 |
 |
|
REGIONAL NEWS
Home > Regional News
Climate change impacts on labour market
26 May 2009
 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic aims to draw attention to the impacts of climate change on low paid Australian workers. Sociology lecturer and co-author of the book Living Low Paid, Dr Helen Masterman-Smith will present a seminar in Sydney on Monday 1 June to discuss the barriers to social and workplace citizenship that low paid workers experience. These barriers are highly relevant to whether the Australian labour market and economy can actually deliver a ‘just transition’ to a low-carbon economy or whether such a transition will simply reproduce current labour market inequalities. “If employee engagement is seen as critical to greening Australian workplaces, what does the lack of voice and dignity that many low paid workers experience in their jobs mean for the feasibility of a just transition to a low-carbon economy?” asks Dr Masterman-Smith. “For all its shortcomings, delaying the emissions trading scheme to 2011 not only delays the necessary reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, it also delays the labour market transition to sustainable workplaces and work practices, which has health and other social implications.”
Media Note: Dr Helen Masterman-Smith is a lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at CSU at Wagga Wagga. She is a guest speaker at Sydney University’s Department of Political Economy Seminar Series on Monday 1 June from 1pm to 2pm, room 397 at the Merewether Building, Sydney University. Dr Masterman-Smith will present a seminar entitled 'Climate Change and the Political Economy of Everyday Life'. Her book, Living Low Paid: The dark side of prosperous Australia is published by Allen & Unwin.
Print this story Focus on global water management
26 May 2009
Water management issues in China and Pakistan will be in the spotlight when two international visitors present seminars hosted by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the International Centre for Water for Food Security (IC WATER) on Thursday 28 May. Director of Pakistan’s Water Management Research Centre, Professor Niaz Ahmed Rai, will talk on the current water scenario in Pakistan and intervention for sustainable use. The Centre is located at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Director of China’s National Research Centre for Resettlement, Professor Guoqing Shi, will discuss challenges and issues for water management in China including flooding, water shortage, water pollution and water turbidity. This Centre is part of Hohai University, Nanjing, China. The International Centre of Water for Food Security at CSU holds monthly seminars with national and international water experts invited to discuss the emerging issues and policies dealing with sustainable management of water resources for food security.
Media Note: The seminars will be held on Thursday 28 May from 1.30pm to 5pm at the Council Room, David Asimus Court, Valder Way, CSU, Wagga Wagga. There will be an opportunity for media interviews at 1.15pm. To attend, call Ms Tracey Wilson at IC WATER on 02 4296 5393 or send an email. Print this story CSU celebrates 20 years with commemorative dinner
26 May 2009
 Charles Sturt University (CSU) will mark its 20th anniversary with a gala commemorative dinner at Bathurst on Tuesday 2 June. Some of the 300 guests will travel from overseas to attend the dinner. Dignitaries include the heads of other universities, politicians, business leaders, academics, staff and alumni. CSU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and Chairperson of the 20th Anniversary Committee, Professor Lyn Gorman, said the dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the University’s past and its future. “Charles Sturt University is Australia’s sixth largest university, and it has established itself as the University of inland Australia. It is the leading provider of distance education, with 57 per cent of our 35 000 students studying by distance mode in over 80 countries. Charles Sturt University will continue to support our regional communities and provide graduates for a range of professions needed throughout Australia and elsewhere in the world.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The CSU commemorative dinner will be held at the CD Blake Auditorium at CSU at Bathurst from 7.30pm on Tuesday 2 June. Read more about CSU’s 20th anniversary here.
Print this story Graphic design student goes national
26 May 2009
 The work of a graphic design student from Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga has been on exhibition in Melbourne after her piece ‘Stamp Collection’ was short-listed for an international competition for emerging designers. Ms Missy Dempsey from the School of Visual and Performing Arts at CSU at Wagga Wagga was one of 65 students from tertiary institutions in Australia, New Zealand and Asia to be short-listed for the agIdeas 2009 NewStar competition. The event took place during the design industry’s annual conference, known as agldeas 2009. Held in Melbourne in early May as part of International Design Week, agldeas 2009 is one the largest design events in the world, attracting industry leaders. “I like to design with my hands before my eyes, it makes me feel like I've physically achieved something,” said Ms Dempsey. “’Stamp Collection’ combines my two loves which are hand crafts and design. All the pieces of the work were hand stitched and sewn, then digitally put together.” CSU senior lecturer in graphic design, Mr Michael Agzarian said, “Missy has done extremely well to be short-listed as the competition for the NewStar event was stiff with hundreds of students submitting work.”
Media Note: The agIdeas 2009 NewStar Exhibition was held at the Melbourne Museum from Friday 24 April until Sunday 24 May.
Print this story Orientation 2009 charity donation
26 May 2009
 During Orientation 2009, students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) helped raise money for the organisation, Aussie Helpers. Aussie Helpers is a charity that assists farming families during drought. The student leaders at CSU at Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga collected a total of $5 883 during Orientation 2009 in February. “The Division of Student Services would like to thank all of the student leaders for working so hard to fundraise money for this year’s charity,” said Student Support Officer Mr Christopher Roche. “It was a great achievement. We would also like to thank the students, parents and staff that donated money.” Each year student leaders select an organisation to fundraise for during Orientation. Aussie Helpers will be using the donation to assist families affected by drought and the Victorian bushfires. Student leaders will present a cheque to Aussie Helpers’ co-founder Mr Brian Egan at 10am Friday 29 May outside the student canteen, building 20, near car park 2, Darnell Smith Drive, CSU at Wagga Wagga.
Media Note: Aussie Helpers and its 40 volunteers aim to lift the spirits of those families severely affected by drought in rural Australia. Aussie Helpers operate in QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and Tasmania.
Print this story Playing rugby for a worthy cause
26 May 2009
The Wagga Wagga Agricultural College Rugby Union Club at Charles Sturt University (CSU) will use the much anticipated clash with 2008 premiers, Wagga Wagga Waratahs, on Saturday 30 May to promote awareness of breast cancer and raise money for the McGrath Foundation. A ‘ladies day’ will be held to coincide with round seven of the Southern Inland Rugby Union competition when the 2007 premiers Wagga Wagga Agriculture College take on last year’s premiers the Wagga Wagga Waratahs in all three grades. “Against a backdrop of competitive rugby union, we hope to contribute to the vitally important ‘Breast Aware’ message of the McGrath Foundation,” said Wagga Wagga Agricultural College Rugby Union Club president Mr Shahid Khalfan. Money raised during the day, including at a special auction of the first grade players’ ‘Breast Aware’ football jerseys, will be donated to the McGrath Foundation. “I urge all members of the community to support the day and the valuable work of the McGrath Foundation,” said the third year CSU veterinary science student.
Media Note: The ‘ladies day’ will take place on Saturday 30 May at Beres Elwood Oval, CSU at Wagga Wagga. The first game kicks off at 12.30pm. First grade starts at 2.45pm. A barbecue will be available as well as drinks and finger food. The $20 entry fee will be waived for women. From 5.30pm at the William Farrer Hotel in Wagga Wagga, the 2008 National Young Auctioneer, Mr Jim Tierney will auction off first grade’s ‘Breast Aware’ jerseys. Wagga Wagga Agricultural College Rugby Union Club president and CSU student Mr Shahid Khalfan is available for interview on 0401 062 837.The McGrath Foundation was co-founded by the late Jane McGrath and her cricketing husband Glenn McGrath.
Print this story Student accommodation named
26 May 2009
 Significant contributions made to Charles Sturt University (CSU) will be publicly acknowledged at a special naming ceremony for six student residential accommodation units at CSU at Orange. The accommodation blocks will be named Bartlett House, Chudleigh House, Eltis House, Ingold House, Napier House and Peters House in recognition of significant and distinguished contribution to the University and its predecessor institutions. CSU Chancellor Mr Lawrie Willett AO will confer this honour on Mr Kerry Bartlett, Emeritus Professor John Chudleigh, Emeritus Professor Ken Eltis, Mrs Beryl Ingold, AO MBE, Mr Robert Napier and Mr Tony Peters at a ceremony hosted by the University’s governing body, the CSU Council, and Head of Orange Campus, Professor Kevin Parton on Thursday 28 May. The honourees will be joined by family and friends, members of the University Council, invited guests and CSU staff. The former Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor CD Blake, AO, will be one of the special guests at the naming ceremony.
Media Note: The naming ceremony will take place at the new accommodation site, off the main entrance road to CSU, Orange from 12.30pm on Thursday 28 May. For interviews contact CSU Media.
Print this story Careers advice day for HSC students
26 May 2009
More than 1 000 Year 12 students from across the central west will converge on Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst for the annual Central West Careers Advisers Association FACTS (Facts About Careers and Tertiary Study) Day on Thursday 28 May. Final year students from Bathurst, Lithgow, Kandos, Oberon, Blayney, Cowra, Orange and Molong will have the opportunity to meet and receive information from about 120 delegates representing more than 60 career and employer organisations, including universities, private providers, TAFE, Centrelink, police and other government agencies. Ms Katy O’Brien, a Prospective Student Adviser at CSU in Orange, said “events like this are the result of the University forging closer ties with careers advisors in all schools, including private, independent and state schools. This day offers our regional school students the opportunity to experience our University by visiting the Bathurst Campus.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with CSU Prospective Student Adviser, Ms Katy O’Brien. Parents are also invited to attend the annual FACTS Day from 10am to 2.30pm on Thursday 28 May at the CD Blake Auditorium at CSU at Bathurst. There is a morning and afternoon session. Students arriving for each session are split into two groups with the first going into the careers expo and the second to the motivational presentation by keynote speaker Mr Bruce Buchanan from the Orange Business Enterprise Centre, held in S15 main lecture theatre. The FACTS Day is organised by the Central West Careers Advisers Association in conjunction with the National Association of Prospective Student Association (NAPSA), a national university network that is responsible for arranging and coordinating careers events throughout Australia.
Print this story Agriculture on the menu
26 May 2009
The inaugural Orange Ag Club’s dinner will be held at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Orange this Wednesday 27 May with Emeritus Professor John Chudleigh speaking to guests about the positive future of the agricultural industry. Organised by CSU’s agricultural business management students, the dinner aims to provide a forum for students to meet with people in the industry. Professor Chudleigh has a strong history with CSU in Orange. Currently an Adjunct Professor in Agriculture and Wine Sciences at CSU, Professor Chudleigh has been involved in education in rural and regional Australia for over 25 years, working as Head of the Orange Campus for nine years. As a regular media commentator on trends in rural and regional Australia, he is sure to enlighten guests at the Orange Ag Club dinner.
Media Note: The dinner will be held in the Templer’s Mill Bar at CSU, Orange on Wednesday 27 May from 6pm. For interviews contact CSU Media.
Print this story Professors meet in Orange
26 May 2009
For the first time, more than 40 professors from across Charles Sturt University (CSU) will congregate in Orange on Thursday 28 May to attend a forum and dinner. Since the inaugural Professorial Forum in 2003, the event has given CSU professors a chance to discuss their perspective on the University and education issues. Professor of Education Bill Green will attend as convener at the forum. It is the first such event to be held at CSU in Orange, with four sessions focusing on higher education in Australia and developments within the Faculty of Science. While in Orange, the professors will attend a dinner at Harrison Restaurant where they will meet with CSU Council members. The CSU professors will be travelling from Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Canberra, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga to attend the forum.
Media Note: The Professorial Forum will take place at the Templer’s Mill Function Room from 8.30am on Thursday 28 May. Interview opportunities available at the 10.30am morning tea and 12.20pm lunch breaks. For interviews contact CSU Media.
Print this story Scholarship presentation at Bathurst
26 May 2009
Scholarships worth $330 000 will be presented to 94 students at a special ceremony at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Friday 29 May. The University’s Charles Sturt Foundation manages donated funds to enable students to apply for financial scholarships to assist them to meet the costs of their continuing higher education. Mrs Jan Hudson, Manager of Stakeholder and Community Relations at CSU, said that during the past 12 months, over 40 new donors have made significant contributions to the Foundation, some of which have been to the value of $1 million. “These contributions reflect the support and confidence of the corporate and community sectors through investment in the enhancement of educational pursuits of young Australians studying at CSU. Many of these students would not be in a financial position to undertake their studies without this level of support,” Mrs Hudson said.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The Charles Sturt University Foundation scholarships will be presented on Friday 29 May between 3pm to 5.30pm at the CD Blake Auditorium at CSU at Bathurst. The Charles Sturt Foundation was established with the sole purpose of providing a fabric of support for the University, its students and their educational activities. Since 1982, Charles Sturt Foundation Scholarships have assisted more than 2 600 students with more than $4 million worth of scholarships. In 2009, scholarships valued at almost $800 000 will be awarded to 220 CSU students across all campuses. More information about the Charles Sturt Foundation can be found here or on 02 6338.4832.
Print this story Protecting the kidney
26 May 2009
 The emerging serious health problem of chronic kidney disease will be examined during a public lecture in Griffith in May. The lecture on Wednesday 27 May coincides with national Kidney Health Week 2009 being held from Sunday 24 May to Saturday 30 May. Associate Professor Ann Bonner from the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Nursing and Midwifery in Wagga Wagga will explain chronic kidney disease, its risk factors, optimal healthcare requirements and its impact on individuals, society and the Australian healthcare system. Associate Professor Bonner has practiced for more than 20 years as a renal nurse and has developed postgraduate renal nursing courses for universities in NSW and Queensland. Dr Bonner is also involved in collaborative research projects with renal health care clinicians in these states.
Media Note: The lecture, presented by CSU and the Griffith City Council, will be held from 6pm in the Burley Griffin Room, Griffith Regional Theatre, Neville Place, Griffith. CSU wine and cheese will be served after the lecture. RSVP: Ms Laura Tagliapietra on 02 6962 8123 or send an email. Print this story Books: an endangered species?
26 May 2009
 Are books becoming extinct? That is the question which will be posed by the School of Education at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga during a public forum on Wednesday 27 May. In the first Edversations Professional Forum for 2009, CSU academics will join representatives from schools, education support agencies and the wider community to discuss the topic. While the next generation of children has embraced new technologies such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and SMS, the expert panel will explore the significance of hard copy texts. “The issue is important for educators and parents alike as children are being immersed in a technological world and we need to ensure that they are equipped with the skills to navigate that world,” said one of the forum’s facilitators Ms Letitia Galloway from the School of Education. “We need to ask ourselves 'What place do books have today in the education and development of children?'” The forum is hosted by CSU and Wagga Wagga City Council.
Media Note: CSU wine and cheese will be served at the Edversations Professional Forum from 6pm Wednesday 27 May in the council meeting room, Civic Centre, Baylis St, Wagga Wagga.
Print this story 1945 Kapooka tragedy remembered
19 May 2009
An academic whose work has raised Australian consciousness of the largest accident in the Army’s history will this week address a memorial service for the tragic event. In May 1945 at the Royal Australian Engineers Training Camp Kapooka near Wagga Wagga, 24 young trainee engineers and two of their instructors were killed in an explosion in a bunker during a demolitions training exercise. In 2008, CSU senior lecturer Dr Peter Rushbrook detailed the event in the journal, History of Education Review. “Apart from a mass funeral, where the coffins lay on four semi-trailers, and the subsequent inquiry, the Kapooka tragedy has disappeared altogether from our national memory,” wrote Dr Rushbrook. On Thursday 21 May from 2.15pm near the Kapooka Military Area, Dr Rushbrook will be among the official guests at the second consecutive memorial service hosted by the Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) Commandant Colonel G W Finney.
Media Note: Dr Peter Rushbrook is a senior lecturer with the School of Education at CSU at Wagga Wagga. He is a member of CSU’s Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education or RIPPLE. Dr Rushbrook is available for interview about the 1945 tragedy on 02 69 332564. Read more here. For media queries about the memorial service, contact Warrant Officer Class One Beatty at the Army Recruit Training Centre on 02 6933 8212.
Print this story Praise for finalist in NSW Premier's Literary Awards
19 May 2009
.jpg) Actor and author Mr Brendan Cowell, who graduated in 1997 from the theatre/media course at the School of Communication at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst, narrowly missed out on the Play Award when the winners of the NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2009 were announced at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney last night, Monday 18 May. Mr Cowell’s play Ruben Guthrie was one of six plays short-listed for the prestigious award. Theatre/media lecturer, Mr Jerry Boland, said Brendan Cowell is an immense talent whose success is highlighted by the calibre of the other nominees and by the public acclaim for his work. “Brendan has enjoyed major success both within Australia and abroad, and I congratulate him for his nomination with such illustrious company.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Ruben Guthrie was produced in 2008 by B Sharp, Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney and will be published by Currency Press in May 2009. Mr Cowell’s first play, Men, was a sell-out hit at the Old Fitzroy Hotel in Sydney 2000. He has received a number of writing awards, including the Patrick White Playwright’s Award for Bed, the Phillip Parsons Playwright’s Award and the Griffin Award for Rabbit. He has also received an Australia Council grant. His most recent play, Ruben Guthrie, sold out the B Sharp season in 2008 and will transfer to the Company B mainstage in 2009. His plays have been produced in Berlin, London, Edinburgh and New York.
Print this story Promoting alcohol and drug awareness
19 May 2009
Students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga will this week have an opportunity to mark Drug Action Week 2009. An initiative of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia, the national awareness campaign aims to this year highlight the broad range of issues surrounding alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and draw attention to the achievements of frontline AOD workers. CSU students will be able to learn more at a free barbecue on Wednesday 20 May. Through a number of fun activities, students will be able to simulate the effects of AOD. The activities and barbecue will be held from 11am to 2pm near the Student Cafeteria at CSU at Wagga Wagga.
Media Note: Drug Action Week 2009 will be held nationally between Sunday 21 June and Saturday 27 June but will be held in May at CSU at Wagga Wagga due to a clash with end of semester exams. For further information contact Health Promotions Officer with the Division of Student Services, Ms Coleen Pearce on 02 6933 2263.
Print this story Scholarships for achievers at Orange
19 May 2009
As part of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) 20th anniversary celebrations, 15 students at Orange will receive special recognition at the annual Scholarships and Prizes Presentation Ceremony on Friday 22 May. The event offers the students a chance to meet their scholarship donor. Hosted by the Charles Sturt Foundation, the scholarships are awarded to students on the basis of academic merit, leadership and contribution to the community. Prizes for academic achievement will be awarded to students in the areas of agribusiness and allied health.
Media Note: The scholarship presentation ceremony will be held from 3.30pm to 4.30pm in the student function room, the Templer’s Mill Function Centre at CSU, Orange. For interviews contact CSU Media. Read more about CSU’s 20th anniversary celebrations here. Print this story More than a 'vegie' patch
19 May 2009
 The driving force behind the establishment of a student ‘vegie’ patch at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga envisages not only a space for students to grow and harvest vegetables, but a place for art installations, sculptures and quiet contemplation. Ms Gemma Hawkins, a third year veterinary science student and student representative on CSU’s Environmental Management Advisory Committee said, “I believe that having a creative space will allow students to feel they have an influence and lasting legacy at Charles Sturt University, whether it be through creating art or growing plants.” Ms Hawkins is establishing a vegetable garden student committee to oversee planting and harvest. “We have many ideas about how to run the garden and may eventually hire out plots, like a community garden.” The project has been jointly supported by the University’s Division of Student Services and the Division of Facilities Management whose staff cleared and levelled the land and provided the compost soil base, made from scraps collected and composted at CSU.
Media Note: The vegetable patch is located behind new student residential accommodation at CSU at Wagga Wagga. The residences incorporate sustainable features such as corrugated iron cladding, which is light, strong, adaptable and durable, shields the internal concrete walls from the summer heat, enabling the buildings to maintain a more constant temperature. Rainwater collected from roofs is used to flush toilets. To arrange interviews with CSU student Ms Gemma Hawkins, contact CSU Media.
Print this story Student scholarships on show
19 May 2009
 In one of his final official duties as Head of Campus, Professor David Green will host a scholarship ceremony at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 20 May. Ninety-one new and continuing students at CSU at Wagga Wagga are eligible to receive scholarships worth $287 000 through the Charles Sturt Foundation. Similar ceremonies will be held across the University involving a total of 220 students. With the support of the corporate and community sectors, the Charles Sturt Foundation assists students, many of whom would not be in a financial position to undertake their studies without this level of support. A number of new benefactors will be named during the ceremony at CSU at Wagga Wagga. The scholarship ceremony also provides an opportunity for the students to meet their scholarship donors. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, leadership and contribution to the community. Professor Green, who will be Master of Ceremonies, is due to retire from the University on Friday 29 May. Read more here.
Media Note: The Charles Sturt Foundation scholarship ceremony will be held from 4pm, Wednesday 20 May at Joyes Hall, Pine Gully Road, CSU, Wagga Wagga
Print this story Learning the lessons of language and literacy
14 May 2009
Third year Early Childhood students enrolled in Child Language and Literacy 2 at Charles Sturt University (CSU) are providing one-on-one reading tuition to Stage One children at Buninyong Public School. Working with students at their identified level of development, this nine week individual literacy program targets learning in the areas of reading and writing. “This individual attention has resulted in individual improvement,” says CSU School of Teacher Education lecturer Maria Bennet. Ms Bennet explains the children have developed in confidence and are moving towards independence in strategy application. “Writing skills have improved and developed, with more elaborated thoughts, improved spelling and attention to the construction of ideas.” The program has benefited CSU students who have gained valuable hands-on experience and professional development. This program has provided students with an opportunity to work with literacy and develop their understanding of this area.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media
Print this story |
|
|
|
