In the fourth year of her Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Professional Communications degree at CQUni Rockhampton, student Monica Mallory has just joined the Office of Social Innovation as a Change Champ for the region, and is passionate about helping tackle social issues for the community. Monica recently ran a range of events on Rockhampton North as part of the Festival of Change, and attended the Brisbane Social Innovation Workshop, designing future-of-work solutions for disability support not-for-profit Multicap.
What is your favourite film or book of all time?
The Book Thief – I had to read it in high school and it really stuck with me. Definitely one of my favourites.
What was a recent highlight in your life?
Travelling around Europe with my best friend!
What is the best thing about your role?
As I am the only Rockhampton-based person working in the Office of Social Innovation, I have the opportunity to make a positive impact at my university and to make social innovation bigger and better in Rocky.
Jamie Oliver is coming for dinner – what do you make for him?
Vegan pesto pasta – so good! (I should probably figure out how to make my own pasta though or he won’t be impressed…)
If you could solve any social issue in your community, what would you tackle first?
Unemployment – so many people struggle to find work in the Rockhampton region or struggle to find motivation to work. I would love to be able to help these people find work and want to turn up.
If you weren’t living in Rockhampton, where would you be?
London! I love the city and how fast-paced everything is and the completely different climate from Australia.
Who was your childhood hero and why?
Veronica Mars (from the TV series). She was my hero because she kept fighting until she found answers to the cases she started investigating. She is so witty and smart and just so cool – I always wanted to be like her.
What do you think CQUni can achieve through social innovation?
Educating people outside of the classroom by focusing on taking small steps to solve big issues, as well as helping students and staff recognise their skills and develop new ones to create innovative ideas and solutions to problems.
