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REGIONAL NEWS
Home > Regional News
Biodiversity on show
12 Aug 2010
 An exhibition of snapshots of rare and unusual plants and animals that highlights the diversity of life around the Riverina region is on show in the Albury Library-Museum from this Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 August. The exhibition, which shows the vital role of biodiversity in sustaining life on Earth, is being held as part of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity. Photographers and researchers living and working in Albury-Wodonga have donated their work to the exhibition, titled Region’s Best Biodiversity Photographs, to illustrate biodiversity at its best. Visitors will see a water beetle hunting and catching a native fish, aerial photographs of pink algae that stain the landscape, goannas wrestling in a battle for dominance as well as rarely seen reptiles, frogs and mammals. A story is attached to each of the 24 images in the display, which is linked to other events being held in the region.
Media Note: CSU lecturer and researcher Dr Jonathon Howard will be available for interviews between 9am and 12pm on Friday 13 August or by appointment on 0429 200 166 or send an email. The exhibition is also part of the National Science Week event Biodiversity in the City to be held in Albury on Saturday 21 August from 12pm to 4pm. Print this story CSU renovates historic Bathurst building
11 Aug 2010
Charles Sturt University (CSU) has a diverse property portfolio across its regional locations, and one such property currently undergoing renovation at 126 William Street, Bathurst, was most recently a restaurant and function centre known as Lamplighters Restaurant. Before that it was the Galloping Grape bar and restaurant, and prior to that the AMP Society Building. “This is a landmark building in Bathurst and is on the University’s heritage register,” said Mr Keith Hogan, Director, Procurement and Risk Management, in the CSU Division of Facilities Management. “It is also distinguished on the Bathurst City Council Regional Local Environmental Plan as a significant historical building. Following an asset management review of the building in the first half of 2010, funds have been allocated to enable the start of repairs to the property. This work consists of restoration of the historic front facade, repainting internally and externally, separation of the upstairs offices with repairs to flooring and services, and a number of priority works to protect and enhance the property.” The Executive Director of the CSU Division of Facilities Management, Mr Steve Butt, said, “Charles Sturt University supports sustainability of its built environment with a view to reuse, and maintains its many heritage listed properties for the legacy of inland Australia.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews Mr Keith Hogan.
The value of the works is approximately $300 000 and is being managed by the CSU Division of Facilities Management in various trade packages due to the nature of the works. Once work is completed, the University intends to lease the restaurant and function centre. The upstairs offices may supplement the University’s requirements or be offered for commercial tenancy and occupancy due to its prime location.
Print this story WOW award for CSU Indigenous liaison
11 Aug 2010
.jpg) A Wiradjuri Elder who was born and raised on the Talbragar Reserve near Dubbo, NSW, has been recognised at the recent annual Women Out West (WOW) awards on Saturday 31 July for her contribution to education and to Charles Sturt University (CSU). Aunty Pat Doolan, PSM,* was nominated by CSU education lecturer Ms Maria Bennet for her key role in supporting University staff and students with educational and cultural knowledge, and was awarded in the category ‘Dubbo Local Aboriginal Land Council Award for Outstanding Aboriginal Leadership inspiring generosity of spirit’. “The award is long overdue acknowledgement of Aunty Pat’s contribution and commitment to Indigenous education both within the region and more broadly, and she has had significant involvement with Charles Sturt University in Dubbo and the Centre for Indigenous Studies,” Ms Bennet said. “She has worked extensively across western NSW in community development, education, child protection, Aboriginal employment and community development to improve social outcomes for women and Aboriginal people in the Bourke and Dubbo communities.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. *PSM is the Public Service Medal.
Print this story Schools part of National Science Week
10 Aug 2010
Two leading local science organisations are joining forces to present National Science Week 2010 in the Border region. Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga (ASAW) will present a program of science activities for local school students at CSU’s Thurgoona site from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 August. Students from the Murray School of Education at CSU in Albury-Wodonga will join with Society members to run hands-on experiments and activities around the University, including investigating the cosmos, craters on meteors and discovering plants and animals in the Thurgoona wetlands. Over 700 students in Years 3 to 8 from 14 primary and high schools in NSW and Victoria will take part in the three-day event, which is funded by the Federal Department of Industry, Innovation, Science and Research.
Media Note: For interviews and pictures with participants in the school program on CSU’s Thurgoona site, contact CSU Media. Teachers wishing to take part in the program should email the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga here Print this story Navigating the IT maze
10 Aug 2010
More than 150 high school students will gather in Wodonga to see the latest in high technology learning on the Border, with exhibitors from many institutions including Charles Sturt University (CSU). Lecturer from the School of Computing and Mathematics at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Ms Maumita Bhattacharya, said the sessions were important for Border students to find out more on what is available for them in the Information Technology industry. “During the forum, I will be joined by Charles Sturt University computing lecturer Mr Anthony Chan to help students find their place in IT. It depends on their interests, abilities, skills and ambitions, and we will show students how they can find their way through the information maze,” Ms Bhattacharya said. The forum will be held between 10.30am and 2pm on Friday 13 August in the Wodonga Civic Centre, Hovell Street, Wodonga.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU academics Ms Maumita Bhattacharya and Mr Anthony Chan, contact CSU Media.
Print this story A second chance to cycle
10 Aug 2010
 Two Charles Sturt University (CSU) students in Wagga Wagga are doing their bit to promote a healthier environment and community through a bicycle recycling project. Ms Alyssa Ng and Mr David Bate initiated the project which gives a second chance for abandoned bikes. “About 20 old bikes abandoned at Kurrajong Recyclers in Wagga Wagga were donated to Charles Sturt University in 2009,” Ms Ng said. “With the assistance of students and staff from TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, the bikes have been repaired and repainted.” Facilitated and resourced by Riverina Institute’s Outreach Service, the bikes were repaired in the Riverina Institute’s automotive workshops by automotive and panel and paint pre-apprentice students. The bikes will be available free of charge for CSU students to use around the campus from the start of 2011. “We want this project to provide an environmentally friendly alternative form of transport for students, promote healthy lifestyles and encourage recycling.” The bikes will be handed over from Riverina Institute to CSU students from 11am on Friday 13 August near the Student Administration building.
Media Note: A master plan is currently being drafted for CSU in Wagga Wagga which will include improved cycle ways and footpaths. Animal science student Ms Alyssa Ng is available for interview on 0405 750 207. Ms Ng will join representatives of CSU and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute to promote the recycled bikes from 11am on Friday 13 August, near the student dining area, building 20 near car park 2, Darnell Smith Drive, CSU in Wagga Wagga. TAFE NSW Outreach Programs are designed to help adults re-enter education.
Print this story Ten years educating nurses
10 Aug 2010
A nursing lecturer was recognised with an award last week for more than 10 years teaching service at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo. Ms Lyn Croxon, lecturer at the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health in Dubbo, said she had seen many changes during this time. “It is easy to stay in a profession which you enjoy, and the last 10 years at Charles Sturt University have been demanding but a lot of fun,” Ms Croxon said. “I teach both theoretical and clinical classes to on campus and distance education students. For the last year I have been Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Nursing. This degree is taught to over 1 500 students across the University’s five campuses and by distance education. I coordinated the clinical placements for students across the Greater Western Area Health Service region for eight years and appreciate the support that the regional health services offer to our students. When I call or visit a health facility in the region, I often find I am speaking to a Charles Sturt University graduate who has returned to a local health facility to work as a Registered Nurse.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with lecturer Ms Lyn Croxon.
Ms Croxon worked in the clinical setting for 12 years, has been involved in nurse education for over 20 years, and currently teaches both theoretical and clinical classes on campus and to distance education students. Her area of interest is care of the older person, and she was a recipient of the University’s team Excellence in Teaching Award in 2002, and an individual Excellence in Teaching Award in 2004.
Print this story Health services for rural Australia
10 Aug 2010
 Accessibility and human rights, instead of rigid funding models, should be the priorities when planning health care services for rural and remote Australia says Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Professor of Rural and Remote Pharmacy Patrick Ball. “A model of health care funding for rural and remote Australia should be developed based on fundamental human rights and access to services rather than ‘bricks and mortar’,” Professor Patrick Ball said. The CSU academic studied two communities in central west NSW between 2006 and 2008 as part of his examination of the provision of health services outside metropolitan Australia. “The two communities were similar and only a short distance apart but had very different health care needs due to transport links and proximity to a city. We have the evidence to show that what is needed by rural and remote areas is more flexibility in allowing individual communities to meet their health needs and more emphasis on access to services rather than what hospital and which health facilities are located where.” Professor Patrick Ball will present a free public lecture on his research, What Health Services Should Rural Australia Have? from 6pm at the Deniliquin Council Chambers in Civic Place in Deniliquin on Wednesday 18 August. Read more here.
Media Note: To attend the lecture, What Health Services Should Rural Australia Have? at the Deniliquin Council Chambers on Wednesday 18 August RVSP to Ms Faye Falahey on 03 5898 3040 or send an email. CSU wine and cheese will be served after the lecture. The lecture is being hosted by CSU and the Deniliquin Council. Professor Patrick Ball has delivered similar public lectures in Dubbo and Parkes.
Print this story Students won?t get left behind
10 Aug 2010
.jpg) On Left-handers Day this Friday 13 August, an elite group of Charles Sturt University (CSU) dentistry students will celebrate their uniqueness and the fact their left handedness won’t be an issue in their oral health profession with dental equipment now built to compensate for left-handed dentists. Based on a conservative estimate, 10 per cent of the world population is left-handed which is reflected in the dentistry course with three of the 25 second year Bachelor of Dental Science students being left-handed. “In the past some dental equipment such as chairs and instruments were designed with only right-handed dentists in mind,” senior lecturer Dr Sabrina Manickam from the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences at CSU in Orange said. “Charles Sturt University students are lucky enough to have state-of-the-art equipment at their disposal that caters for both left and right-handed people.”
Media Note: Left-handed second year dentistry student Mr Sam Osborn and senior dentistry lecturer Dr Sabrina Manickam from CSU in Orange are available for interviews.
Print this story Dubbo in the big picture
10 Aug 2010
 Representing Dubbo as a member of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) governing board, CSU Council is one way that Dr Patricia Logan feels she can give back to the regional city that has welcomed her family. Having moved to Dubbo 15 years ago to take an academic position in the University’s School of Biomedical Sciences, Dr Logan and her family enjoy living in the region. “My daughters went to school in Dubbo and the eldest has returned to work here,” Dr Logan said. “We certainly feel we are part of the community. When the girls were growing up we were at pony club, volleyball and even Irish dancing lessons. Now it’s great to give something back. The city has been good to us as a family.” As a member of the CSU Council, Dr Logan hopes to continue the work done by former Council member Ms Heather Bell from CSU in Dubbo. “By having someone from Charles Sturt University in Dubbo on the CSU Council, it keeps the centre in people’s minds,” Dr Logan said.
Media Note: Media Note: Dr Patricia Logan was elected by the academic staff and is appointed to the CSU Council under section 9(1)(d) of the CSU Act 1989. The CSU Council is the University’s governing body.
Print this story CSU students secure NSW Farmers? scholarships
10 Aug 2010
Five Charles Sturt University (CSU) students have been named among the eight winners of the NSW Farmers’ Association Tertiary Scholarship Awards. The winners all share a passion for rural and regional NSW and the opportunities it provides. NSW Farmers’ Association President Mr Charles Armstrong says the judging panel is confident that the future of rural NSW is in good hands, following the high calibre of entrants. “All the winners plan to use their talents and skills back in the bush and many of them are currently doing so already, showing their level of keenness and ambition,” Mr Armstrong said. The CSU winners include Bachelor of Agricultural Science student Mr Josh Peffer from Molong; Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science Ms Melissa Sullivan from Orange; Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) student Mr Tom Webb from Wodonga who was awarded the E. L. O’Brien Scholarship for a student in agriculture; Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) student Ms Tracey Johnston of Weethalle; and Bachelor of Education student Ms Jessica Wythes from Wagga Wagga. They each received $5 000 at the Association’s Annual Conference held in Sydney from Tuesday 20 July to Thursday 22 July.
Media Note: The Scholarships are jointly funded by the NSW Farmers’ Association and the Goobang Group – a group of farmers from central west NSW who suffered losses in a bushfire at Goobang in 2001. Print this story Meeting and learning on Wiradjuri land
10 Aug 2010
 Nguluway, the Wiradjuri word for ‘Meeting with Each Other’, is the title under which Indigenous staff from across Charles Sturt University (CSU) will meet this week for their annual conference. About 30 Indigenous staff are expected to attend the two-day event at the Convention Centre at CSU in Wagga Wagga from Wednesday 11 August to Thursday 12 August. Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Flo Grant will give the Welcome to Country from 9.20am on Wednesday 11 August. CSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Goulter will address Nguluway at 9.30am and the Indigenous dance group from Wagga Wagga Maliyaa, will perform at 10am. Indigenous Elders and community members will join CSU staff for these sessions of Nguluway. The University’s Australian Indigenous Employment Strategy aims to increase the proportion of Indigenous staff in continuing positions and boost the overall representation of Indigenous staff to three per cent. Read more about the strategy here.
Media Note: Nguluway is being organised by Ms Catherine Maxwell, the University’s Indigenous Employment Coordinator within the Division of Human Resources.
Print this story Investigating Asperger's in the community
03 Aug 2010
Asperger’s syndrome is a complex condition covering a range of symptoms that include communication difficulties and problems with social interaction and cognitive abilities. Little is known about community views on this condition, which Charles Sturt University (CSU) doctoral student Ms Donna Kite will address in her current research project. Based in Port Augusta in South Australia, Ms Kite is looking for people to complete an online survey on the characteristics, causes, treatment and management of the condition. “Changes are being proposed on the diagnosis of Asperger’s, which could have implications for its subsequent recognition and treatment, so I am also asking respondents for their opinions on the proposed change,” Ms Kite said. “Most clients with Asperger's syndrome have adequate communication and cognitive functioning to participate in regular school programs, employment and sporting activities, but experience social and often behavioural difficulties relating to their interpretation of the world.”
Media Note: For interviews with CSU doctoral student Ms Donna Kite, contact CSU Media. The research project is part of Ms Kite’s doctorate in clinical psychology, based at CSU in Bathurst, under the supervision of Associate Professor Graham Tyson. The survey is approved by the CSU Human Ethics Research Committee - see survey here.
Print this story Students to swear Veterinary Oath
03 Aug 2010
The count down is on for the first group of veterinary science students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga until they take their professional oath at a ceremony on Friday 6 August. The 30 students in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science will swear the Veterinary Oath before their family and friends and lecturers from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga. The ceremony will be held from 2pm to 4pm in the Riverina Playhouse, Cross Street in Wagga Wagga. “As they take their place in the professional world, the students should be congratulated for the commitment they have clearly shown in completing their degrees,” CSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Goulter said. CSU started the veterinary science program in 2005 to address the shortage of veterinarians in rural and regional Australia. Read more here.
Media Note: For photos or interviews. Contact CSU Media.
Print this story Focus on dental health
03 Aug 2010
 Oral health students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will be working in the new Dental and Oral Health Clinic with renewed focus from Monday 2 August to Sunday 8 August during the national Dental Health Week. The 2nd year Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy/Hygiene) students will be treating patients in the University Clinic on Wednesday 4 August and Thursday 5 August as part of their studies. They will also have the chance to meet Dr Mark Sinclair, the President of the NSW Branch of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) during his visit to CSU in Wagga Wagga. Dr Sinclair is due to speak to the students on ethics during a lecture between 11am and 12midday on Wednesday 4 August. During the student clinics, which are supervised by registered dentists and oral health practitioners, the students undertake a thorough check-up of the patients’ teeth and gums, clean, and polish. For patients aged under 18, routine filling work will also be provided. Students offer advice on preventing tooth decay and gum disease, and will also demonstrate to their patients how to clean and floss teeth and gums. Paediatric patients will also receive a toothbrush during their appointments in Dental Health Week. The Clinic, with the latest in dental equipment and software, opened at the end of 2009. The Clinic is taking appointments on 1300 278 642. Dental Health Week is a community awareness program organised by the ADA.
Media Note: For interviews with oral health students or to take photographs or film their work during Dental Health Week, contact CSU Media. The students will be treating patients from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday 4 August, 9am to midday and 2pm to 4pm on Thursday 5 August. President of the NSW Branch of the Australian Dental Association Dr Mark Sinclair is available for interviews about Dental Health Week at 10.45pm or 12.15pm on Wednesday 4 August. Dentistry students will be working in the Dental and Oral Health Clinic at CSU in Orange during Dental Health Week. Senior lecturer at the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences at CSU in Orange, Dr Sabrina Manickam is also available for comment. Clinics are opening at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst and Dubbo in 2010.
Print this story Canadian student hails studying 'Down Under'
03 Aug 2010
 A Canadian student who studied for a year at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Australia has become an Australian Student Ambassador for 2010 and 2011. Ms Keely Snider, who is currently enrolled at Lakehead University in Ontario, studied English literature during 2009 at CSU in Wagga Wagga, in southern New South Wales. She hopes to become a teacher after finishing teachers college in 2013. “My experience in Australia was amazing,” Ms Snider said. “I met many wonderful people and made life long friends from Australia and other countries around the world, students who were also on exchange programs. I travelled a lot around Australia, and I would recommend studying in Australia to anyone. Hopefully I will get back to Australia soon.” Ms Snider is keen to encourage more Canadian students to study overseas, especially at CSU in Australia.
Media Note: To contact Ms Keely Snider for interviews, contact CSU Media or email Ms Snider here.
Print this story For outstanding service to rural health
03 Aug 2010
 Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Ms Stephanie Frazer has won a national award for her services to a student rural health club. Ms Frazer, who is president of the CSU Multidisciplinary Albury Rural Health Society (MARHS), was awarded $1 000 by the National Rural Health Students Network (NRHSN). The Network recognised her significant involvement in helping build MARHS into a strong and active club, particularly in relation to mental health in regional Australia. “Improving awareness about mental health is important as almost half of all Australians will experience mental illness in their lifetime. We can make a difference by encouraging understanding and improving support. I feel humbled to be recognised by my fellow students and to work with such great people at Charles Sturt University,” Ms Frazer said. Ms Frazer, who is a third year physiotherapy student with the School of Community Health based at Thurgoona, received her award in Alice Springs in July during the Network’s national conference of 29 student rural health clubs. MARHS vice-president and second year occupational therapy student Mr Alan Dyason also won a prize at the conference for his contribution to increasing awareness and action in Indigenous health issues.
Media Note: CSU allied health students Ms Stephanie Frazer and Mr Alan Dyason will be available for interviews and pictures at 10.30am on Wednesday 4 August, at the Allied Health laboratories at at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona. Contact CSU Media for more information. Print this story Urge to close the gap
03 Aug 2010
Charles Sturt University (CSU) students will join with their peers from across south eastern Australia to sign the official Close the Gap petition that urges action from all Australian governments to address the health crisis facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. CSU’s Multidisciplinary Albury Rural Health Society (MARHS) is hosting a meeting of ten university student rural health clubs from as far as Bendigo, Geelong, Adelaide and Hobart. During the meeting the students will officially sign the petition on Saturday 7 August. “Currently Indigenous people can except to die up to 17 years earlier than non-Indigenous Australians,” MARHS president and third year physiotherapy student at CSU, Ms Stephanie Frazer said. “This is wrong, and we as Australians have to do something to address the inequality of health status among Indigenous Australians. Over 140 000 other Australians have already registered their concern, and we invite the people of Albury-Wodonga to also sign the petition.” The Close the Gap ceremony will commence at 1.45pm in the CD Blake lecture theatre at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona.
Media Note: CSU students Ms Stephanie Frazer, Mr Alan Dyason and Ms Sian Draffin are available for interviews at 10.30am on Friday 6 August near the CD Blake lecture theatre at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona. Email MARHS here for more information.
Print this story Dental Health Week in Orange
03 Aug 2010
With research indicating that Australian children and teenagers are showing increased rates of tooth erosion, the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Dentistry and Health Sciences is training dentists and oral health therapists to work in regional and metropolitan centres. Senior lecturer at the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences at CSU in Orange, Dr Sabrina Manickam says, “Through patient care, research, and community service, our students will play a major role in helping to improve the oral and systemic health of people in regional and remote NSW, across the nation and world-wide”. Public Dental and Oral Health clinics recently opened at CSU in Orange and Wagga Wagga. Clinics at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst and Dubbo will open later this year, ensuring more children and teenagers have access to quality professionals. “We teach our students that the role of a dentist is to help prevent tooth erosion in young mouths through regular cleaning and education,” Dr Manickam said. Organised by the Australian Dental Association, Dental Health Week runs from Monday 2 August to Sunday 8 August.
Media Note: Print this story Peace Train goes national
03 Aug 2010
The musical production, PEACE TRAIN - The Cat Stevens Story is about to embark on an Australian tour under the directorship of Mr John Saunders from Charles Sturt University (CSU). An actor, writer and director, Mr Saunders is a lecturer with the School of Communication and Creative Industries at CSU in Wagga Wagga. Written by John Misto, PEACE TRAIN stars Darren Coggan, who performs 23 hit songs in a theatre production hailed as a night of music and story-telling. The show premiered at the Civic Theatre in Wagga Wagga in 2008 and since then has played in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. “Everyone who has worked on or seen PEACE TRAIN is affected and changed by the experience,” Mr Saunders said. “It is thrilling to think that by the end of 2010 audiences all over Australia will have had the opportunity to see and experience PEACE TRAIN live.” The Australian tour starts in the Esperance Civic Theatre in Western Australia on Tuesday 10 August and concludes on Saturday 27 November at Sale in Victoria. Read more here.
Media Note: Mr John Saunders is a lecturer with the Bachelor of Arts (Acting for Stage and Screen). He is available for interviews on PEACE TRAIN - The Cat Stevens Story.
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