Not only has David Murray been the captain of the CQUni Bookshop and Post Office for more than 30 years, ensuring CQUni’s students have their textbooks each term, but he’s also recently been made the manager of the new-look Birdcage Bar. When he’s not working he’s fully dedicated to helping people as a competitor in the annual Queensland Variety Bash, a role he’s undertaken for the past six years to raise funds for children who are disadvantaged or have a disability. He thinks it’s the perfect way to put his obsession with The Simpsons to good use!
What is your first memory?
Winning a bicycle at the Lions Christmas Fair in Yeppoon. I was about five years old.
Have you studied at CQUni?
Yes, I have a Responsible Management of Licensed Venues (RMLV) and Food Safety Certificates, which have benefitted my role here at CQUni immensely.
What was a recent highlight of your life?
Well, there has been a couple: Pamela Hayden and Nancy Cartwright (actors who voice characters from The Simpsons) both follow me on Instagram and for a Simpsons fan, that’s a big deal! I have also recently been given the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and take over managing the Birdcage Bar at the Rockhampton North campus.
Who or what has made an impact on your life? Why?
Participating in the Queensland Variety Bash for the past six years, dressed up as several of The Simpsons characters to raise much-needed funds for children who have a disability or are disadvantaged across the state. Knowing that I have made a difference to someone’s quality of life has had a huge impact on me.
The weekend is free - what would you do?
There is no such thing as a free weekend when you own a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle that you have cut and stretched and turned into a three-door limousine for the Queensland Variety Bash, If I am not working on the car I am cooking a sausage sizzle with the team from car 1111.
Jamie Oliver is coming for dinner - what do you make for him?
I cook him my world famous “Ginger Beer and Chilli Prawns”. It’s a secret recipe.
Why should people study at CQUni?
CQUni can help you to discover your goals, and guide you along the path and most of all, challenge you.
What is a motto or phrase that you live by?
Life is about the windscreen not the rear-view mirror.
