News from Rockhampton
21 July, 2025
Shirley Hopkins
Shirley Hopkins, a well-known Rockhampton parishioner, is an ardent fund-raiser and supporter of the Cathedral Conservation Appeal. For almost 20 years, Shirley worked at Central Queensland University (CQU). Recently, Shirley met with the Honourable Justice Stanley Jones AO (a former Chancellor), Professor Graham Pegg (retired Deputy Vice-Chancellor), Mrs Kim Harrington and Professor Nick Klomp (current Vice-Chancellor) to discuss the history and early days of CQ University which opened in 1967. As a former CQU staff member for almost 20 years, Shirley held various roles, namely in the then Department of Education Studies, the CQU Council Minutes Secretary and later, as Admissions Officer in Student Administration. Shirley, together with Stan and Graham, shared their memories and their knowledge about the establishment and expansion of the original Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education (CIAE) to the current Central Queensland University.
Sr Joanne Molloy RSM
Fr Samuel’s 40th Birthday
One of our Associate Pastors, Fr Samuel Okoroafor, recently celebrated his 40th birthday. He was inundated with cake over an almost two week period, along with morning teas, lunches and dinners to celebrate the special occasion as he visited the various local communities. It is also noted that shortly after he was going to celebrate 10 years of priestly ministry. On speaking with his family he assured his mother that although he was not home for his birthday he was being well looked after here with his Australian family. Congratulations and best wishes Fr Samuel on your 40th birthday and for 10 years of ministry!
