More than 3000 people are expected to attend the University of Queensland Gatton College's Open Day on Sunday, July 20 from 8.30am to 1pm, held this year as part of the College's centenary celebrations.
The campus is one hour's drive from Brisbane and 30 minutes from Toowoomba on the Warrego Highway. Gatton College staff are expecting an influx of visitors seeking information about the range of more than 30 undergraduate courses at certificate, diploma and degree levels as well as postgraduate opportunities offered by departments on the Gatton campus of the University.
Staff and students involved in teaching and research specialisations at Gatton College will be available to answer questions and guide visitors around departments. Fields of interest include natural resources and environment, agriculture and horticulture, veterinary and animal sciences, food science and technology, hospitality and tourism, and property management.
Visitors this year will have the opportunity to learn of the many new and interesting courses developed in agriculture and related disciplines following the largest review of courses in this field in Australia.
Open Day activities this year will include a wildlife management display which will show visitors how the numbers and distribution of Australia's koala population are monitored.
Visitors can take part in tours to find koalas living on campus and 45-minute tours to the deer and antelope farm at Darbalara and nearby Lockyer farming systems.
They will also be able to sample food including free ice-cream produced by Food Science and Technology students during the dairy production plant tour. Bush tucker will be served in the Lawes Training Restaurant.
Garden enthusiasts visiting the Plant Production Department can view current and future farm mechanisation technologies, future crop displays, and receive free plants.
Open Day visitors can join in the Gatton College centenary celebrations, which include the unveiling by Queensland Governor Mrs Leneen Forde of a commemorative centenary plaque on the sandstone mural on the Central Walkway, a cavalcade of vehicles and traditional 'ag day' sports.
Lunch will be available from student stalls serving delicacies including multi-cultural and Australian foods, soft drinks, tea and coffee.
Students will conduct tours of the halls of residence which provide comfortable single room accommodation for 540 students, plus recreational areas.
Free parking is available in the College's attractive 1068 hectare grounds.
For further information, contact Open Day co-ordinator Margaret Thursby on
