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REGIONAL NEWS
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Accommodation construction almost complete
16 Feb 2010
Charles Sturt University (CSU) continues to expand with construction of new student residences in Orange almost complete. Joss Construction began civil works associated with new residences at CSU in Orange in January 2009 and are working hard to ensure the building is complete prior to new students arriving on Monday 22 February. “Student numbers are constantly increasing at Charles Sturt University,” Head of Campus Professor Kevin Parton said. “With the introduction of physiotherapy this year, and more courses planned for the future, the new accommodation will be an important addition to the campus.” New accommodation includes kitchens, common rooms and male and female bathrooms. “We are fortunate to have plenty of space for even more accommodation in future and look forward to offering all first year students the opportunity to live on campus.”
Media Note: An exclusive media tour for media will take place at 9.30am on Friday 19 February. Professor Kevin Parton will be available for comment at 9.30am and then Joss Construction’s Gareth Van Noort will give the tour. The tour will take approximately 30 minutes. On arrival, park in the first accommodation car park on the right of the main University road, opposite the administration car park. Contact CSU Media for details. Print this story Focus on rare genetic condition in children
16 Feb 2010
An international expert on the management of behaviour in children with a rare genetic condition will headline a one day workshop at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga. Ms Brenda Finucane, a genetic counsellor and Executive Director of Elwyn Genetics in the USA will address the workshop, Strategies for Managing Children with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) from 9.30am to 5pm on Friday 19 February. The Syndrome is a rare disorder which can lead to a series of physical, developmental and behavioural challenges. Initiated by the CSU Faculty of Arts and hosted by the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga, the workshop aims to raise awareness of SMS in Australia. “Although SMS is relatively rare, it often goes undiagnosed as doctors are not familiar with it,” said CSU researcher Dr Chris Blanchard, who has a child with SMS. “Of all the various genetic syndromes, it is thought that children with SMS are the most difficult to manage due to their characteristic antisocial behaviour.” Families and carers of children with SMS from around Australia will attend the workshop to share their experiences. Also attending are allied health professionals and teachers from inland NSW, the NSW Central Coast and Wollongong,
Media Note: International speaker Ms Brenda Finucane is available for interview on Thursday afternoon 18 February and Friday 19 February. Contact CSU academic Dr Ingrid Muenstermann on 02 6933 2258 for interviews with Ms Finucane. CSU researcher and senior lecturer and SMS parent, Dr Chris Blanchard, from the School of Biomedical Sciences is also available for interview on 02 6933 2364. Other possible CSU speakers include Dr Muenstermann and Dr Lynelle Osburn from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. They are researching the social consequences of SMS on families. Read more about SMS here. The workshop will be held from 9.30am to 5 pm in the Convention Centre, CSU, Wagga Wagga. There will be a morning tea break from 10.30 to 11am and lunch break between 12.30 and 1.30pm. Print this story Students experience the Riverina
16 Feb 2010
 Animal science students from Ohio State University (OSU) in the United States are witnessing a rare change to the local rural landscape following recent heavy rain during their six week study trip to Australia. Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences in Wagga Wagga is currently hosting a week-long visit to the Riverina by 20 OSU students. The group arrived in Wagga Wagga to stay with local host families on Friday 12 February. Before they depart on Saturday 20 February, the students will inspect CSU facilities including the Equine Centre and the CSU Winery; travel to the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area on Wednesday 17 February; and spend the night in Hay on Wednesday 17 February before a visit to rural producers and industries in Darlington Point and Yanco on Thursday 18 February. “The students are here to gain knowledge of farming in the Riverina and visit a wide range of local enterprises and properties,” said visit coordinator Dr Raf Freire from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at CSU.
Media Note: The group will return to CSU in Wagga Wagga from 11am on Friday 19 February. To arrange an interview with or photo of the Ohio State University students contact CSU Media. Print this story Orientation Week on the way
16 Feb 2010
Commencing on Monday 22 February, Orientation Week is the traditional start of the university year for new students at Charles Sturt University (CSU). Around 600 students, including part-time students, will commence courses as varied as physiotherapy, teaching, nursing, speech therapy, adventure ecotourism, accountancy and information technology. Head of CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Professor Allan Curtis said Orientation Week activities were vital to introduce new students to study and life at CSU. “Orientation Week provides space for students to become familar with their surroundings, staff and other students. CSU staff are ready to respond to queries about courses and subjects, help students find accommodation, and help them make the most of the cultural and sporting acitivities available in Albury-Wodonga,” Professor Curtis said.
Major events during the week include:
Media Note: For interviews with new CSU students and relevant staff during Orientation Week, contact CSU Media. See the full Orientation Week Program here. The 2010 academic year starts at CSU on Monday 1 March. For the first time in Albury-Wodonga, all Orientation Week activities will be on the University’s Thurgoona site, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, with students and academics from the Schools of Community Health and Nursing now based at Thurgoona. Print this story Parents' turn to learn
16 Feb 2010
Parents of NSW Central West senior high school students are encouraged to register for an opportunity to discuss life after Year 12 with staff and current students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) on Friday 26 February. “The Parent Information session will look at options after Year 12 such as a gap year, graduate outcomes, pathways into university and costs associated with university study,” CSU prospective student advisor Ms Fran Dwyer said. “Parents will find out about financial assistance such as scholarships, student support services, discuss regional universities versus metropolitan universities, and we will also offer an optional campus tour.” Running from 9.30am to 12noon on Friday 26 February, the session will take place at CSU in Orange. To register, call Ms Judy Walsh on (02) 6338 6010.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story US paramedics benefit from CSU professor
09 Feb 2010
1.jpg) The newly-appointed Professor of Paramedic Practice and Leadership at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Biomedical Sciences in Bathurst, Professor Peter O’Meara, has returned from teaching a one week course for paramedics from several states centred around the US state of Illinois. “They have a very different system in the US to ours in Australia,” Professor O’Meara explained. “The professional practice and management issues are similar, however they have 17 000 ambulance service providers compared to eight in Australia. Services range from very small to moderately sized organisations serving a city or regional community and there are no state-wide services. Many are run by the fire brigade, others by city councils, hospitals and private companies, some for profit and others not-for-profit. In Australia we are well advanced in the education and training of paramedics and ambulance service managers. However, we can learn from experiences in the US where they face challenges over a very large and diverse country. I see potentially great opportunities for the University to extend into the US paramedic education market in partnership with professional associations and other universities involved in paramedic education. I am also pursuing opportunities for CSU paramedic students to undertake clinical placements in the US.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Professor Peter O'Meara. This is the second time that Professor O’Meara has been invited to the US by the North Central Emergency Medical Services Institute. Professor Peter O'Meara is Professor in Paramedic Practice and Leadership at the School of Biomedical Sciences at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, and Visiting Professor of Pre-hospital Care at Coventry University in the United Kingdom. Print this story TV graduate carves out promising career
09 Feb 2010
 In any industry freelancing is not for the faint-hearted, but a Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduate has one successful year under her belt and is confident her second will be even better. Ms Gemma Thornton had experiences as varied as sailing on the eco-boat ‘Ady Gil’ and maintaining the boat’s videoblog while moored in New Zealand’s Auckland Harbour, to working on broadcasts for the ABC and SBS. Ms Thornton, who grew up in Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast, finished a Bachelor of Arts in Television Production in 2008. She says she was prepared to give freelancing a go for a year to “see if I could carve out a career”. “During the past year I found the skills and training gained at Charles Sturt University were outstanding and stand up well in professional practice. I feel well-prepared to go out on my own for another year,” she said. “The opportunity to work last November as a volunteer on the ‘Ady Gil’, one of the boats operated by the Sea Shepherd conservation group, was incredible. I really felt that we could make a difference. Of course it’s a memory cherished more fondly since the boat was sunk in the Antarctic in January.” Ms Thornton says the contacts she built in 2009 will help her find work in television studios doing camera operating and assistance work this year.
Media Note: The Bachelor of Arts in Television Production is based in the School of Communication and Creative Industries at CSU in Wagga Wagga. Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with CSU graduate Ms Gemma Thornton. Print this story Common agricultural challenges for PNG and Australia
09 Feb 2010
 Researchers from our closet northern neighbour have developed a partnership with the EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation which includes Charles Sturt University to support the development of stable and resilient agricultural production. A five-day visit by three visitors from Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) University of Technology to Wagga Wagga will also allow them discussion about common issues confronting agriculture this century, such as food security, biosecurity and changing commodity markets. Director of the EH Graham Centre, Professor Deidre Lemerle says the visit stems from an invitation made during her trip to PNG last November. “We’ll build on last year’s discussion about developing staff and student exchanges and collaborative research programs with Charles Sturt University, which aim to build links with PNG and ultimately build their capacity for sustainable agriculture,” she said. “The visitors will spend time with EH Graham Centre researchers working in their fields of interest including crop and animal production, tour facilities and visit farms in the district.”
Media Note: The Papua New Guinean visitors are currently visiting Wagga Wagga until Friday 12 February. The EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation is an alliance between CSU and the Industry & Investment NSW. Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Professor Deirdre Lemerle. Print this story RoboCup Junior Challenge training for teachers and pupils
09 Feb 2010
(cropped & re-sized).jpg) Primary and secondary school teachers and pupils from schools across the NSW Central West will gather at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Monday 15 February for training to help them compete in the regional RoboCup Junior Challenge to be held at the University in June. Mr Allen Benter, a PhD student and researcher at the Centre for Research in Complex Systems (CRiCS) in Bathurst and coordinator of the RoboCup Junior Challenge, said, “This workshop for teachers and pupils will assist them through the process of constructing and programming a robot to compete in one of three events at the competition in June: Dance, Rescue or Soccer. The winners of the regional competition will then advance to the NSW competition. About 45 teachers and students will attend in groups of one teacher and two students from schools in Bathurst, Orange, Wellington, Oberon, Hampton and O’Connell. During the training day they will construct a robot using Lego and write programming on computers.” CSU is the official sponsor of the regional RoboCup Junior Challenge in the NSW Central West.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Mr Allen Benter. The training day will be held in the Library Learning Commons at CSU in Bathurst from 9am until 3pm on Monday 15 February. The RoboCup Junior Challenge is due to be held at CSU in Bathurst on Friday 25 June. RoboCup is an international competition and conference promoting artificial intelligence and robotic research worldwide. RoboCup Junior is aimed at primary to secondary school children and focuses on engineering and computing skills, as well as sportsmanship, teamwork, cooperation and organisational skills. Print this story European graduates benefit from Aussie alliance
02 Feb 2010
While managers put much energy into improving business performance by investing in innovation, increasing product and service quality or through expansion, little effort is given to improving the culture which is the backbone of every organisation’s operation. A Swiss graduate from Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Doctor of Business Administration program says carefully managing organisational culture can positively influence the company’s bottom line. Dr Patric Maerki is the first graduate to complete his studies through a partnership with CSU and the University of Applied Science in Bern, Switzerland. He devised a way to help manage the aspects of corporate culture influencing business performance. “My research into companies in five different industries showed that corporate culture values such as freedom, risk taking, open and shared communication, and respecting employees can be used to enhance operational performance in innovation, organisational alignment and customer orientation, and to increase profits,” said Dr Maerki. CSU’s distance education program attracted Dr Maerki as he could balance his business commitments with the demands of completing a doctorate while receiving support from a Swiss supervisor.
Media Note: The first student intake to CSU’s new Doctor of Business Administration program at the University of Applied Science in Deggendorf, Germany commences this year. To arrange interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Thai experience opens students? eyes
02 Feb 2010
 Charles Student University (CSU) animal science students came face to face with the harsh reality of elephant cruelty and mistreatment during a visit to Thailand to undertake a project on wildlife conservation. The 18 day excursion in January centred on volunteer work at the Elephant Nature Park near Chang Mai in the country’s north. The park rescues maltreated, physically handicapped and mentally disturbed Asian elephants and provides a sanctuary for their rehabilitation. One agricultural science and 17 animal science students from CSU returned from the trip last week, recounting their cherished experiences being ‘up close and personal’ when feeding and washing the elephants. Course Coordinator of the CSU veterinary science program, Dr Gaye Krebs said the trip was an incredible learning experience and one student is planning to return to the park next year. “It was the impetus for one student to propose an Honours project with Lek, who runs the park, which is a fantastic outcome,” said Dr Krebs. “The trip went ahead with the assistance of CSU Global and the IGA supermarket at Hillston who donated $6 000 towards costs.”
Media Note: Dr Gaye Krebs, Dr Nigel Urwin and Ms Karen Butts from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences accompanied the students to Thailand. Through CSU Global, the University aims to significantly increase the number of students undertaking international experiences as part of their studies. Print this story Award-winning artist on display
02 Feb 2010
 Award-wining artist and Charles Sturt University (CSU) PhD student Mr Rohan Nicol will reveal his latest works during an exhibition at CSU in Wagga Wagga. The display, titled Crafting Designs on Wealth, will be officially opened by the General Manager of Craft Australia, Ms Catrina Vignando at 5.30pm this Thursday 4 February in the HR Gallop Gallery, CSU in Wagga Wagga. Mr Nicol, who is studying through the School of Communication and Creative Industries, is due to visit Milan, Italy in April to attend the Salone del Mobile furniture fair. The trip follows his win last year in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award, Australia’s richest design prize. The exhibition at CSU in Wagga Wagga showcases Mr Nicol’s drawing, models, prototypes and commercial products prepared as part of his PhD studies at the University, in which he is investigating a financially sustainable method of craft and design in the studio.
Media Note: The exhibition, Crafting Designs on Wealth runs from Wednesday 27 January to Wednesday 17 February in the HR Gallop Gallery, building 21, near car park 2, Darnell Smith Drive, CSU in Wagga Wagga. Print this story Grant for a greener University
02 Feb 2010
 Energy and water saving initiatives at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga have attracted further NSW Government support under its Climate Change Fund. The $75 000 grant through the Fund’s Public Facilities Program will enable CSU to continue to install devices such as timers, energy efficient lighting upgrades, flow control technology for showers, sinks and basins in at least 10 University buildings including student residences, offices and Joyes Hall. Some funds will be used by the University to produce a video showing how the savings are being made. “Charles Sturt University has already invested $300 000 in 2008 to install energy and water saving devices into a number of buildings on Wagga Wagga Campus by the company, Ecosave,” said Energy Manager at CSU Mr Ed Maher. “The latest funding will allow us to further this work and reduce carbon pollution by an estimated 250 tonnes and save over 7.8 million litres of water each year.” The work by Ecosave to install the new devices is due to be completed by March.
Media Note: Charles Sturt University (CSU) established the CSU Green office in 2008 to oversee the University’s commitment to sustainability. Read more about CSU Green here. Print this story Academics walk for charity
02 Feb 2010
Academics from Charles Sturt University (CSU) will take part in the Orange Relay For Life taking place on Saturday 13 March. Team captain and CSU lecturer in the School of Biomedical Science, Dr James Wickham, says he was impressed by the speed in which staff members put their hand up to take part. “Charles Sturt University has been involved in Relay For Life in the past and everyone who walks always enjoys themselves,” he said. “It’s a fantastic cause and a great way to celebrate with those who have battled cancer and survived.” With 14 staff members in the team, CSU will be recognisable on the track with caps and ties. “We thought we’d have an ‘academic’ theme,” Dr Wickham said. Relay For Life is an overnight, community event where teams participate in a relay-style walk or run to raise funds for the Cancer Council. The event brings the whole community together for a night of fun, entertainment, celebration and remembrance. “The University team hopes to raise more than $2 000 for the cause,” Dr Wickham said.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media.
Print this story Starting school ? trials and elations
19 Jan 2010
 Starting school can be exciting and, perhaps, a little scary – and that’s just for parents. Two senior education researchers at Charles Sturt University (CSU) have developed guidelines to help parents, teachers and children as they start school. “Starting school is an important milestone in the lives of children and families. If children have a successful start to school, they are likely to stay connected to school and regard it as a positive place to be,” says Professor Bob Perry from CSU. Drawing on over 15 years of research, Professor Perry and Professor Sue Dockett, who research and teach at the University’s Murray School of Education, have led the way for parents and teachers on how to help all involved feel competent and confident when children start school.
Media Note: For interviews with Professor Bob Perry or Professor Sue Dockett contact CSU Media. For more on the parent guide to starting school, see here. Print this story CSU 2009 Lecturer of the Year
19 Jan 2010
 Students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) have voted a lecturer at the School of Biomedical Sciences in Bathurst as CSU 2009 Lecturer of the Year. Ms Veronica Madigan won the accolade in a nation-wide poll open to all academics and students at the 38 universities in Australia. Dr John Harper, the Sub-Dean, Learning and Teaching, in the CSU Faculty of Science, said, “It is wonderful that students have gone out of their way to vote Veronica as their top lecturer at CSU for 2009. She continues to make a lasting, positive impression on her students and is an inspiration to us all.” Ms Madigan said, “As a person who is passionate about my teaching, there are only two things that really matter to me: the success of my students, and their appreciation of what I try to do for them. For them to say ‘thank you’ in this way is just the greatest thrill for me.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Ms Veronica Madigan. The Lecturer of the Year poll was initiated in 2007 by Unijobs, an employment service for the tertiary education sector. The poll attracted 65 000 votes in 2009. To be eligible for the award a nominee needs to be employed as a member of the teaching staff at any university in Australia. The list of winners at each university can be found here. Print this story Local MP to inspect dental clinic in Bathurst
19 Jan 2010
At the invitation of the Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Ian Goulter, the Federal Member for Macquarie, The Hon. Mr Bob Debus, MP, will inspect progress in the construction of the new Dental and Oral Health Clinic at the CSU campus in Bathurst at 10am on Friday 22 January. Mr Debus and Professor Goulter will be accompanied by the Head of Campus, Mr Col Sharp, Dr Sabrina Manickam, senior lecturer and the External Relations Coordinator at the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, and representatives of Joss Constructions, the contractor undertaking the project. “I’m excited by progress with the CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinic in Bathurst because, when it is opened to the public later in 2010, we’ll contribute to improving patients’ access to dental services in the region, as we will for other communities in regional Australia,” Professor Goulter said.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinic is located just inside the University’s main gate off Panorama Avenue, Bathurst. In 2007, CSU received $65.1 million from the Federal Government to develop its dentistry and oral health therapy courses and to build the necessary teaching and learning infrastructure. State-of-the-art CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinics will be situated on five CSU campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, and Wagga Wagga, where students at the CSU School of Dentistry and Health Sciences will learn through practical placement in these clinics throughout their courses. The CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinic in Bathurst is valued at $6.2 million including furniture, fittings, dental chairs and instruments. Project architect is Brewster Hjorth Architects. The clinic is expected to be completed in May and will be officially opened once the internal fit-out is completed several weeks later. Print this story Teenagers get into science
12 Jan 2010
 Around 20 Riverina high school students will take time out from their holidays to experience the joy of science at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga. The Science Experience, a three-day event from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 January, is run annually by the Science Schools Foundation, hosted by CSU and sponsored by Rotary. Students entering Year 10 in 2010 will participate in science activities including practical workshops. Topics include Oral Health, the Science Behind Putting Food on the Table, Chemistry Everyday, Psychology of Everyday Life, Speaking with Animals, and Careers In Science. The Dean of the Faculty of Science at CSU, Professor Nick Klomp, will welcome the students from 9.15am in the Wal Fife Theatre at CSU in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 13 January.
Media Note: The Dean of the Faculty of Science at CSU, Professor Nick Klomp, is available for media interviews prior to and after the formal welcome at 9.15am on Wednesday 13 January in the Wal Fife Theatre, building 14, near car park 4, Tooma Way, CSU in Wagga Wagga. For further information and a program, contact Marketing Officer Ms Raegan Petzel on 02 6933 2069 or mobile 0448 412 754 or send an email: rpetzel@csu.edu.au Print this story Training hard for inaugural triathlon at CSU
12 Jan 2010
 One is a veteran of the triathlon and another is a novice but both men will spend the next few weeks in final training for the Wagga Wagga 'Come and Try Triathlon’ to be held at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on Sunday 31 January. Dr Bruno Holzapfel, a researcher with the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) at CSU, runs 10 kilometres and swims one kilometre each week “just to keep fit”. He is looking forward to his first ever triathlon at the end of the month and believes the event is a “great idea to encourage all types of people to take up sport”. Research technician at the NWGIC and member of the Wagga Cycle Club, Mr Mark Wilson, believes the CSU course is suited to all comers, including those undertaking their first triathlon. “Charles Sturt University will be a great venue for the short course - fast and technical,” said Mr Wilson, who trains four times a week and is a regular in the Tour de Riverina and Tour of Two Rivers bicycle road races.
Media Note: The Wagga Wagga ‘Come and Try Triathlon’ will start at 8am at the University pool, Valder Way, CSU in Wagga Wagga on Sunday 31 January. The triathlon includes a 1.9 kilometre run, 11 kilometre cycle, 200 metre swim and 1.9 kilometre run. Organisers of the event, Wagga Triants hope the triathalon will become an annual event at CSU. For further details contact Race Director Mr Stephen Trevaskis on 0404 827 413 or send an email: steveandben@bigpond.com.au Dr Bruno Holzapfel from the NWGIC is available for interview on 0458 723 664 or Mr Mark Wilson from the NWGIC on 0433 826 925. Further information, including a race entry form and race map, is available from the Wagga Triants website. Print this story The right medicine for school leavers
12 Jan 2010
For those keen to study medicine and dentistry, it’s good to know there is more than one way to get into these professions at Charles Sturt University (CSU). The University’s Bachelor of Clinical Science is a pre-medicine and pre-dentistry course that offers ten places in medicine at the University of Sydney for regional graduates. Clinical science graduate Ms Tegan van Gemert from Bathurst says, “The subjects I studied and the clinical experience I gained while studying the CSU clinical science course made me more determined that medicine was what I wanted to study. Preparing for the admissions test and interviews was quite stressful, but the subjects I had completed through the course gave me all the background knowledge and skills I needed to succeed. I am very grateful for the opportunity this degree provided me in achieving graduate entry into medicine.”
Media Note: For more information on CSU’s Bachelor of Clinical Science, visit the website. For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story
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