

(L-R) Farm school boys building the bridge over One O'clock Creek in 1935, the cattle yards, the sheep shed under construction in 1965, and equine students practicing outside the administration building in 1964. Images: University of Queensland Archives

two men in white lab coats and safety glasses standing in a small room between two walls stacked floor to ceiling full of specimen containers

The laboratory specimen store. Image: University of Queensland Archives

An aerial photograph of the Pinjarra Hills facility with green fields and facility building roofs, with the river and the Brisbane city skyline in the far distance

An aerial photograph of the Pinjarra Hills facility. Image: Pinjarra Hills Research Facility

8 men sitting on a boat around a ninth man in a white shirt standing at the ship's wheel to steer

A Heron Island bore expedition in 1937. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a man with a straw sun hat and carrying two over-the-shoulder satchels with his pants rolled up around his ankles, wearing reef shoes standing on the reef rocks covered in coral

Geologist Dr Edward Oswald Marks (Bachelor of Engineering 1911, Diploma in Physical Education '55), a founding member of the Great Barrier Reef Committee, on a Heron Island bore expedition in 1937. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a wooden house on stilts

The Dunwich Laboratory Queenslander. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white image of 8 white tents in the forest with students sitting outside around a campfire

A UQ Geology Camp at Cunningham Gap in 1913. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white image of 10 students and community members on the beach studying the erosion

Biology students in Caloundra in 1915. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A yellow poster for a public lecture series

Image: University of Queensland Archives

An old faded black and white image of Heron Island Marine Research Station

Heron Island Marine Biological Research Station. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Students standing on the lawn with horses in front of a building. There is an old ute in the background.

Equine students practicing outside the administration building in 1964. Image: University of Queensland Archives

two men in white lab coats and safety glasses standing in a small room between two walls stacked floor to ceiling full of specimen containers

The laboratory specimen store. Image: University of Queensland Archives

An aerial photograph of the Pinjarra Hills facility with green fields and facility building roofs, with the river and the Brisbane city skyline in the far distance

An aerial photograph of the Pinjarra Hills facility. Image: Pinjarra Hills Research Facility

8 men sitting on a boat around a ninth man in a white shirt standing at the ship's wheel to steer

A Heron Island bore expedition in 1937. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Geologist Dr Edward Oswald Marks (Bachelor of Engineering 1911, Diploma in Physical Education '55), a founding member of the Great Barrier Reef Committee, on a Heron Island bore expedition in 1937. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a wooden house on stilts

The Dunwich Laboratory Queenslander. Image: University of Queensland Archives

1913: Geology camp at Cunningham Gap

Pictured here is a Geology camp undertaken by UQ students in 1913, one of our first recorded regional student initiatives.

The University of Queensland is one of Australia's top research-intensive universities. 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.

1915: Students on the Sunshine Coast

UQ students worked with the local Caloundra community to provide advice on managing beach erosion, as well as engineering proposals for the Mooloolaba river.

1914: The Country Public Lecture Series

UQ established a country public lecture series as a means of bringing the University into closer touch with the people across the State.

The first series, held in 1914, included Bowen, Charters Towers, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Childers, Maryborough and Gympie.

The series began when the University organised 130 public lectures with 20 professors and lecturers, across 40 state centres, to mark UQ's Jubilee year. It was the largest lecture program ever undertaken by the University at the time.

It included lectures on education, parenting and child development, modern sciences, literature, and agriculture. This series continued throughout the 20th century.

1922: The Great Barrier Reef Committee

In 1922, geologist and UQ Professor Henry Caselli Richards (Master of Science 1911) founded the Great Barrier Reef Committee alongside Queensland Governor, Sir Matthew Nathan.

UQ funded the first 3 years of the committee alongside the University of Sydney. The object of the committee was to investigate the origin, growth, and natural resources of the Great Barrier Reef, and enlisted the support of various organisations including the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science, multiple Australian universities, the Queensland Museum and the Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry.

This committee would go to the establish the Heron Island Marine Biological Research Station in 1951.

1923: The Mayne Gift and Pinjarra Hills

In the 1920s, siblings Dr James and Mary Emelia Mayne gave £63,000 to build UQ's St Lucia campus, along with a 280-hectare farm at Pinjarra Hills. This was the first gift made to the University by the Mayne family, and is of tremendous significance to UQ.

The farm land was converted into a research facility to enhance agricultural education, and remains the site of the Pinjarra Hills Research Precinct to this day.

The Mayne family hoped their gift would nurture the young University and provide Queenslanders with the opportunity to study at a grand campus in their own state.

The Chancellor described the Mayne siblings' gift as "the first step towards the fulfilment of our desire that agricultural education in Queensland should have a stimulus and direction for the University."

The UQ Vet School brand was registered at Pinjarra Hills in 1957, and the purpose-built John Francis Virology laboratory was built in 1966. The laboratory saw the creation of a vaccine for bovine eye cancer, and the research of Professor Peter Spradbrow (Bachelor of Veterinary Science '57, Doctor of Veterinary Science '80, Doctor of Philosophy '61) enabling heat-resistant vaccines to be produced in remote areas, which continues to be a highly valued contribution to Australia’s aid and development program today.

Pinjarra Hills saw many state, national and world firsts, including the:

  • Birth of the world’s first known identical koala twins.
  • Establishment of the first disease free piggery in Australia.
  • Establishment of the first Australian Blood Typing Laboratory in the southern hemisphere.
  • Establishment of the first koala hospital and monotreme facility in Queensland.
  • Discovery of the world’s first successful method for freezing pig embryos by Associate Professor Ranald Cameron (Bachelor of Veterinary Science '63, Master of Veterinary Science '71, Doctor of Philosophy '82) and his team.
  • Establishment of the world’s first artificial breeding program for a marsupial by Associate Professor Steve Johnston (Bachelor of Science '94, Doctor of Philosophy '99), Professor Michael McGowan (Graduate Certificate in Education '97) and Emeritus Professor Frank Carrick, producing the world’s first koala joeys by artificial insemination.
A man in green work overalls holding a fluffy grey koala, as a woman with brown hair in a tank top pets the koala on the back

Dr Frank Carrick from the Koala Study program at Pinjarra Hills Research Facility

Dr Frank Carrick from the Koala Study program at Pinjarra Hills Research Facility

1927: Heron Island Expeditions

From marine science breakthroughs to a NASA space mission – the history of Heron Island Research Station is almost as rich as the biodiversity that surrounds it.

A number of expeditions have been carried out around Heron Island since 1922, including coral boring expeditions in 1927 and 1937.

The island was declared a national park in 1943, and shortly after World War II researchers and students returned to the island, including the first undergraduate group from UQ, led by Professor Ernest Goddard.

Heron Island became a hub for biological, ecological, geological, chemical and anthropological research – some multi-decadal – on both the reef and cay.

The station was frequented by luminaries of coral reef science, and home to many ground-breaking studies that yielded influential papers and books.

1949: The original Moreton Bay Research Station is established

The original station, known as the 'Dunwich Laboratory', was a Queenslander on stilts. It was used by UQ staff, students, government and international researchers.

In 1961 UQ took over management of the station, and in 1997 a new purpose-designed teaching and research facility was built, now known as the Moreton Bay Research Station and Study Centre.

1950–1999

Excerpts of the Botany Papers

The Botany Papers. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a house and surrounding property, containing the seismograph

Charters Towers Seismology Station. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a field of crops

Students and researchers working on Redland Bay Farm crops in 1965. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a a wooden two story house with a field of cane out the front. A group of people wearing white shirts stand in front of the building.

Redland Bay laboratory and amenities block 1965. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a marquee and a small podium opposite one another. The podium has the Australian flag wrapped around it. There is a speaker at the lecturn on the podium addressing the audience in the marquee.

A ceremony at the University College of Townsville in 1964 to celebrate the undertaking of new works. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A metal plaque is attached to a stone pillar and a man in a black graduation gown and cap stands with 3 women in dresses looking at the plaque.

A plaque was installed to celebrate new work initiated on the Ross River Plains site for the University College of Townsville, in 1964. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A drawn map of the Boyne River

A map of the Boyne River and Gladstone area. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a man in a suit and tie standing over a small model power station

Emeritus Professor Colin Apelt (Bachelor of Engineering '52) with a model of Gladstone Power Station, on display at an Expo in 1988. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A sepia image of a man in a suit and a woman in a dress with a lace collar and a large wide-brimmed hat smiling for the camera

Leslie and Margaret Boyce. Image: University of Queensland Archives

The sun glowing through the trees with a red brick house on top of a hill to the left, surrounded by lush green gardens

Boyce Garden's House. Image: Bev Lacey/APN Australian Regional Media

A man in a knitted jumper stands by a metal gate in front of green gardens. The gate has a sign that says Boyce Gardens & Rainforest

Daryl Mears at the gates of Boyce Gardens & Rainforest. Image: Butterfly Kisses Creations

A collage of four sepia images. Top left is young students in swimwear inspecting something in the water on the coral reef. Top right a man and woman sit at a table outside inspecting a specimen in a clear tray, bottom left a man with a beard and curly hair is looking at a switchboard, bottom right a man in a straw hat with his pants rolled up stands in ankle deep water with logs to build something surrounding him

A collection of photographs from the early days of the Heron Island Research Station. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A large group of people from diverse ages and genders stand outside a building on Heron island and smile for the camera

The National Geographic Explorers Board visiting Heron Island in 1987. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Black and white photo or a brick building with grass out the front and a big tree on the right

The Toowoomba University Centre. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Three older men wearing long coats looking at a plaque on the wall to open the new University Centre

The official opening of the Cairns University Centre. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Black and white image of a wooden building

Gatton College Foundation Building ca1902. Image courtesy of Bob Taylor, Redcliffe

A sepia image of a group of students sitting on a wooden wagon pulled by horses. They are waving at the camera

Students riding a wagon to class in 1934. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Students in white shirts and white helmets standing over a tray full of soil and seedlings

Food technology students at the Gatton campus in 1990. Image: University of Queensland Archives

three older men smiling at the camera in front of a wooden building.

Attendees at Gatton's 125th Anniversary celebration held at UQ Gatton.

The Botany Papers. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a house and surrounding property, containing the seismograph

Charters Towers Seismology Station. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a field of crops

Students and researchers working on Redland Bay Farm crops in 1965. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a a wooden two story house with a field of cane out the front. A group of people wearing white shirts stand in front of the building.

Redland Bay laboratory and amenities block 1965. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a marquee and a small podium opposite one another. The podium has the Australian flag wrapped around it. There is a speaker at the lecturn on the podium addressing the audience in the marquee.

A ceremony at the University College of Townsville in 1964 to celebrate the undertaking of new works. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A metal plaque is attached to a stone pillar and a man in a black graduation gown and cap stands with 3 women in dresses looking at the plaque.

A plaque was installed to celebrate new work initiated on the Ross River Plains site for the University College of Townsville, in 1964. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A map of the Boyne River and Gladstone area. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A black and white photo of a man in a suit and tie standing over a small model power station

Emeritus Professor Colin Apelt (Bachelor of Engineering '52) with a model of Gladstone Power Station, on display at an Expo in 1988. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A man standing outside. He is wearing a black pinstripe suit and glasses.

Leslie Boyce. Image: University of Queensland Archives

The sun glowing through the trees with a red brick house on top of a hill to the left, surrounded by lush green gardens

Boyce Garden's House. Image: Bev Lacey/APN Australian Regional Media

A man in a knitted jumper stands by a metal gate in front of green gardens. The gate has a sign that says Boyce Gardens & Rainforest

Daryl Mears at the gates of Boyce Gardens & Rainforest. Image: Butterfly Kisses Creations

a man and woman sit at a table outside inspecting a specimen in a clear tray

Researchers on Heron Island. Image: University of Queensland Archives

A large group of people from diverse ages and genders stand outside a building on Heron island and smile for the camera

The National Geographic Explorers Board visiting Heron Island in 1987. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Black and white photo or a brick building with grass out the front and a big tree on the right

The Toowoomba University Centre. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Three older men wearing long coats looking at a plaque on the wall to open the new University Centre

The official opening of the Cairns University Centre. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Black and white image of a wooden building

Gatton College Foundation Building ca1902. Image courtesy of Bob Taylor, Redcliffe

Students riding a wagon to class in 1934. Image: University of Queensland Archives

Students in white shirts and white helmets standing over a tray full of soil and seedlings

Food technology students at the Gatton campus in 1990. Image: University of Queensland Archives

three older men smiling at the camera in front of a wooden building.

Attendees at Gatton's 125th Anniversary celebration held at UQ Gatton.

1954: The Botany Papers

UQ has a long history of research in the regions, from conservation, to agriculture, palaeontology and beyond.

In 1954 Dorothy Davidson (Bachelor of Science '52) from UQ's Department of Botany conducted an extensive study on the vegetation, soil, geography, climate and the effect of grazing stock in Longreach.

Fast forward to 2023 – UQ Law School academic Dr Thea Voogt (Master of International Commercial Law '16) is currently leading a pilot study in Longreach to discover the best ways to structure family businesses in Queensland’s drought-affected regions, to ensure regional communities not only survive but thrive.

1958: Charters Towers Seismology Station

The University of Queensland Seismograph Stations (UQSS) were a long-term community service and research project of the University, starting in 1935 following the Gayndah earthquake. It began with a MilneShaw Seismograph in the basement of UQ's George Street location.

In 1956 the University’s second underground observatory was designed and built at Charters Towers under the supervision of UQ lecturer and Director of the UQSS, Dr JP Webb and began recording in 1957.

1959: Redland Bay Farm

In 1955 the Acclimatisation Society of Queensland wanted to support the training of students who would shape the future of Queensland agriculture.

They gifted a 9-acre farm property in Redland Bay to UQ, to be used for education in botany. The farm was transformed into an active University centre, and on 27 June 1959 the laboratory and student buildings were opened and formally handed over to UQ.

Redland Bay Farm was a hub for invaluable research and the teaching of agriculture and botany, including plant breeding, weed control, soil studies, fertilizer experiments and routine farm operations, until its sale in 2002 to support ongoing research with more modern facilities and to support other research and teaching activity in the University.

1961: University College of Townsville

The University College of Townsville was established by UQ to invest in country centres and establish regional university centres outside of Brisbane.

The 35-acre site would provide a forum for the pursuit of knowledge through university education, and to increase the subjects available for external study.

With the support of the local community, The University College was officially opened on 27 February, 1961.

The University College of Townsville would later become James Cook University.

1965: Boyne River Weir

Prior to the expansion of state government departments, UQ's Department of Civil Engineering did considerable work on bridges, dams, and weirs all over Queensland including Boyne River Weir, Little Nerang Dam and the Nerang water supply system, and Noosa Weir.

Boyne River Weir was constructed to provide a reliable water supply to the Gladstone region and help meet rising demand for water. Dr Michael Gourlay (Master of Engineering '64, Doctor of Philosophy '78) from the Department of Civil Engineering worked on the construction and operation of scale models to examine the impact of dam water movement on various locations.

1968: Gladstone Power Station

The Department also carried out work on Gladstone Power Station, Queensland's largest power station, which is still in operation today.

1969: Boyce Gardens

This magnificent 6-hectare garden, forest and park was established as a private garden by leading Toowoomba citizens Dr Leslie Boyce (Doctor of Laws honoris causa '73) and Margaret Boyce over almost 60 years, and was given by them in trust to The University of Queensland, for the enjoyment and education of the people of Australia.

A half-built house with excavated earth surrounding to build a driveway

The Boyce family property under construction in 1929.

The Boyce family property under construction in 1929.

The gardens are as varied as they are beautiful, with rainforest on the north-eastern corner, pine forest on the eastern side, rose gardens, native orchids, camellias and manicured lawns to the south, an avocado orchard and Australian flowering shrubs.

For 46 years the gardens have been managed and maintained by Daryl Mears, who has devoted his life to preserving and protecting the gardens after starting as a labourer for the Boyce family when he was 15.

A young man in a flannel shot sit with an elderly man with a whit moustache and khaki shirt, inspecting a small tree in a pot.

Daryl Mears and Leslie Boyce check on the progress of a South American Silk Floss Tree, grown from a seed obtained on an overseas trip in 1983. Image: The University of Queensland Fryer Library (UQFL605, box 2, folder 1)

Daryl Mears and Leslie Boyce check on the progress of a South American Silk Floss Tree, grown from a seed obtained on an overseas trip in 1983. Image: The University of Queensland Fryer Library (UQFL605, box 2, folder 1)

Under Daryl's care the Botanic Garden and natural forest was able to open open to the public, and remains open every day from 9am until 4pm for the education of all visitors.

1970: UQ becomes Heron Island Research Station's official operational partner

In 1970, UQ officially became the research station's operational partner and in 1974 the lease was established with the national park. In 1980 UQ took ownership of the facility and a science laboratory was built with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation.

A raft of marine field courses run by UQ and other universities followed, many which continue today.

1974: Toowoomba University Centre established

The centre served as a focal point for external students from across the Darling Downs, a conference centre and a specialist library and gallery.

The centre housed the Lionel Lindsay Art Collection, featuring artworks from Lionel Lindsay's extensive and celebrated career as one of Australia's most famous artists from the early 20th Century.

The Lionel Lindsay Art Collection in the Toowoomba University Centre in 1974.

The Lionel Lindsay Art Collection in the Toowoomba University Centre in 1974.

1978: Cairns University Centre

Cairns University Centre, a joint initiative between UQ and James Cook University North Queensland, was opened by Sir Zelman Cowen (Doctor of Laws honoris causa '72), UQ's Vice-Chancellor, and 19th Governor-General of Australia.

During Sir Zelman’s period of office at UQ, 17 new buildings were completed, including the Cairns centre which would provide regional tertiary education.

1990: Gatton Campus

UQ's Gatton Campus is one of the oldest tertiary institutions in Queensland.

The campus formally opened as Queensland Agricultural College (QAC) in 1897, a combined agricultural college and experimental farm with the motto Science with practice.

The college would later transform into a high school, military hospital for the United States army during World War II, college of advanced education and finally a university campus of UQ in 1990.

A decade later, UQ launched a forward-looking plan to develop UQ Gatton as an international centre of excellence in teaching, research and extension, with a $13 million injection of funds and proposals for new courses and centres and a lift in student numbers.

There have also been major scientific achievements with origins at UQ Gatton. Its School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability has built a global reputation, with its international ranking rising from seventh place in 2016, to number 2 in 2021.

UQ and the Gatton campus are also part of the recently announced Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) project, awarded $50 million in federal government Trailblazer funding to supercharge commercialisation in the food and beverage industry, double the value of Australia's food and beverage sector by 2030, and create thousands of jobs.

History looms large at UQ Gatton, in part because of the highly active Gatton Past Students Association (GPSA) formed in 1924, which continues today and keeps the stories of Gatton alive.

The Gatton campus celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2022.

2000–2019

A large research building with an Open Day banner hanging on the fence. There is a large stingray motif on the building wall.

Moreton Bay research Station on Open Day.

Four young children in colourful hats are happily playing and splashing their hands in a blue pool having a homemade boat race

Community members learning about the ocean at Moreton Bay Research Station.

The Rural Clinical School building

Rural Clinical School Toowoomba.

A group of university students and teachers stand around a medical practice dummy on a stretcher in a healthcare practice

Students and teachers at the Rural Clinical School.

The front facade of the grey Rural Clinical School building

The Rural Clinical School.

A lecture hall full of highschool students wearing bright clothing holding up a thank you sign and smiling

Young Achievers Program students in 2019.

A young student wearing a wide-brimmed hat standing in a green field holding a leaf
Students wearing grey jumpers standing in front of a sandstone building

InspireU students on camp at St Lucia

Students wearing grey jumpers standing in front of a sandstone building

InspireU students on camp at St Lucia

The Vice-Chancellor wearing a red cardigan stands with a young Aboriginal man wearing a blue shirt with Aboriginal artwork in front of the Goondir Health Services & Dental Clinic sign
7 students and teachers stand in the dental office

Dental students at Goondir Health Services & Dental Clinic.

A small fluffy mammal is sitting on the grass looking directly into the camera, underneath the shade of a tree

The sweetest Hidden Vale Research Station resident.

Two women hold a bobtail lizard in front of glass enclosures filled with leaves

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deborah Terry meeting a scaly Hidden Vale Research Station resident as part of a Regional Roadshow visit.

The front of a red brick building with a tin roof and and sign out the front with the logo SQRH

Southern Queensland Rural Health Centre.

Southern Queensland Rural Health Centre.

Two men wearing hats walk together and smile, in a field at sun down with a gum tree behind them

The Not If, When campaign supported regional initiatives such as student scholarships, medical research and more.

A large research building with an Open Day banner hanging on the fence. There is a large stingray motif on the building wall.

Moreton Bay research Station on Open Day.

Four young children in colourful hats are happily playing and splashing their hands in a blue pool having a homemade boat race

Community members learning about the ocean at Moreton Bay Research Station.

The Rural Clinical School building

Rural Clinical School Toowoomba.

A group of university students and teachers stand around a medical practice dummy on a stretcher in a healthcare practice

Students and teachers at the Rural Clinical School.

The front facade of the grey Rural Clinical School building

The Rural Clinical School.

A lecture hall full of highschool students wearing bright clothing holding up a thank you sign and smiling

Young Achievers Program students in 2019.

A young student wearing a wide-brimmed hat standing in a green field holding a leaf
Students wearing grey jumpers standing in front of a sandstone building

InspireU students on camp at St Lucia

Students wearing grey jumpers standing in front of a sandstone building

InspireU students on camp at St Lucia

The Vice-Chancellor wearing a red cardigan stands with a young Aboriginal man wearing a blue shirt with Aboriginal artwork in front of the Goondir Health Services & Dental Clinic sign
7 students and teachers stand in the dental office

Dental students at Goondir Health Services & Dental Clinic.

A small fluffy mammal is sitting on the grass looking directly into the camera, underneath the shade of a tree

The sweetest Hidden Vale Research Station resident.

Two women hold a bobtail lizard in front of glass enclosures filled with leaves

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deborah Terry meeting a scaly Hidden Vale Research Station resident as part of a Regional Roadshow visit.

The front of a red brick building with a tin roof and and sign out the front with the logo SQRH

Southern Queensland Rural Health Centre.

Southern Queensland Rural Health Centre.

Two men wearing hats walk together and smile, in a field at sun down with a gum tree behind them

The Not If, When campaign supported regional initiatives such as student scholarships, medical research and more.

2000: The new Moreton Bay Research Station is opened

The state-of-the-art station supports 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.

The new facility sleeps up to 100 people, with wet and dry research laboratories, teaching spaces, seminar and conference facilities.

A man and woman wearing wetsuits stand on a boat in the ocean and are inspecting seagrass in a bucket with their hands.

A Moreton Bay dive in 1995.

A Moreton Bay dive in 1995.

2002: Rural Clinical Schools

The Rural Clinical School (UQRCS) works to foster and sustain a skilled and dynamic medical workforce to meet the needs of rural, regional and remote Queensland. UQRCS is the largest rural clinical school in Australia hosted by a single university.

UQRCS gives aspiring medical professionals valuable experience with a little taste of life in a regional community – increasing the likelihood they will return to rural areas as general practitioners, specialists and academic specialist staff.

That year, 28 medical students in total crossed the thresholds of the Toowoomba and Rockhampton sites.

The cohort has grown considerably since then, with 164 third-year and fourth-year medical students studying across 4 regional clinical units in 2022.

Since opening, the schools have graduated more than 1,500 medical students who have received at least one year of clinical training in our regional, rural and remote locations with many staying in these areas to complete internships and live long-term.

With regional training hubs located in Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Toowoomba, the footprint of UQ's Rural Clinical Schools extends into Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Southern Queensland rural and remote communities, attracting future doctors to regional, rural, and remote practice.

2009: Young Achievers Program

The Young Achievers Program (YAP) was established with the financial support of 2 extraordinary UQ alumni and philanthropists, Andrew Brice AM (Bachelor of Commerce '65, Doctor of Economics honoris causa '11) and Graeme Wood AM (Bachelor of Economics '72, Master Information Systems '98, Doctor of Economics honoris causa '11), who shared the belief that a university education should be a realistic dream for all young people in Queensland.

Since its inception in 2009 YAP has supported more than 1,200 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.

Whilst nurturing the educational aspirations of its participants, the Young Achievers Program also aims to reduce barriers to education for students experiencing financial hardship or educational disadvantage. 

UQ welcomed its 14th cohort of YAP students in 2023, providing mentoring, on-campus experiences, financial assistance, accommodation support, scholarship support for up to 4 years, opportunities for personal growth and leadership development, and tailored support for their transition from secondary school to university.

2011: The Indigenous Engagement Division is established

The Indigenous Engagement Division was established at UQ in 2011, following the appointment of UQ’s inaugural Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement), Professor Cindy Shannon.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks was appointed to the role in 2018. In recognising the importance of the role within the UQ leadership team, the position was elevated to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) (DVCIE) as a member of the University Senior Executive Team in April 2023.

The DVCIE's work is underpinned by a recognition of the enormous contributions that Indigenous peoples and perspectives bring to universities and an understanding of the transformative power of higher education for individuals and communities.

This work encompasses all of the University's operations–teaching and learning, research, engagement/enrichment and its physical and operating environments. The Division seeks to engage and activate the UQ leadership and our community across Queensland, in a commitment to Reconciliation and to achieve the University's strategic goals.

2013: InspireU is launched

2023 marks the 10th anniversary of InspireU, which brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from across Queensland for a week-long camp on UQ's 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.

2013 and 2017: Dalby and St George Dental Clinics

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.

2017: Hidden Vale Research Station and Wildlife Centre

A partnership between UQ and the Turner Family Foundation, Hidden Vale Research Station is an innovative teaching, research and community engagement enterprise.

The centre opened in 2017 following an $18.5 million contribution from the Turner Family Foundation. Their generous donation is thought to be one of the largest family contributions to conservation in Queensland’s history. 

The Turner Family Foundation’s support enabled construction of the purpose-built facilities and 30 years of ongoing funding for Australian native wildlife research and conservation.

It delivers effective research and teaching about Australian ecosystems and wildlife, and provides access to a protected nature refuge and surrounding land, custom-designed research laboratories, teaching and engagement spaces, veterinary clinic, and a diverse range of native vegetation and wildlife.

2017: Southern Queensland Rural Health centres in Toowoomba and Charleville

Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH), is a collaboration between UQ, the University of Southern Queensland, Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service and South West Hospital and Health Service.

The centres build on local initiatives and programs to support rural and remote workforce development, with the aim of encouraging students to return to live and work in rural and remote areas, particularly the Darling Downs and South West.

Working with partners and local communities to support and enhance placements for nursing, midwifery, and allied health students, SQRH provides practical assistance such as short-term accommodation, training and development for supervisors and clinical placement support, as well as working with local communities and government to expand social experiences.

2017-2020: Not If, When – the Campaign to Create Change

Over our 110-year history, the partnership between UQ and our community of donors has had an extraordinary impact on our community, Queensland, Australia and the world.

In October 2017, UQ launched its first comprehensive campaign – Not if, When – the Campaign to Create Change.

Through the generosity of 16,643 donors across 60 countries the campaign raised $607 million to drive discovery and research, transform teaching and learning and empower student success.

The campaign provided a platform for the community to partner with UQ to provide greater access to quality higher education for all. It also supported efforts to address longstanding gaps in health services provided to Indigenous and remote communities.

The campaign closed in 2020 and UQ's philanthropic efforts continue to play a powerful role in the University's mission.

2020 and beyond

A group of 23 people stand on the steps of a large wooden building and smile for the camera

A Regional Roadshow visit to UQ's Gatton Campus.

A women and a high school student sit on the sand and sift through palaeontology specimens

A palaeontology dig by the Condamine River as part of the 2022 Regional Roadshow visit to Chinchilla.

A man holds up a shell to demonstrate marine creatures to a large audience

Heron Island Research Station Manager Stuart Kininmonth (Doctor of Philosophy '11) teaching visitors as part of the 2023 Regional Roadshow.

A young boy in a blue shirt is holding a speckled orange starfish over a touch pool, and is smiling for the camera

The youngest CoralWatch ambassador, Elijah Richardson showing reef creatures to HIRS attendees.

2 high school students in maroon school uniforms stands with two women from the University of Queensland. They are all smiling at the camera.

Toolooa school students with Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry and Vice-President Advancement & Community Engagement Jennifer Karlson.

4 high school students in blue school uniforms are standing with the Vice-Chancellor from the University, who is wearing a yellow jacket. They are standing in front of the large Roma State College sign

Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry with Roma State College students.

4 high school students stand with two women from the University, holding posters that show their community presentations

Vice-President (Advancement and Community Engagement) Jennifer Karlson with Bundaberg Young Achievers Program students.

A large stage with orchestra performers lit up under the starry night sky, with the audience in front of them

The Outback Opera in Longreach in 2023. Image: Glenn Hunt

Four musicians in black clothes stand in a field holding instruments

UQ music students preparing for the Outback Opera in 2023. Image: Glenn Hunt

A large group of young people sit on rocks outside with a teacher
Three students sit together talking and smiling

InspireU camp students during a visit to campus.

A group of 23 people stand on the steps of a large wooden building and smile for the camera

A Regional Roadshow visit to UQ's Gatton Campus.

A women and a high school student sit on the sand and sift through palaeontology specimens

A palaeontology dig by the Condamine River as part of the 2022 Regional Roadshow visit to Chinchilla.

A man holds up a shell to demonstrate marine creatures to a large audience

Heron Island Research Station Manager Stuart Kininmonth (Doctor of Philosophy '11) teaching visitors as part of the 2023 Regional Roadshow.

A young boy in a blue shirt is holding a speckled orange starfish over a touch pool, and is smiling for the camera

The youngest CoralWatch ambassador, Elijah Richardson showing reef creatures to HIRS attendees.

2 high school students in maroon school uniforms stands with two women from the University of Queensland. They are all smiling at the camera.

Toolooa school students with Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry and Vice-President Advancement & Community Engagement Jennifer Karlson.

4 high school students in blue school uniforms are standing with the Vice-Chancellor from the University, who is wearing a yellow jacket. They are standing in front of the large Roma State College sign

Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry with Roma State College students.

4 high school students stand with two women from the University, holding posters that show their community presentations

Vice-President (Advancement and Community Engagement) Jennifer Karlson with Bundaberg Young Achievers Program students.

A large stage with orchestra performers lit up under the starry night sky, with the audience in front of them

The Outback Opera in Longreach in 2023. Image: Glenn Hunt

Four musicians in black clothes stand in a field holding instruments

UQ music students preparing for the Outback Opera in 2023. Image: Glenn Hunt

A large group of young people sit on rocks outside with a teacher
Three students sit together talking and smiling

InspireU camp students during a visit to campus.

2021: UQ's Regional Roadshow program returns

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.

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 from the Outback Opera, to reef trips around Heron Island.

Since returning in 2021 the program has visited Toowoomba, Gatton, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Roma, Chinchilla, Dalby, Bundaberg, Townsville, Warwick, St George, Gladstone, Heron Island, Longreach, Winton and Townsville.

A Young Achievers Program student and her mother tried their hand at palaeontology at the megafauna dig site at by the Condamine River as part of the 2022 Regional Roadshow visit to Chinchilla.

More than 100 UQ alumni, staff and community visited Heron Island to hear from UQ's marine scientists, tour the station, and explore the surrounding pristine wildlife habitats, as part of the 2023 Regional Roadshow visit to Gladstone and the Heron Island Research Station.

The visit featured citizen science project CoralWatch, which was celebrating its 21st year of coral health monitoring, education, and outreach.

The youngest CoralWatch Ambassador, Elijah Richardson, was on hand to teach visitors about the marine habitats surrounding Heron Island.

Elijah successfully petitioned Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Billie Eilish to support the Great Barrier Reef through the use of her song 'Ocean Eyes', when he was just 9 years old.

Elijah was also featured in the ABC's War on Waste, to stress the importance of reducing ocean plastic and caring for our reefs.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry, Vice-President Advancement & Community Engagement Jennifer Karlson, Dr Tony Heynen (Graduate Diploma in Science '95, Bachelor of Engineering '94, Doctor of Philosophy '17) from the Master of Sustainable Energy Programs, and Professor Michael Noad (Bachelor of Veterinary Science '90) from the Centre for Marine Science also visited Toolooa school as part of the Gladstone visit, to showcase unique career pathways for local students.

Connecting with local students is a key component of the Regional Roadshow initiative as it aims to showcase the breadth of opportunities available and help break down the unfamiliarity and geographical barriers regional students may face when considering higher education.

In 2023, UQ also partnered with Opera Queensland to bring the Festival of the Outback Opera to Longreach and Winton.

The unforgettable Outback landscapes took centre stage in an array of spectacular open-sky concerts, pop-up performances, panel discussions and events. 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.

2022: The Queensland Commitment is launched

In 2022 The University of Queensland announced a new initiative, The Queensland Commitment, reaffirming the founding principles of the University in 1909. Our goal is to break down personal, financial and geographical barriers facing Queensland students aspiring to study at UQ by 2032.

At its core is ensuring students have the inspiration, pathways and resources to pursue their dreams, graduate sooner, and enrich communities in which they live.

To achieve this, UQ is working collaboratively with communities, partners and government across the state to enhance pathway programs and increase access to need-based scholarships.

These collective efforts will strengthen communities, advocate for access to education and ensure greater opportunity for Queensland.

Join The Queensland Commitment
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