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REGIONAL NEWS
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Environment award for green educator
16 Dec 2008
 An academic with a decidedly ‘green’ bent has won the inaugural Albury-Wodonga Environmental Achievement Award for his activities with Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Albury-Wodonga. Education lecturer Dr John Rafferty, from the Murray School of Education and Institute for Land, Water and Society, has won this award for his development of the ‘Inland Living Experience’ concept, which promotes the belief that connection to the environment helps build a healthy, happy and sustainable lifestyle. “The Inland Living Experience promotes research and education by engaging with and understanding our environment as we experience significant change,” said Dr Rafferty. The award encourages CSU staff and students to be active in minimising the environmental impact of their everyday activities and increasing environmental awareness. Dr Rafferty will receive his award at a function at the University’s environmentally sustainable Thurgoona site at 10.30am on Tuesday 23 December.
Media Note: For interviews with education lecturer Dr John Rafferty, contact CSU Media. Print this story CSU toasts regional consultation
16 Dec 2008
In conjunction with the final Charles Sturt University (CSU) Council meeting for 2008, to be held in Bathurst on Thursday 18 December, representatives of the University, Bathurst Regional Council (BRC) and Orange City Council (OCC) will celebrate the continuing success of collaboration between these key regional organisations. CSU Chancellor Mr Lawrie Willett, AO, and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Goulter, will host an end of year catch-up at the University on Wednesday 17 December for members of the CSU Council with local government partners including the Mayor of Orange, Cr Reg Kidd, the Mayor of Bathurst, Cr Paul Toole and Bathurst Regional Councillors, as well as BRC General Manager, Mr David Sherley, and other senior staff.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Print this story A charter for students
09 Dec 2008
 A new charter has been designed by Charles Sturt University (CSU) to articulate what it means for students to be members of the wider CSU community. The Student Charter has been publicly released after being endorsed by the University’s Academic Senate on Wednesday 3 December. The document outlines the University’s values, ranging from intellectual independence, to the dissemination of knowledge, social justice and economic, social and environmental sustainability. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect of CSU and the University’s expectations of its student body. These expectations include respect and tolerance, honesty and integrity and positive participation in teaching, learning, professional and research activities. “The purpose of the charter is to promote engagement between students and the broader CSU community, and to help students and staff of the University understand the expectations they may have of each other,” said CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Lyn Gorman. “The introduction of the charter is a welcome move as it clearly outlines how the University and students can work together productively to benefit all,” said Mr David Atkinson, President of the Student Senate. Read the CSU Student Charter here.
Media Note: President of the Student Senate at CSU, Mr David Atkinson is based at CSU at Albury-Wodonga. The Student Senate is an independent student representative body. Print this story Green light for CSU Green
09 Dec 2008
Charles Sturt University (CSU) has consolidated its commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation with the establishment of the CSU Green Office on Monday 8 December. Mr William Adlong has been appointed the inaugural manager of CSU Green, and starting on the same day is the new CSU Energy Manager, Mr Edward Maher. Both officers are committed to reducing the University’s energy and water use in line with CSU targets. “The University wants to reduce its energy consumption by 10 per cent and reduce its water use by 25 per cent by 2011. CSU Green aims to bring together staff and student efforts for the environment to help us reach these targets,” said Mr Adlong, who has worked and studied extensively in this area. Mr Maher draws on years of experience with Sydney Water, including the management of the Every Drop Counts Business Program.
Media Note: For interviews with Mr Adlong on CSU Green, contact CSU Media. Print this story Bonus entry points to study at CSU
09 Dec 2008
 For the first time, Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Regional Bonus Point (RBP) scheme is available to school leavers in regional areas across Australia. “The scheme has been open to school leavers who studied their tertiary entry exam in regional or remote schools in NSW, Queensland and Victoria,” said CSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Goulter. “Now school leavers from other states and territories will automatically receive the Regional Bonus Points.” The RBP program is an equity program targeting regional youth. The program offers an additional five points to the university admission score. “CSU recognises that higher education participation rates are quite often lower in regional, non-metropolitan areas so the RBP program gives regional students easier access to courses at any of our campuses.” More information on the RBP scheme is available here.
Media Note: CSU has a network of campuses in five of the fastest-growing inland cities in NSW including Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga. Print this story Fresh input into research
09 Dec 2008
 Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Institute for Land, Water and Society has welcomed three new members to its Advisory Board who will support the Institute’s development as an internationally recognised provider of research in social and environmental sustainability. Ms Samantha Edmonds from the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) has joined Dr Shayne Williams, Senior Lecturer in Indigenous Education Studies at CSU, and PhD student Ms Anna Lukasiewicz, as the new appointments. The new board appointees reflect the diversity of ILWS members and research. Ms Edmonds, who is NCOSS’ Deputy Director, Policy and Communications, will meet with ILWS researchers on Wednesday 10 December at CSU at Wagga Wagga. She will speak about social services policy and needs, and discuss research collaborations with ILWS members.
Media Note: NCOSS provides independent policy development, advice and information and plays a key coordination and leadership role for the non-government social and community services sector in NSW. NCOSS’ Ms Samantha Edmonds is available for interview from 10.15am on Wednesday 10 December at the David Asimus Court, building 481, car park 12 off Valder Way, CSU, Wagga Wagga. Contact Ms Kate Roberts from CSU Media on 0412 983 684. Print this story International interest in book for nurse managers
09 Dec 2008
With the launch of his new book Nurse Managers, A Guide to Practice (2nd Edition) on Thursday 11 December, Charles Sturt University (CSU) Associate Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, Dr Andrew Crowther, is thrilled that the United State Joint Commission has already ordered 500 copies. The Joint Commission is the predominant body for standard setting and accreditation in health care in the USA. “The text offers nurse managers practical advice and tools in order to work effectively, so it’s rewarding when a group like this verifies your work by ordering so many copies,” Dr Crowther said. A collaboration of experienced international authors has produced this innovative resource to address the range of problems facing nurse managers. “The book offers contemporary perspectives on the variety of daily issues that confront the nurse manager during the early stages of his or her managerial career.”
Media Note: The book launch will take place at the Conference Room at CSU in Orange at midday, Thursday 11 December. Nurse Managers, A Guide to Practice (2nd Edition) is available through Ausmed Publications, on telephone 03 9375 7311, email or visit the web site here. For interviews with CSU lecturer Dr Crowther, contact CSU Media. Print this story Another honour for photography student
09 Dec 2008
Ms Kate Lewis, who was one of two Charles Sturt University (CSU) photography students to be short-listed in the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009, has been honoured by having a second portrait short-listed in another major national competition. Ms Lewis’ portrait entitled ‘Paul’ has been listed as a finalist in the 18 years and over category for the 2008 Australian Human Rights Commission Photo Competition. The winner will be announced on Wednesday 10 December. Ms Lewis this year completed the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at CSU at Wagga Wagga. The 2008 graduating class of the photography program are currently showcasing their works in the exhibition Solo at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
Media Note: CSU photography student Ms Kate Lewis’ short-listed portrait in the 2008 Australian Human Rights Commission Photo Competition can be found here.
Print this story National exposure for photography students
02 Dec 2008
 It is pure coincidence that two photography students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) selected the same subject for their short-listed entries in the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009. Students Ms Kate Lewis and Mr Matt Regan, both from Wagga Wagga, have been named as finalists in the National Photographic Portrait Prize. The photographs, ‘Philip’ and ‘Treaties for Mad Men Only’ will next year hang in the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. “It was a pure coincidence that both photographs feature the same subject, Kate’s father Philip Lewis,” said Bachelor of Arts (Photography) Course Coordinator, Mr James Holcombe. “Matt saw Kate’s father at the gym and thought he would make a great subject, so asked him to pose quite independently of knowing Kate.” The two photographs can be seen in the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery until Sunday 11 January 2009 as part of Solo, a graduation exhibition by CSU photography students. “The selection of these two works to hang in the National Portrait Gallery is a huge achievement for the students, as they competed against seasoned professionals to join the other finalists,” said Mr Holcombe. Ms Lewis and Mr Regan are among the first group of students to complete the photography course through the School of Visual and Performing Arts at CSU at Wagga Wagga.
Media Note: The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra in Canberra opens to the public on Thursday 4 December. The National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition will run from Friday 20 March until Sunday 24 May 2009 in the National Portrait Gallery. CSU lecturer Mr James Holcombe is in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at CSU at Wagga Wagga.
Print this story Austrade Export Award to marketing student
02 Dec 2008
 The Austrade Export Award for the best international marketing plan by a student enrolled at a NSW-based university has been won by Ms Michelle Hasler, a Charles Sturt University (CSU) distance education student enrolled in a Bachelor of Business (Marketing). Lecturer at CSU’s School of Marketing and Management Ms Katherine Attree said, “The preparation of an international marketing plan is a requirement for the compulsory subject International Marketing in the Bachelor of Business (Marketing). Michelle undertook an enormous amount of research and prepared a very comprehensive and detailed plan that analysed the viability of entry into the New Zealand marketplace as a first international venture for a small South Australian company, Wellness & Lifestyle, which operates in the allied health industry. She thoroughly deserves the $500 award for a NSW student entry.” Ms Hasler said, “I found the process very challenging and a very valuable learning experience.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The Austrade Export Plan Competition is open to students enrolled at an Australian university, and students can submit entries as individuals or as teams. Entrants prepare an export plan for an existing Australian business that produces goods or offers services with export potential, but has never exported. Print this story Falcons survive lightning to hatch chick
02 Dec 2008
 Despite a lightning strike on the water tower at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Orange during a storm on Friday 28 November, the Peregrine Falcons now residing there in the nesting box provided by staff have welcomed one hatched fluffy white chick and await the hatching of another. Ms Cilla Kinross, lecturer in environmental management at the CSU School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, says staff at the University are delighted by the hatchling. “It’s also incredibly overdue – the average incubation is 33 days, usually closer to 30, and this one is 40 days,” Ms Kinross said. It is thought that this is the closest-ever footage of a wild pair of breeding peregrine falcons, as the nesting box contains concealed video cameras with audio. Still photos, a blog journal and links to video footage of the falcons can be found here, including video of the chick being fed.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Print this story Outwitting one of agriculture's worst weeds
02 Dec 2008
 The summer perennial weed Silverleaf Nightshade is estimated to cost agriculture millions of dollars every year in reduced crop and pasture production. Researchers at the EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, an alliance between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, are half way through a project to look for innovative solutions to tackle the invasive weed. At a field day to be held on Thursday 4 December, Dr Rex Stanton will speak at a Leeton trial site about the effective chemical control of Silverleaf Nightshade. At a second site at Narrandera, he will discuss the use of mulch crops in suppressing the weed. The trial sites were established to investigate the role that competitive crops and herbicides can play in challenging the weed’s dominance.
Media Note: The field days commence at 10am at Leeton and 11.30am at Narrandera on Thursday, 4 December. Anyone interested in attending should RVSP to Dr Rex Stanton on 02 6938 1618 or email. Maps to the field sites are available. Print this story Landholders get say on incentives
02 Dec 2008
Landholders in the Greater Hume Shire of southern NSW can state the land management incentives that they prefer - such as fixed grants, rate relief, stewardship payments for existing practices or tenders - in a study being conducted by Charles Sturt University (CSU). Social researcher with CSU’s Institute for Land, Water and Society, Mr Jonathon Howard, said the study was the first attempt in Australia to map landholder preferences for different types of land management incentives across the landscape. “Government agencies are looking for more effective ways to achieve environmental outcomes,” Mr Howard said. “Catchment management authorities usually provide incentives through fixed grants or tenders but rarely ask people on the land what they actually need. This survey allows landholders to have their say on what sorts of programs should be available to them.” The study will help catchment authorities select the best incentive programs to address particular environmental issues. Landholders in the Greater Hume Shire are encouraged to complete a survey they will receive in the post during December. The study is in association with the Murray Catchment Management Authority, CSIRO and the Council.
Media Note: For interviews with Mr Jonathon Howard, contact CSU Media. Print this story Open door for new student accommodation
25 Nov 2008
 The doors to new student residential accommodation under construction at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga will be open to staff and students for inspection on Wednesday 26 November. The work, being undertaken by Joss Construction, will provide 200 new on campus beds for CSU students in the 2009 academic year, and is part of a large scale project for 600 new on campus beds across CSU campuses that will expand the range of student accommodation at the University to about 3 000 beds. Each block of 10 modular concrete and corrugated iron buildings will provide self-catered accommodation, with open plan kitchens and living areas, dedicated study facilities and high quality data networks. The new residences are clad with corrugated iron, 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 without the use of air conditioning. Rainwater collected from roofs will be used to flush toilets.
Media Note: The new student accommodation at CSU at Wagga Wagga will be open for inspection during 15-minute tours from 11am until 1.15pm, Wednesday 26 November. The Executive Director of the CSU Division of Student Services, Mr Andrew Callander, will be available for interview between 11am and 12pm. The media should go to the Joss Construction site office, Pine Gully Road, CSU at Wagga Wagga. Print this story New CSU Bathurst residences open for inspection
25 Nov 2008
Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst is giving staff, prospective students and their parents the opportunity to inspect the new 200-bed student residences on Thursday 27 November. The on campus residences will be completed in early 2009. On completion, 10 modular concrete and corrugated iron buildings will each house 20 students in self-catered accommodation. The development will include ‘open plan’ kitchens and living areas in each block, with two buildings enclosing an open courtyard. The corrugated iron, 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 without the use of expensive air conditioning.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The new residences are located at the end of Village Drive, adjacent to the John Oxley Village Residences, at the southern end of the campus. Media will be able to tour the new student residences at 10.30am on Thursday 27 November. The tours for staff, students and parents will be available from 11am to 1pm and will take approximately 20 minutes, with no more than 10 people per tour. Print this story Expect major changes in rural property ownership
25 Nov 2008
 Up to half of rural properties are expected to change hands in the next 10 years, according to a Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher studying the increasing levels of rural property turnover. “Over the past 10 years a quarter of rural properties have been sold, and this will increase up to 50 per cent in the next 10 years,” says CSU PhD student Ms Emily Mendham. “This change is being driven by the age of farmers who are approaching retirement and the demand for rural properties.” Ms Mendham’s findings are based on case studies in the traditional farming region of the Wimmera in western Victoria, and closer to Melbourne in the Corangamite region. Both regions have different influences on their changing demographics, and both present different opportunities and challenges. Ms Mendham will speak at ‘The changing nature of our rural neighbourhoods’ forum at the CD Blake Theatre on CSU’s Thurgoona site on Wednesday 26 November, from 9am to 3pm. The free forum will be hosted by the University’s Institute for Land, Water and Society.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU’s Ms Emily Mendham and other speakers at the forum, contact Margrit Beemster on 02 6051 9653 or CSU Media. Click here to see the forum program. For details on other speakers at the forum, click here. Print this story Adviser to government on Murray Darling Basin
25 Nov 2008
 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) expert in the management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems has been appointed to advise the Rudd government on the use of water purchased to restore the rivers and wetlands of the Murray Darling Basin. Associate Professor Robyn Watts is one of a panel of scientific experts appointed to the Environmental Water Scientific Advisory Committee by the federal Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong. The committee will provide advice on setting environmental watering priorities, monitoring the benefits of environmental flows, and identifying knowledge gaps. Associate Professor Watts is a Principal Researcher in the University’s Institute for Land, Water and Society where she researches biodiversity and connectivity in aquatic ecosystems and the ecological responses to flow regimes in regulated rivers. She also teaches river ecology and restoration at CSU at Albury-Wodonga.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Associate Professor Robyn Watts. Print this story Farewell from Mr Tim Fischer, AC
25 Nov 2008
 The former Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Farrer, Mr Tim Fischer, AC, will present his views on his ‘three Rs’ – the Riverina, railways and Rome – when he speaks at the annual Nowik Lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury on Tuesday 2 December, one of his last official engagements before taking up his new post as Australian Ambassador to The Vatican in Rome. With over 30 years in politics, he has been many things to many people: army officer, farmer, politician, humanitarian, diplomat, husband, father and a leader. Head of Campus, Albury-Wodonga, Professor Gail Whiteford, said Mr Fischer, an Honorary Doctor of the University, is a son of the Riverina who has served its citizens, CSU and Australia with distinction over many decades. The 2008 Nowik Lecture will commence at 6pm in the Nowik Lecture Theatre, Charles Sturt University, off Guinea St, Albury.
Media Note: For interviews with Professor Gail Whiteford, contact CSU Media. Print this story Scholarships open to Dubbo students
25 Nov 2008
Dubbo residents interested in studying at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in 2009 are encouraged to investigate an opportunity to receive one of 20 new scholarships that encourage joint studies between the University and TAFE colleges. The CSU Rural Learning Partnership Scholarships, each worth $2 000 for one year, are aimed at full-time students in need of financial assistance who are completing courses such as the Bachelor of Social Work in Dubbo. Students with disabilities, from non-English speaking backgrounds, or who are Indigenous are especially encouraged to apply for the competitive grants which can pay for accommodation, tuition fees, books and computers. CSU’s Access and Work Student Services Division manager, Ms Vicki Pitcher, said the Rural Learning Partnership Scholarships aim to redress some of the current financial inequities of tertiary study in regional Australia by helping students with genuine financial difficulties. For more information about these scholarships can be found here.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Environment award for green educator
25 Nov 2008
An academic with a decidedly ‘green’ bent has won the inaugural Albury-Wodonga Environmental Achievement Award for his activities with Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Albury-Wodonga. Education lecturer Dr John Rafferty, from the Murray School of Education and the Institute for Land, Water and Society won the award for his development of the ‘Inland Living Experience’ concept, which promotes the belief that connection to the environment helps build a healthy, happy and sustainable lifestyle. “Research tells us that sustainability can be achieved through developing intimate relationships with our environment. The Inland Living Experience promotes research and education, engaging and understanding our environment as we experience significant change,” said Dr Rafferty. The award encourages CSU staff and students to actively minimise the environmental impact of their everyday activities and increase environmental awareness. Dr Rafferty will receive his award at a function at the University’s environmentally sustainable Thurgoona site in December.
Media Note: For interviews and tours of the campus with Dr John Rafferty, contact CSU Media. Print this story |
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