Brisbane hosted more than 3,000 international and domestic students for its annual Brisbane Welcomes International Students (BWIS) event in King George Square on Saturday 5 March.
Hosted by Brisbane Marketing’s Study Brisbane program and supported by Brisbane City Council, BWIS is recognised as the city’s official welcome event for new international students, and has now enjoyed four years of success.
The weather certainly did not dampen anyone’s spirits, with the Cheap Fakes kicking off the event and Lord Mayor Campbell Newman welcoming the 2011 Brisbane International Student Ambassadors. The crowd were also fortunate enough to experience the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Troupe, the delightful sounds of Emma Louise, Chukale, Cool Hand Luke and Spacifix.
The day would not have been complete without the many exhibitors that took part in the event. The Commonwealth Bank’s “Wheel of Heaps Free” did not stop spinning, and many JR/Duty Free goodie bags managed to sneak their way into people’s hands. Everyone lapped up the sights of the handsome Queensland Surf LifeSavers, and enjoyed giving the Optus Penguin a hug or two.
And let’s not forget all of the Australian Wildlife from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which was an eye opening experience for many. A crowd favourite was definitely the Two-headed lizard!
A big thank you must go to the Commonwealth Bank, as well as our major sponsors; Optus, The Pad and B105. In addition, thank you to all the exhibitors and the information they provided on education, transport, banking, public transport services, community engagement groups, sporting groups and student accommodation. This community approach enabled us to provide many students with essential orientation information. And it was fun!
To check out the day for yourself, click on the video tile above...
Find out how to sponsor the 2012 BWIS event here.