The Partner Up Podcast by Welcome to Bundaberg is dedicated to spotlighting community leaders who foster meaningful partnerships to transform lives and strengthen our region. In this episode, Gayle Reynolds chats with Luke Sinclair, Associate Vice President of CQUniversity, about his leadership role and the innovative initiatives shaping Bundaberg’s future.
A Role of Impact and Connection
As Associate Vice President, Luke Sinclair oversees CQUniversity’s operations across the Wide Bay Burnett and Gladstone regions. His role is multifaceted, involving engagement with government, industry, and schools, advancing infrastructure, and advocating for student wellbeing.
Luke is passionate about forging connections that support research, create new educational pathways, and strengthen community ties, all while focusing on building a resilient and innovative region.
The Accelerated Arts Program: Building Pathways for Young Talent
A standout initiative discussed during the episode is the Accelerated Arts Program, a pilot project that provides high school students with early access to university experiences and creative opportunities.
Developed in collaboration with Bundaberg Regional Council, Regional Arts, and local schools, the program invites students to campus one day a week. There, they participate in pre-university training, co-designed creative courses, and mentorship from First Nations experts.
The program is designed to break down barriers to tertiary education, especially for students who may not have considered university as an option. By exploring creative fields such as digital media and visual arts, students gain confidence, develop new skills, and broaden their career horizons.
The Power of Partnership
The success of the Accelerated Arts Program is rooted in collaboration. Partners like Bundaberg Regional Council contributed cultural resources, including venues such as the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre. CQUniversity’s Access Education team worked directly with students to boost confidence and offer tailored support.
For Luke, effective collaboration starts with clear communication and shared objectives.
“Everyone brings unique strengths, and finding the sweet spot where all those strengths intersect is what creates magic,” Luke explained.
Looking Toward the Future
Luke sees potential to expand the Accelerated Arts Program model into other disciplines, including health, engineering, and manufacturing. His vision is to inspire young people to dream big and take meaningful steps toward their futures, building a stronger, more connected Bundaberg community.
For those looking to partner with CQUniversity, Luke encourages starting a conversation.
“You never know what opportunities can arise until you start talking. We’re always keen to explore ideas that align with our mission to empower the region,” he shared.
Connect and Learn More
Stay informed about initiatives like the Accelerated Arts Program and other community projects by following the Partner Up Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (@welcometobundaberg).
Together, we can continue building a Bundaberg community defined by opportunity, creativity, and collaboration.