Over 53 years ago in 1972, 150 students came together on their first day as the inaugural cohort of students for the Diploma in Teaching (Primary) in the School of Education at the newly formed Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (DDIAE), now the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ).

At the time, Head Dr Ronald Kentish Browne spoke to The Chronicle and said it was an indication of the community’s confidence in the Institute and its programs.

He added that the addition of the humanities courses to the established ones in technology, developed a balanced centre of learning.

He also expressed appreciation for the support of then Regional Director of Education, Mr J. K. Thistlewaite, and the principals of several local schools.

Besides designing innovative new Teacher Education courses, Dr Browne and his team chose several local principals and teachers as members of staff, and many went on to have long and distinguished careers at the future USQ/UniSQ.

When contacted recently, Dr Browne recalled fond memories of those early days and noted that the students were accommodated in the existing Maths and Science blocks until the Education and Arts facilities were built, along with the Library and additional lecture rooms.

Today, members of that first cohort of students are in their early 70s, and later this year, will to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their historic graduation.

They now look back on careers as highly accomplished teachers and educational leaders, as well as respected participants in other areas of community involvement, with several even returning to the university as lecturers.

It is significant to note that some of those careers would never have eventuated had not the Institute been established in the regional centre of Toowoomba.

The organisers of the 50th anniversary celebrations would love to hear from staff and students associated with that first cohort, the class of 1972 to 1974, and may be contacted through Margaret (née Postle) on 0439 515 163.

A reunion is planned for the October long weekend at the Toowoomba City Golf Club.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 3 July 2025.