Rain fails to dampen UQ Gatton Open Day

Under rain-filled skies, a crowd of more than 4000 people converged on the University of Queensland's Gatton campus on Sunday, August 24 for the annual Open Day.

According to Campus Manager Stephen Weller, fears of a poor turnout due to the weather were dispelled early in the day.

"Most of the information seminars filled to capacity and by the end of the day the visitor count topped last year's number," he said. "Given the conditions, we couldn't ask for any more than that."

Prospective students explored study options in areas such as agribusiness, agriculture and horticulture, animal studies and environmental management.

"UQ Gatton has a distinguished reputation for the excellence of its graduates, many of whom have gone on to positions of industry leadership around Australia and overseas," Mr Weller said.

Academic staff reported very strong interest in a broad cross-section of areas.

"We've enhanced the appeal of the campus with new programs and study options which offer real employment prospects," Mr Weller said.

Among the most popular attractions were the campus bus tours which filled throughout the day. Visitors also chomped their way through a mountain of food including curries, satays and chilli chipolatas plus aniseed and lemon myrtle ice cream.

For more information about study options at UQ Gatton, contact the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (telephone 1800 642 093).

Media: for more information, contact Anthony Smith (telephone 0409 265587).