5 January 1999

Members of the Ipswich community, University of Queensland staff and students are invited to an inter-denominational service at UQ Ipswich on Wednesday, February 17.

The 7.30pm service to be held in a marquee in the oval of the UQ Ipswich grounds, will mark the commencement of the academic year at the new campus. UQ Ipswich opens for its first intake of 580 students in February 1999.

Service co-ordinator Rev Cyril Muller of the University's Chaplaincy Services, said the commencement service would be supported by the ministers fraternal representing more than 30 churches in the Ipswich region.

Musical director will be bandmaster Paul Smith, who will lead the Salvation Army Bundamba Band. The world-class Cambrian Youth Choir will sing at the commencement service.

Guest speaker will be University of Queensland studies in religion lecturer the Rev Dr Rick Strelan who will explore the theme: New beginnings: Heritage city moves to the future.

Rev Muller is also co-ordinating the University Chaplaincy Services presence at the new campus. His plan is to recruit and train volunteer assistant chaplains from the Ipswich area and supervise them during the early stages. Chaplaincy Services will be located in building One of the new campus.

Media contact: Rev Muller, telephone 07 3365 7059.