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REGIONAL NEWS
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Bathurst Alumni Common proclaimed
15 Apr 2009
.jpg) The Bathurst Alumni Common will be dedicated by Charles Sturt University (CSU) Council on Saturday 18 April as part of the University’s 20th anniversary celebrations. The establishment of the Bathurst Alumni Common, which is bounded by Allen House, the Ponton Theatre, Cunningham House and the Heffron Building, aims to honour the student and staff alumni of the Bathurst Experimental Farm (BEF), Bathurst Teachers College (BTC), Mitchell College of Advanced Education (MCAE) and Charles Sturt University (CSU). The Deputy Chancellor of CSU, Ms Kathryn Pitkin, will preside at the unveiling and proclamation which will also include the official unveiling of the Bathurst Teachers College Commemorative Water Feature, a tree planting in memory of Lionel J Allen, and a tree planting to mark the 25th anniversary of the naming of the Ponton Theatre. Mrs Margaret Allen and family will plant the Lionel J Allen tree, and Ms Sarah Ponton, the daughter of Mr Frank Ponton for whom the Theatre is named, and Mr Bill Blaikie, a former lecturer in drama at the CSU School of Communication, will plant the Ponton Theatre tree.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The dedication and proclamation celebrations will take place from 12pm to 2pm on Saturday 18 April. The exhibition is one of many events to mark 20 years of CSU during 2009. See more 20th anniversary events here. Print this story Climate change and growing wine grapes
14 Apr 2009
 Key problems facing Australian horticultural production from climate change have been well documented. In a seminar at the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) at CSU at Wagga Wagga, researcher Dr Andrew Hall will focus on the impacts for the Australian wine industry. “Reduced availability of irrigation water, increased pests and diseases, particularly fruit fly, reduction in grape quality and value, and changes to the profitability of other crops are factors that will impact the industry,” said Dr Hall. A NWGIC research fellow, Dr Andrew Hall will present the seminar, Effect of potential climate change on Australian wine-grape growing conditions on Wednesday 15 April. Current work at the NWGIC involves improving temperature index forecasts for the wine industry. This is being done through improving the estimation of growing season start dates, forecasting temperature index ranges and extreme heat events, and determining which climate models best fit individual wine regions.
Media Note: The presentation will take place on Wednesday 15 April, from 2pm to 3pm in the seminar room, Wine and Food Industry Training Centre, building 412, near car park 11, McKeown Drive, CSU, Wagga Wagga. Dr Hall is available for interview. The NWGIC combines research, extension, education and training for the wine industry and is an alliance of CSU, NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Wine Industry Association. Print this story Water saving leads way on environmental scorecard
14 Apr 2009
Charles Sturt University (CSU) has already reached its 2015 target for water savings having slashed its water use by over 40 per cent in the past two years. These figures were highlighted in the 2008 CSU Environmental Scorecard recently released by the University. “This is a fantastic effort across the whole University, all the more important as most of these campuses are or have been in drought declared areas across NSW,” said William Adlong, Manager of CSU’s sustainability office, CSU Green. “Water usage at CSU in 2008 decreased by 16 per cent.” Energy use has decreased by eight per cent since 2006, with a slight increase by 1.5 percent during 2008. “However, there has been an increase in the area of buildings heated and cooled as CSU continued its extensive building program in 2007 and 2008,” said CSU Energy Manager Edward Maher. CSU is also addressing the carbon emissions caused by its staff travelling in cars and aircraft by replacing its large petrol cars with hybrid, diesel and small four cylinder cars in 2009.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU Green manager, Mr William Adlong, or Energy Manager, Mr Edward Maher, contact CSU Media. The 2008 CSU Environmental Scorecard is available here. Print this story Dedication of water feature
14 Apr 2009
.jpg) The most significant sculpture or art work commissioned by Charles Sturt University (CSU) will be dedicated at a special 20th anniversary event at the Bathurst Campus on Saturday 18 April. Intended as a lasting memorial to the students and staff of Bathurst Teachers College (BTC), the Bathurst Teachers College Commemorative Water Feature is now a focal point within the Bathurst Alumni Common. In 2005, Dr Peter Wilson, ceramic artist and sculptor, alumnus of Mitchell College of Advanced Education and senior lecturer in creative arts at the CSU School of Teacher Education, was commissioned to design and create the feature. “The concept I developed is loosely based on the spiralled nautilus shell, where the fins all emanate from a central point, spiralling outwards. This represents the paths our students take but forever stay connected by their shared experiences and commitment to the creation of new knowledge for the next generation,” Dr Wilson said.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The dedication will be from 12pm to 2pm on Saturday 18 April at CSU at the Bathurst Alumni Common on Bathurst Campus. The water feature was commissioned by the Charles Sturt Foundation, with financial support from the Bathurst Teachers College Alumni Association, Charles Sturt Foundation - Bathurst Campus Development Committee, and the University. The exhibition is one of many events to mark 20 years of CSU during 2009. See more 20th anniversary events here. Print this story Water chief looks to future
14 Apr 2009
 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NSW State Water and former Murray Irrigation Ltd CEO, Mr George Warne will present his views on the future for water at a seminar to be held at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga on Thursday 16 April. Mr Warne’s talk, entitled Where to in water?, will outline the challenges and trends facing the industry, emerging external issues and why the future holds promise. “With the Murray Darling Basin and water resources dominating the national debate and the political agenda, the water industry is in the midst of a period of profound change,” said Mr Warne. The International Centre of Water for Food Security (IC WATER) 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 seminar will be held on Thursday 16 April from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the Wine and Food Industry Training Centre, McKeown Drive, CSU, Wagga Wagga. To arrange interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Paramedics in Australia a national first
14 Apr 2009
 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturer has co-edited a new textbook, Paramedics in Australia, which is the first ever written by and for Australian paramedics, or ambulance officers. Coeditor Associate Professor Peter O’Meara, who is Associate Head of the CSU School of Biomedical Sciences at Bathurst, says for the first time Australian paramedics have been given a voice through publication of a book on paramedic practice which is also a step toward paramedics forging their own professional identity.“Paramedics in Australia explores the challenges that Australian paramedics face daily within a sometimes volatile social and political context of changing technological and clinical practice options, and with ambulance authorities dealing with ever-rising expectations from the community, the health system and government. Most chapters are written by paramedic academics or practicing paramedics drawn from five States, which make it a truly national book. Chapter one is the only known national history of ambulance services in Australia.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Associate Professor Peter O’Meara. Paramedics in Australia is published by Pearson Publishing and will be launched at the Ambulance Education Centre in Rozelle, Sydney, on Tuesday 21 April. The book also discusses issues such as clinical decision making, dealing with mental health emergencies, and managing paramedics’ own stress. Print this story Breeding quality bulls, Italian style
14 Apr 2009
 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) expert in animal fertility is confident his recent visit to Italy will foster new links and help solve mutual problems in breeding quality bulls. CSU Professor of Veterinary Reproduction Peter Chenoweth was guest speaker at a Master of Dairy Production Medicine symposium conducted by the University of Perugia, Umbria. “It allowed us to establish collaborative networks between academics and industry in Australia and Italy, based upon mutual problems and complementary expertise,” said Professor Chenoweth. “I also inspected the National Association of Italian Beef Cattle Breeders Central Genetics Centre and observed the future sires of the iconic Italian breeds, Marhigiana, Chianina and Romagnola. These animals represent an invaluable genetic resource, not only for Italy but also for the rest of the world.” Professor Chenoweth and an Italian colleague are pursuing funding opportunities for reciprocal collaboration for research in livestock fertility.
Media Note: Professor Peter Chenoweth is based at CSU at Wagga Wagga and teaches in subject areas including reproduction, animal behaviour and welfare. A paper written about his Italian visit will be published in the April issue of Bollettino della Comunita’ Scientifica in Australasia and is available here. For interviews, contact CSU Media. Print this story Lecturers to coach Indonesian coaches
14 Apr 2009
.JPG) Lecturers at the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Human Movement Studies have secured a contract with Indonesia’s State Ministry of Youth and Sport Affairs to provide education programs for the coaches of elite athletes. Dr Stephen Bird and Mr Ben Barrington-Higgs secured the contract, which is in addition to their contract to provide strength and conditioning training for elite athletes, after 10 Indonesian national sports coaches undertook intensive training for an Advanced Certificate in Sport Conditioning at CSU at Bathurst in December last year. “We’re very excited to be an international industry partner of this program because the Ministry is dedicated to improving performance through education of their coaches and athletes,” Dr Bird said. “We will continue to provide expertise to our northern neighbours following the improved performance of Indonesian athletes at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.” Dr Bird and Mr Barrington-Higgs depart for Riau and Surabaya in Indonesia on Monday 20 April as part of preparations for the next South-East Asian Games in December.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Dr Stephen Bird or Mr Ben Barrington-Higgs. Print this story Gothic art on display
14 Apr 2009
 The ‘gothic’ subculture in the Riverina will be explored by Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturer Mr Chris Orchard during a talk about his exhibition at the Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 18 April. A photography lecturer with the CSU School of Visual and Performing Arts, Mr Orchard is the curator of the exhibition Memento Mori: Gothic Subculture in Regional Australia. He is also a member of Wagga After Dark, a collaboration of young artists with an interest in gothic subculture. Clothing, jewellery, music, film and photographs have been contributed to the exhibition.
Media Note: Memento Mori: Gothic Subculture in Regional Australia is on at the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic Council Chambers site until Sunday 3 May. Lecturer Mr Chris Orchard will present the floor talk from 11am on Saturday 18 April. Print this story Award for learning and teaching support
14 Apr 2009
 Building confidence and skills in over 20 000 Charles Sturt University (CSU) students since 1988 has been the driving force for the CSU team behind STUDY LINK. The team, based in the CSU Division of Student Services at Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga, has been named the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Programs that Enhance Learning 2008. STUDY LINK is a program to prepare CSU’s diverse student population for tertiary education. Since its inception in 1988, over 23 000 students have enrolled in the program. “The STUDY LINK team aims to build confidence, skills and knowledge in a supportive environment in preparation for University study,” said team leader, Ms Liz Smith. “The contribution Liz and her team make to support the aspirational achievements of socially, geographically and educationally diverse students who have applied to CSU over many years is both well known and well respected,” said Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Jo-Anne Reid.
Media Note: Manager of Learning Skills, Ms Liz Smith is based at CSU at Bathurst. Her STUDY LINK team members are based across the University. Ms Smith is available for interview. Read more here. Print this story Broadband on track
07 Apr 2009
 The Federal Government has finally got the plan right for the National Broadband Network (NBN) according to Charles Sturt University (CSU) adjunct researcher Mr Peter Adams. Mr Adams, who has studied household broadband adoption for the past seven years, said today's announcement by the Rudd Government that it would form a public-private partnership to build the NBN is the best outcome from what has been an issue poorly managed by successive governments."Having the Commonwealth control the building of such important national infrastructure will ultimately achieve the best outcome for broadband users by ensuring there is clear separation between the provider of the cables and the commercial companies who compete to service consumers.” The researcher from CSU's Centre for Research in Complex Systems warned the Rudd Government now has a big job: it will manage the building of the network, and needs to convince households they will be better off under the proposed NBN. "Research conducted at CSU in 2008 showed householders are not convinced they should spend their income on higher speed broadband. Clear information must be provided to consumers about the benefits of NBN services."
Media Note: Mr Peter Adams is based in Wagga Wagga and can be contacted on mobile 0438 255 964. He is an adjunct researcher with CSU's Centre for Research in Complex Systems.
Print this story Islam and Christianity: Can they live together in peace?
07 Apr 2009
 A leading Australian theologian will examine the relationship between Christianity and Islam when he delivers a public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Tuesday 14 April as part of the University’s 20th anniversary celebrations. Reverend Professor James Haire, AM, whose address will draw on his extensive international and inter-faith experience, is Professor of Theology at CSU, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture and Director of CSU's Public and Contextual Theology Research Centre, based in Canberra. “I will look at the inter-relationships of Christianity and Islam in global perspective, and at the implications for Australia. I will also draw on personal experience in inter-faith dialogue and negotiations,” Reverend Professor Haire said. The lecture will start at 6.30pm on 14 April in the James Hardie Room, Centre for Professional Development, at CSU Bathurst Campus.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Reverend Professor James Haire. His public lecture is titled Islam and Christianity: Can the two live together in peace? Reverend Professor Haire was a minister and professor in theology in Indonesia from 1972 to 1985, and has received Honorary Doctorates from three universities. He became a Knight of St John in 2000, a Rotary Honorary Peace Ambassador in 2001, was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal in 2003 and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2006. Print this story Focus on trust during bushfires
07 Apr 2009
People around Wangaratta including the King Valley who were affected by the 2006-07 bushfires can have their say on their experiences of the fires through a survey being mailed to every fire affected household in the area. Charles Sturt University (CSU) PhD student Emily Sharp, a member of the University’s Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS), who is studying the role of trust in developing and implementing fire management strategies, has already done in-depth interviews with 38 people affected by the fires as well as 12 agency staff. She is investigating what factors influence trust between communities and government agencies before, during and after a fire. “People’s experiences of the fires depended on many factors, including where they lived, how much vegetation was around them, the topography, how much experience of fire they had had beforehand, and their confidence in their fire plans.” The survey, to go to up to 650 residents in mid April, will take 25 to 30 minutes to complete. Ms Sharp hopes her research will improve community/government agency relationships.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU social researcher, Ms Emily Sharp, contact ILWS communication manager, Ms Marg Beemster on (02) 6051 9653, or CSU Media. Print this story Collected rainwater under scrutiny
07 Apr 2009
While rain water may be free, drinking it may not be risk free, says one Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher. Dr Andrea Crampton, a microbiologist with the CSU’s Institute for Land, Water and Society, said while drinking water supplied to cities and towns is treated and routinely monitored for bacteria and other potential contaminants, the water drunk by most rural residents living on properties is not monitored and detection and prevention is left in the hands of the consumer. “Drinking water harvested from roofs, bores, dams or rivers could pose health risks to those who rely on it,” said Dr Crampton, who is part of a research team currently testing water from self-managed sources for bacteria and other contaminants. As part of the study, which is running around Wagga Wagga in April and May, participants will be sent a water test kit consisting of a survey, collection bottles, instructions and cooler bag with ice pack to keep water cool. Participants will also be contacted for a telephone interview. Anyone interested in participating in the study and having drinking water tested for free please contact Dr Crampton on (02) 6933 4032 or send an email.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU microbiologist Dr Andrea Crampton, contact CSU Media. Print this story Casella art competition
07 Apr 2009
 Melbourne artist Mr Warren Lane has been named the winner of the 2009 Casella Art Prize at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery. Judge and Head of the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Visual and Performing Arts, Associate Professor Margaret Woodward, selected Lane’s work, The Accidental Activist to win the $2 500 Casella Art Prize for Excellence in Painting. "The exhibition's theme of urban and built environment has an important role to play in how we understand and reflect the places we inhabit, visit and construct,” said Professor Woodward. “Skilfully executed and very firmly set in an urban environment, Lane's painting invites us to consider the tension between the natural and built environment and to be mindful of the natural world in contemporary urban life.” Now in its fourth year, the Casella Art Prize aims to support new, emerging and established artists within Australia. The exhibition will run at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery until Sunday 26 April.
Media Note: For interviews, contact CSU Media. Print this story New course hits right note
07 Apr 2009
 A new Charles Sturt University (CSU) course starting in 2010 could see music teachers educated through regional music conservatoriums around Australia. The new CSU Associate Degree in Music Education is aimed at the teaching of an instrument. The brainchild of CSU and Orange Regional Conservatorium Director Mr Graham Sattler, the two year full-time course at CSU at Bathurst, or four years part-time by distance education, concentrates on studies into educational, curriculum, teaching and professional issues. “The ability to deliver this course by distance education makes it very accessible,” says Christopher Klopper, a music lecturer with CSU’s School of Teacher Education. “It combines theory and practice in an exciting approach that will build the confidence of both aspiring and practicing music teachers.”
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Abu Dhabi police study criminal intelligence
07 Apr 2009
Fourteen police intelligence officers from the Middle East have commenced their policing studies in Australia. The serving officers, from Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf, are enrolled in the Master of Arts (Criminal Intelligence) course from Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Australian Graduate School of Policing, based in Manly. “CSU is adding to its strong record of close cooperation with international police forces, having already trained officers from such countries as Hong Kong and Indonesia,” said Head of School, Associate Professor Mark Briskey. The new students commenced their year long course in March with a six week residential school that includes field trips to learn about the intelligence capabilities of the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, NSW courts, the NSW Department of Corrective Services and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU Head of Australian Graduate School of Policing, Associate Professor Mark Briskey, contact CSU Media. Print this story Dubbo sees launch of two Oral Health partnerships
03 Apr 2009
Recognising the urgent need for adequate Aboriginal oral health in western NSW, Charles Sturt University (CSU), Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) and Bila Muuji Aboriginal Health Service Inc. will join forces, launching two oral health partnerships in Dubbo on Monday 6 April. A Memorandum of Understand (MoU) between CSU and Bila Muuji will be signed to establish a Student Clinical Placement Program for CSU Dentistry and Oral Health Therapy undergraduates at regional Bila Muuji sites and to investigate opportunities of joint research projects. Furthermore, a partnership between Bila Muuji and GWAHS will see the appointment of Oral Health Promotion Coordinator, Ms Kay Jackson. The School of Dentistry and Health Sciences is particularly excited by this partnership. “Bila Muuji clinical activities and CSU’s educational footprint very neatly dovetail across western NSW,” says Professor Ward Massey, Head of School. “The MoU will result in Bila Muuji input into curriculum content and delivery, provision of scholarships for CSU students and patient care at Bila Muuji sites by CSU students and staff.”
Media Note: Attending will be the Acting Chief Dental Officer with NSW Health, Dr Peter Hill, CEOs of Aboriginal Medical Services in Western NSW, representatives from Aboriginal Health Medical Research Council, and representatives from CSU, GWAHS and Bila Muuji. Contact CSU Media. Print this story Vale Sheila Swain, AM
31 Mar 2009
The Charles Sturt University (CSU) community was saddened to hear of the recent death of Mrs Sheila Swain, AM. Mrs Swain was first appointed to the Council of Mitchell College of Advanced Education, a predecessor institution of CSU, in 1981. She became Deputy Chair in 1984 and was Chair from 1986 to 1988. The building housing the School of Nursing and Midwifery on the University’s Bathurst Campus was named after Mrs Swain in 2000. Mrs Swain was a councillor on Hunters Hill Municipal Council in Sydney from 1971 to 1991, becoming the first woman elected mayor of the suburb in 1980-82 and was re-elected in 1987-89. She was also active in the Australian Local Government Women's Association - as treasurer, secretary, president of the NSW branch and later national president. In 1986 Mrs Swain was named Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Australian Federation of Business and Professional Women, and in 1987 was appointed a member of the Order of Australia. In 1989 she established and funded four scholarships for female students at CSU suffering financial hardship.
Media Note: More information of Mrs Swain’s life is found here. Print this story Highest CSU honour for two graduates
31 Mar 2009
 Two graduates due to attend this week’s ceremonies at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will receive the University’s highest academic honour, the Charles Sturt University Medal, for their outstanding achievements. Mr Aidan Luke, who works for Defence Materiel in Canberra, will receive the medal when he graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with Honours Class 1 from 10.30am on Thursday 2 April. Mr Benjamin Lloyd from Wagga Wagga will be joined by his parents when he receives the medal for his Bachelor of Information Technology with distinction. He will also graduate from 10.30am on 2 April. Mr Lloyd is continuing his studies at CSU in 2009 by completing an Honours year. Almost 2 000 graduates are eligible to receive their awards from the CSU Faculties of Arts, Business, Education and Science during six ceremonies, on Wednesday 1, Thursday 2 and Friday 3 April at Wagga Wagga. Read more here.
Media Note: The six graduation ceremonies from Wednesday 1 until Friday 3 April will be held at Joyes Hall, Pine Gully Road, CSU at Wagga Wagga. Print this story |
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