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REGIONAL NEWS
Home > Regional News
A timely book about student learning and the web
08 Feb 2011
In time for the beginning of the 2011 school year, Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Information Studies lecturer Dr James Herring has published his new book, Improving Students' Web Use and Information Literacy: A guide for teachers and teacher librarians. The book is a practical resource about using the web effectively in order to enhance learning and teaching in schools. It covers topics such as learning and teaching in today’s schools, finding and using information on the web, evaluating websites, improving student use of the web, and developing learning websites for student use.
Media Note: Dr James E Herring is a lecturer in teacher librarianship in CSU’s School of Information Studies, who teaches from his home in Scotland for most of the year. He is an internationally acclaimed authority on information literacy and ICT in schools. The book is distributed in Australia by James Bennett and can be ordered by emailing info@bennett.com.au More information about the book can be found here.
Print this story CSU ageing research in Bathurst
08 Feb 2011
Australia’s population is ageing rapidly and Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Dr Rylee Dionigi, a Fellow with the CSU Centre for Inland Health Research, is interviewing Bathurst residents as part of collaborative research about factors affecting physical activity among older adults in Australia and Canada. Dr Dionigi said, “Ageing is generally discussed with the empahasis on the declining body, and the research will inform future policies on healthy ageing. It asks people about their current leisure activities, what dissuades them from regular physical activity, their definition of ‘healthy ageing’ and expectations of the ageing process. I am particularly interested in the meaning older people attach to their physical activity or lack thereof in relation to current health promotions and stereotypes of older age. I hope this research encourages policy makers to heed the outcomes of small scale interpretive studies which will lead to greater understanding and tolerance of later life in general.”
Media Note: For pictures and interviews with Dr Rylee Dionigi is based at CSU in Bathurst. To arrange interviews, phone 02 6338 4890 between 9.30am and 2.30pm weekdays. The research takes place over the next two years. Print this story The University Road Show visits regional students
08 Feb 2011
.jpg) Three universities in New South Wales will bring an information road show about going to university to regional schools to give senior high school students a better understanding of tertiary education. The University Road Show comprises Charles Sturt University (CSU), Southern Cross University and the University of New England. Students will get the chance to discover more about university life and potential career paths when the University Road Show visits schools in the New England, North Coast, Hunter, Central West and Blue Mountains regions during March. Now in its tenth year, the University Road Show will visit more schools than ever before, sharing information with around 5 000 students at 120 schools. CSU Prospective Student Adviser Ms Katy Fardell said, “By pooling resources, Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University and the University of New England are able to provide excellent advice to students in one visit, maximising the study options presented to students while minimising the amount of time students need to be away from the classroom.”
Media Note: Please contact Ms Katy Fardell on 0408 274 332 to arrange interviews or photos. Print this story Minister approves land re-zoning for private hospital at CSU in Bathurst
01 Feb 2011
.jpg) The Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Ian Goulter, welcomed the NSW Minister for Lands, the Hon. Mr Tony Kelly, MLC, to the campus in Bathurst on Monday 31 January to formally approve a change to the ‘public purpose’ of CSU land to allow the University to commence formal negotiations with Day Procedures Australia Pty Ltd to establish a private hospital on the campus. “This is an important step in the development of Charles Sturt University’s planned new Medical School and will enable us to provide high quality training for students in a busy clinical environment,” Professor Goulter said. The University has been in discussions with Day Procedures Australia, which operates the Bathurst Private Hospital and Orange Day Surgery Centre, to lease land on the campus for a new private hospital development. The hospital will be built in a new Health Education Precinct on the campus in Bathurst, alongside the new Dental and Oral Health Clinic and CSU’s planned Primary Health Clinic, and will include two surgical theatres and a 20 bed ward, with radiography, pathology and other services. It will provide services to the Bathurst and central western communities, and expand clinical training opportunities for students enrolled in CSU’s planned medical program and existing health science courses.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Print this story Reducing youth antisocial behaviour: CSU public lecture
01 Feb 2011
A critically acclaimed program to reduce the incidence of antisocial and dangerous behaviours among young people will be launched in the NSW central west with a free public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Monday 7 February. The Manager of Residential Operations at CSU in Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo, Mr James Kelly, said, “Putting Youth in the Picture is a unique educational program that has been developed in regional Queensland to help communities deal with issues confronting youth. This program uses a series of authentic but confronting movie scenarios to show how young people can become involved in life altering incidents as a result of poor decision making. The issues presented and discussed include sexual assault, a bar-room fight, use of illegal recreational drugs, binge drinking and underage drinking at a party featuring all of these behaviours. This program is about peer-to-peer education delivered in a way that youth understand, which is in line with current government literature, and how one bad decision can change their life. The University intends to offer this program to not only its students, but as a regional engagement initiative, extend this to communities in the central west.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The free public lecture, Putting Youth in the Picture, is at 7pm Monday 7 February in building S15, Main Lecture Hall, at Charles Sturt University, Panorama Ave, Bathurst. Parents and teenagers, professionals who work with young people, and interested members of the public, are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served following the lecture. Please RSVP to Justine Booth at CSU on 6338 6985 or jubooth@csu.edu.au by Friday 4 February.
Print this story A return to Relay for Life
01 Feb 2011
Having raised more than $6 000 at last year’s Relay for Life, staff at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange with help from friends and family hope to donate another large sum to the NSW Cancer Council following this year’s event on Saturday 19 March. Relay for Life is an overnight community event where teams participate in a relay-style walk or run to raise funds for the NSW Cancer Council. Team coordinator and lecturer in anatomy and physiology in the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU, Dr James Wickham, believes CSU staff’s commitment to the community plays a big part in their past success. “We had 15 people in our team last year and 14 will take part this year,” Dr Wickham said. “Charles Sturt University staff enjoy taking part in community events and being for a good cause we can always rely on our family and friends to help us donate money for cancer research, accommodation for patients, and to support the Cancer Council Helpline. Last year, we initially wanted to raise $2 000, so to raise such a large sum was fantastic. We will be thrilled if we can raise $5 000 this year.”
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story CSU hosts Come and Try Triathlon in Wagga Wagga
25 Jan 2011
Up to 200 adults and 100 youths are expected to converge on Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on Sunday 30 January to compete in the second Come and Try Triathlon. The event is run by the Wagga Triants Triathlon Club and aims to introduce newcomers to the sport, but also provides serious competitors with a challenging event. Event organiser, Mr Stephen Trevaskis received very positive feedback from previous race competitors. He believes that the CSU campus provides a safe option for the younger competitors, and that the popularity of the event is likely due to setting slightly shorter distances which make it more accessible for beginners. Mr Trevaskis expressed appreciation for the support from CSU and the efforts of Manager of Campus Services, Mr Terry O’Meara, and his team, for preparations for this year’s event.
Media Note: Event organiser Mr Stephen Trevaskis is available for interview by phoning 0404 827 413. Participants need to enter prior to race day, and entry forms and further information are available at www.waggatriants.org.au . The event includes a two kilometre run, 11 kilometre cycle, 200 metre swim and a further two kilometres run around the CSU campus in Wagga Wagga. New events added for this year include a junior (10-12 year-old) and sub-junior (7-9 year-old) event. The junior events will follow a swim – ride – run format, starting in groups of between six to 12 competitors who will be non-timed. Print this story New $7.5 million developments at CSU in Bathurst
25 Jan 2011
Construction projects valued at approximately $7.5 million are underway at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst. Three projects, jointly-funded with Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, are expected to be completed later in 2011. The Regional Inter-Professional Clinical Simulation Centre is a state-of-the-art teaching building for nursing and paramedics students; the Model Digital Learning Module will provide cutting edge physical and digital infrastructure necessary for the preparation of ‘job ready’ teachers for Australian schools; and the Health & Wellness sports facilities upgrade will enhance recreational amenities. This involves the building of four new tennis courts and two multi-purpose courts, the creation of sun shade and barbeque areas, the renovation of the rugby oval and the training oval with new lighting, irrigation, laser levelling and new turf, the upgrade of the existing rugby union club house, and the construction of change rooms and amenities at the training field.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Ms Maree Neary is Project Manager, Planning, Design and Construction with Charles Sturt University’s Division of Facilities Management and can be contacted on 02 6338 4598 or mobile 0457 099 368 or mneary@csu.edu.au Print this story Evocities recruitment made easier
25 Jan 2011
The Evocities campaign has been described as a useful tool for recruitment by Charles Sturt University (CSU) Director of Human Resources Partnerships, Ms Jennie Anderson. Launched in September 2010, the promotion of Evocities - centres of Energy, Vision and Opportunity (EVO) - encourages capital city residents to make the move to an Evocity and invest in the opportunities the cities offer. The Evocities include Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga. “Charles Sturt University has campuses in five of the seven Evocities so it made sense for the University to become a supporter of this campaign,” Ms Anderson said. “The Evocities campaign includes a website where interested parties can find out more about each city and look for jobs in that area. It’s a great recruitment tool but also a useful link for those who haven’t lived in the area before and want to find out more about each city.”
Media Note: To find out more about Evocities click here. CSU is a corporate partner of Evocities. For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Floods highlight need for adequate insurance
19 Jan 2011
 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic says the recent wide-spread floods in Australia demonstrate the importance of home owners understanding whether their home and contents insurance covers damage caused by flooding. Senior lecturer in law at the CSU School of Accounting, Dr Bede Harris, says, “In many parts of Australia, insurers do not offer flood insurance because the risk is too great, and even where flood insurance is offered, the premiums tend to be high. The type of risks a policy-owner is covered for depends entirely on the wording of their policy, and this can differ from insurer to insurer.” Dr Harris also emphasizes that it is important to note that insurance policies distinguish between damage caused by rising waters (flood) and falling waters (for example, rain leaking through a roof). “In those cases, coverage will depend on what the immediate cause of the damage was,” Dr Harris said.
Media Note: To arrange an interview with Dr Bede Harris phone 6051 9760 or email beharris@csu.edu.au Print this story Construction starts on $45 million CSU National Life Sciences Hub
18 Jan 2011
Work has commenced on the National Life Sciences Hub (NaLSH) building project at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga with the establishment of the site, fencing, works on the realignment of Nathan Cobb Drive, and other preliminary site works. The NaLSH will help the integration of fundamental research with applied research and teaching, to build links between researchers and stakeholders (students, industry, producers) and identify problems and the development of improvements with immediate application to agricultural practice. It will create links to undergraduate and graduate training, and improve interactions across local/national/international partners in research in food security and biosecurity. An historical record of the site will be recorded by the capturing of time-lapse images of the site for the duration of the project. This is required for the information of funding and other bodies, as well as archival purposes. Please note that persons near the site may be inadvertently captured in these images.
Media Note: Further project information is available on the Division of Facilities Managements project website.
Print this story Solve problems, be well: aged volunteers needed
18 Jan 2011
 The link between older people’s personal wellbeing and their involvement in social activities and problem-solving will be examined by a Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher in coming months. Occupational therapy lecturer with the School of Community Health, Ms Thérèse Schmid, will commence her research in February and seeks participants aged 65 to 74 years from Albury and Wodonga. “I will be documenting how participants use problem-solving in social activities, and how this affects their sense of wellbeing,” said Ms Schmid, who is looking for volunteers to take part in the research for two hours a week for 12 weeks. Volunteers may be accompanied by a friend. The research will be based at Aged Concern in Townsend Street, Albury. People wanting to participate in the research should contact Ms Schmid on 6023 3971.
Media Note: For interviews and pictures with Ms Schmid and some active older people, meet at 10.30 on Friday 21 January at Table Tennis Club, North St, Albury. Print this story Flood affected farmers need our help
18 Jan 2011
Australian farmers and those involved in the production of food and natural fibres need strong support as they confront the challenges resulting from recent heavy rain and flooding, according to Associate Professor John Kent, Head of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Agricultural and Wine Science. Professor Kent believes that a coordinated movement of volunteers to assist farmers in the rebuilding process is needed as farmers are facing the loss of their crops, equipment and infrastructure like fences, irrigation channels, and, in many cases, the soil itself. “It will take a long time to recover from these floods, and on top of 10 years of drought this is a cruel blow,” says Professor Kent. “Australia’s farmers are some of the most important people in our society and we need to look after them and support them as they go through difficult times. They daily deal with the variations in climate and weather. They have business decisions and large financial investments to make because production of food is a long-term process involving much planning and up-front investment, and when a disaster like this occurs it impacts severely on these long-term plans.” In addition, there is a need for long-term strategies. “We have to learn how to manage climate change disruptions and how to adapt to a warmer and more variable climate. Australia and the world needs people to carry out research in order to find ways to adapt farming practices, develop new crop and pasture varieties and farming systems, and then pass on this knowledge to current and future farmers,” Professor Kent said.
Media Note: To arrange an interview with Associate Professor John Kent phone 6933 2489 or 0419 691 218 or email jhkent@csu.edu.au Print this story Sweet sounds floating from CSU
11 Jan 2011
Charles Sturt University (CSU) is this week home to the annual Riverina Summer School for Strings. In its twenty-fourth year, the school runs until Saturday 15 January and caters for players of violin, viola, cello, double bass and guitar of all ages and levels of experience. Students come from across the Riverina as well as Canberra, Sydney, Darwin and even Finland. “The school provides a great atmosphere and we have many families who make this their annual holiday,” explains President of Riverina Summer School for Strings Mr Jeff Donovan. The camp’s Music Director Mr Carl Pini has invited some of the best string players in Australia to instruct and inspire the students in orchestral and ensemble classes. The tutors present world-class chamber music and tango performances in the Sounds of Summer Concert Series which takes place most evenings during the week of the school at Joyes Hall on the CSU campus. The school culminates in the Grand Finale concert at 2pm on Saturday 15 January at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre where all school participants take part. “The students have come well prepared and the quality of performance is very good this year,” said Mr Donovan.
Media Note: See information on the Riverina Summer School for Strings here and the program for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series program here. Tickets for the Sounds of Summer concerts are sold at Allison Music, 114 Baylis St Wagga Wagga (02) 6921 2696 or at the door: $20 per concert for adults, $15 concession, $50 per concert per family. Special rates are available for the concert series.
Print this story CSU phasing out bottled water
11 Jan 2011
As part of its commitment to sustainability Charles Sturt University (CSU) will promote the use of bubblers and refillable water bottles, with the goal of phasing out the sale of bottled water on its campuses completely. The project has been coordinated by CSU Green to decrease the amount of bottled water purchased on campus and encourage the use of reusable bottles which can be refilled at bubblers and new refilling stations. “Disposable water bottles are a significant aspect of our environmental footprint,” says CSU Energy Manager Mr Edward Maher. “For example, the energy used in the production and delivery of one bottle of water results in emissions equivalent to driving a car a few hundred metres. The use of a reusable bottle also provides the University community with an everyday reminder about how the little decisions that we make on a day-to-day basis can collectively have a big impact on our environment..We will educate students and staff about the project, and encourage them to use the free water service.” CSU communications student, Ms Jessica Davis has developed an educational campaign to promote the initiative as part of her course. New water refilling stations will initially be installed on Bathurst and Orange campuses, with stations to be installed on other campuses later in 2011.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The CSU Green office is hub for communication and coordination of the University's sustainability efforts. It assists in monitoring what has been achieved and in promoting and initiating activities. It focuses on the aspect of the Institutional Development Plan that is concerned with reducing energy and water use and moves towards carbon neutrality. Print this story A Science Experience for summer
11 Jan 2011
Three days of hands-on science will be presented in a workshop at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga with Year 10 students from the NSW Riverina and Central West regions. The Science Experience at CSU workshops will be introduced at 9am on Wednesday 12 January by science media personality and Dean of CSU Faculty of Science, Professor Nick Klomp. The workshops will cover topics as varied as everyday chemistry, oral health, forensic science, bones and the science behind putting food on the table. The event finishes on Friday 14 January with a panel discussion between the participants and recent CSU graduates, who will explain where their science education has taken them. The program will be held at various venues on the University’s Wagga Wagga campus.
Media Note: For interviews and pictures, contact CSU Media. Print this story Study opportunity sends Emile flying
04 Jan 2011
 Charles Sturt University (CSU) student Emile van Schalkwyk will soon be jetting to France for a three week International Business and Advertising program as part of his studies. Currently studying a double degree Bachelor of Arts (Communications/Advertising) and Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Emile believes the program is the perfect fit for his interests. “The course covers both the areas I’m interested in,” he says. “I haven’t really done much to extend myself beyond my course with regards to work experience so when I found this course, I didn’t hesitate to apply.” The three-week intensive program includes 50 hours of academic classes and seminars, five hours of conferences, and five hours of survival French. “I spent time travelling after I finished school before deciding on my current degree, which is something a bit different. To find a course that focuses on both the areas I’m studying is like it was made for me. It really struck a chord.” Emile will fly out of Australia on Tuesday 8 January and returns on Friday 18 February.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Print this story Churches sing during summer school
04 Jan 2011
In a break with tradition, the Royal School of Church Music is holding its annual summer school for Australia and New Zealand at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst. Mr Matthew Owens, the Organist and Master of the Choristers at Wells Cathedral in the United Kingdom, will lead the summer school, which is open to church musicians of all Christian denominations, from Tuesday 4 to Tuesday 11 January. Participants will live, learn and practise their music at CSU during the school, while the services and concerts will be held in Bathurst’s major churches.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Michael Deasey, the Precentor and Organist at All Saints' Cathedral (Bathurst), is the President of the NSW Branch of Royal School of Church Music (Australia) during the two years leading up to the school and chairs the conference committee. Print this story Keeping food safe in the festive season
21 Dec 2010
There is nothing worse than ending up in the emergency room with food poisoning on Christmas day and it is just as bad being the host who provides the food. To ensure it doesn’t happen to you this Christmas Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Biomedical Sciences food microbiology lecturer, Dr Ester Mpandi Khosa has some food safety suggestions. “From a microbiological point of view, food poisoning is a very serious illness,” Dr Khosa says. “Micro-organisms growing on food can cause food-borne illness, which in some reported cases, has resulted in death of the victim.” This is the time of year when a large quantity of food is processed, purchased and consumed, creating a huge potential for food poisoning, if the food is not handled properly. “Every food handler, from farm to table, has a responsibility to make sure food is kept safe from contamination that can lead to food poisoning. The food that one handles is going to be consumed by someone else so it is important to make sure that hands are washed thoroughly, surfaces and utensils are clean and foods are stored at the correct temperature.”
Media Note: Dr Khosa says food consumed during the Christmas period can be placed into two groups: food consumed on Christmas day, and left-overs. Foods frequently associated with food poisoning are those of animal origin such as meat, poultry, milk, eggs, and products derived from them. Information on how to keep such food items during Christmas is readily available from books and the internet. Here is a summary derived from Food Standards Australia.
Dr Khosa graduated from Monash University, Melbourne with a PhD in Microbiology in 1994, and embarked on a career as a Research Scientist in Zimbabwe at the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), the Zimbabwean equivalent of the Australian CSIRO. After five years in research, she left to work for Olivine Industries, a Food Manufacturing Industry, which was then the affiliated company of H.J. Heinz International in Zimbabwe, as the Company's Product Development and Food Safety Manager. She returned to Australia and, with a second Masters Degree in Food Science and Nutrition completed, now works as an academic for CSU.
Print this story All I want for Christmas ...
21 Dec 2010
 As families prepare for Christmas celebrations, with festive goodies such as candy canes, gingerbread and chocolate within easy reach, Charles Sturt University (CSU) Dental Clinic dentist Dr Ying Shi Chang asks parents to remember the importance of children’s teeth. “Holidays often mean lack of routine and the festive season is a time when people eat more sugar, more frequently, than at any other time of the year,” says Dr Chang. “That can cause serious problems for teeth unless sensible and straightforward steps are taken.” Dr Chang recommends limiting the number of times a day your child eats sugary treats or snacks between meals and avoiding soft, sticky treats that get stuck between teeth. “It is best to eat sugary treats at the end of mealtime while there is still plenty of saliva in the mouth, as saliva helps to wash away the sugars and acids. Drinking a glass of water after eating a sugary treat also helps.” Finally, always have your child brush and floss before going to bed. It is also suggested that parents book their children in for an annual check-up before the start of a school year.
Media Note: The CSU Dental Clinic in Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga are currently taking bookings for 2011. To make an appointment please call 1300 278 642. Print this story
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