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REGIONAL NEWS
Home > Regional News
Still just a load of hot air?
21 Nov 2006
 Carbon emissions trading is a great idea waiting to happen, according to Charles Sturt University’s environment economist Mark Morrison. Dr Morrison says he agrees with Prime Minister John Howard, who said at the APEC summit late last week that any carbon trading system would have to be global to suceed. “The global effort is going to be ineffective unless everyone is going to involved,” said Dr Morrison. “Very few countries are meeting their commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. Australia is going to be one of the most severely affected countries. The ability of agricultural land in Australia to produce the way it has historically is very unlikely, if you believe the global warming forecasts and I do.”
Media Note: Dr Morrison is available for interviews, contact CSU Media. Print this story Real world of work for young people
21 Nov 2006
 “Young people need no magic shields, swords and arrows to cope with the world of work,” according to Associate Professor Erica Smith, a specialist in vocation education and training from Charles Sturt University (CSU). Professor Smith says it is dangerous and futile to constantly make changes to the school curriculum in attempts to prepare young people better for the workplace. Her paper, The Land of Narnia or just the back of the wardrobe? What research tells us about the real world of work for young people will challenge many assumptions made about the nature of entry into work life for young people. Drawing from her national research, Professor Smith says the majority of young people have a realistic view of the labour market, hold sufficient skills to succeed and are able to move to full-time work seamlessly over a period of several years with no major difficulties. “The world of work, rather than being a strange land, difficult to enter, where battles are fought and special guides are needed, is a familiar and navigable place to young people,” she said.
Media Note: Associate Professor Erica Smith will present her paper at the Australian Association for Research in Education conference from Monday 27 to Thursday 30 November. She is available for interview. Contact CSU Media. Print this story Making things worse before they get better
21 Nov 2006
Policies aimed at increasing the pace of developing renewable energies could accelerate global warming, according to Dr Rod Duncan, a lecturer in economics at Charles Sturt University. It wouldn’t be the first time regulations have had the opposite of the desired effect. When US Congress introduced the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, Detroit car makers responded by producing petrol-guzzling SUVs. And when Mexico City implemented no-drive days where a car could only be used every other day, the citizens reacted by buying a second car. “Air quality in Mexico City got worse, because the second car tended to be an old bomb,” said Dr Duncan. And what does all this have to do with alternative energies? “If cheaper alternatives are being developed, oil producers will have an incentive to pump oil faster and sell it cheaper. The renewables could be worth it in the long run, but at least temporarily, you may actually make the global warming problem worse.”
Media Note: Dr Rod Duncan is available for interviews, contact CSU Media Print this story The miracle worker
21 Nov 2006
 “The main purpose of his visit was to establish a research culture amongst the paramedic staff and he has done that brilliantly,” Associate Professor Peter O’Meara from Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Public Health said of Visiting Professor Malcolm Woollard. “He managed to get a project up and funded and complete the research in seven weeks. One miracle he achieved was approval of the project in just two working days.” Professor Woollard returned the compliment. “I have been very impressed by the professionalism and can-do attitude of the team here. (Head of School) Lyn Angel in particular made it possible for us to speed through the approvals process but still make sure that the project was of an appropriate standard.” The visit was part-funded by the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals (ACAP). Chair of ACAP, Ian Johns, said “we feel like we have hit a home run. Malcolm cuts through the fog of that high level stuff. Now we can see a nice clear snapshot of how it can be.”
Media Note: Professor Woollard is Professor of Pre-hospital Care at the University of Teesside in Middlesbrough in the UK. He is now at Monash University for two weeks through a collaborative arrangement with CSU. He is available for interviews. Professor O’Meara is available for interviews. Contact CSU Media. Print this story Power Thinking gets IT boost
21 Nov 2006
An innovative Albury-based health research charity hopes to reach a wider international audience thanks to assistance from two Charles Sturt University (CSU) students. The Power Thinking Health Council website aims to help people heal themselves through their own mental health and wellbeing. CSU information technology students Dan Francisco and Ben Van Kesteren developed a monitoring and reporting tool that compares a visitor’s daily moods, feelings and emotions with their personal general health. Power Thinking Health Council president Theo Richter said the online tool “will provide our website readers with immediate feedback on how their current emotional state might be affecting their health, which is particularly important for living with such chronic diseases as cancer”. The students developed the site and associated survey and online monitor as part of their final year project for their CSU information technology degrees.
Media Note: The new Power Thinking website, survey and related online monitor will be displayed at the launch of the website on Wednesday 29 November starting at 10am at the Thurgoona Campus boardroom, fifth floor of Gordon Beavan Building, off Old Sydney Road, Thurgoona. Print this story Exploring migrant history
21 Nov 2006
Primary school pupils from Trinity Anglican College at Thurgoona are exploring migrant experiences and preparing to build their own heritage collections through a project run by Lysa Dealtry, an Early Childhood education Honours student from Charles Sturt University. Ms Dealtry will lead a field trip to the Bonegilla Migrant Museum at the Albury Regional Museum on Monday (27 November). An important part of the project is the “explore-a-box”, which contains items from the Bonegilla Collection. Ms Dealtry, a descendant of migrant parents and grandparents, is conducting her Honours research project on the teaching and learning that takes place in the classroom. Earlier this year, she was awarded a $5 000 fellowship from the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and the NSW Migration Heritage Centre to develop a mobile display to raise community awareness of migrants and their heritage and identity. The “explore-a-box” resource will be available for use by local school teachers in 2007.
Media Note: Media are invited to the Bonegilla Migrant Museum field trip on Monday 27 November from 10am until about 11.30am. Alternatively photo opportunities may be arranged in the classroom by contacting the Media Office. Print this story Lessons from a Master
21 Nov 2006
Acting students from Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) are to train in the Chekhov and Stanislavski technique with a Russian director with an unbroken link to the two great men themselves. Leonid Verzub was a long-term student of Maria Knebel, an assistant to Konstantin Stanislavski and friend and collaborator with Mikhail Chekhov, Anton Chekhov’s nephew. In 1979 Leonid Verzub was awarded the title of Honoured Artist of Russia and Theatre Director of the Highest Category. He visited CSU’s Wagga Wagga campus yesterday (Monday 20 November) at the behest of his former student Dr Ashley Wain who is now a lecturer in the CSU’s VPA. Verzub was here to meet the acting and design students with whom he will work next year when he directs the Australian premiere of Stars in the Morning Sky at the Riverina Playhouse. “It is a really rare opportunity for the students to work with someone who is a master director in one of the strongest and richest theatrical traditions in the world,” said Dr Wain.
Media Note: Dr Ashley Wain is available for interviews. Contact CSU Media Print this story Is globalistion too harsh on the poor?
14 Nov 2006
 A senior Charles Sturt University (CSU) social researcher is leading research and discussion into the influence of globalisation on economic development and human security in the Asia-Pacific region. Dr Manohar Pawar, a principal researcher in CSU’s Institute for Land, Water and Society, believes globalisation “is good if it helps erradicate poverty and reduce global inequalities”. In October, Dr Pawar organised a major international conference on the topic in Thailand, in collaboration with Thailand’s Thammasat University and Taisho and Kyushu universities, Japan. “Confronted by extreme poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, disorder and violence and many other social problems, the conference delegates presented positive examples from the region showing that alternative social development approaches must include and allow participation in the planning and implementation of projects by the people affected by them,” Dr Pawar said.
Media Note: Interviews with Dr Manohar Pawar on the recent international conference Globalisation, Develolpment and Human Security in the Asia-Pacific Region is available through CSU Media. Print this story Can tragedy prompt positive change?
14 Nov 2006
 “The big question is, do some adults improve their lives after a parent’s cancer experience? It sounds quite odd, because how could anything good possibly come from this?” Janelle Levesque from Charles Sturt University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences will research how having a parent with cancer impacts on their adult children. “For some, cancer can act as a wake-up call. Some realise life is too short to stay in work they don’t like while others switch to more family-friendly or part time work. Another change may be the realisation that the little things are not so important. The wet towel on the bathroom floor really doesn’t matter, what matters is making time to speak to the kids for 10 minutes before bed.” Ms Levesque says the biggest area of change is that “most people find that their family grows closer through the experience”.
Media Note: Janelle Levesque’s study investigating the experiences of adults who have a parent with cancer is about to commence. She is seeking research participants who meet the following criteria: over 18 years of age; parent was diagnosed with cancer at least 12 months ago; and, if bereavement has occurred, it happened at least six months ago, before April 2006. For more information, or for interviews, contact CSU Media. Print this story Exploring boundaries for future professionals
14 Nov 2006
Childhood obesity, promoting good health to rural men, chronic back pain for women and work options for people living with HIV/AIDS are some of the topics being addressed by Charles Sturt University (CSU) students at an occupational therapy conference to be held next week in Albury. Thirty six graduating students from the University’s occupational therapy course are presenting papers on these and other topics in this rapidly developing field to health professionals from the NSW-Victorian Border region. The two day conference will be start at 9am on Tuesday 21 November in the Nowik Auditorium, CSU’s Albury city site, Guinea St, Albury, finishing at 1pm on Wednesday 22 November.
Media Note: For interviews and pictures, contact CSU Media. Print this story The whole "shebang"
14 Nov 2006
"Shebang" is slang for "the whole lot" and a fitting title for the graduation show of Charles Sturt University's (CSU) Graphic Design and Multimedia students, according to course coordinator Michael Agzarian. "The students have each created a very large piece of artwork, so with over 30 pieces, the resulting exhibition is stunning," he said. Multimedia screenings will also showcase a variety of styles, from simple two dimensional work though to complex 3-D animation. "I have given the students carte blanche to show off their style and skills and the final product represents great diversity, innovation and creativity," Agzarian said.
Media Note: The graphic design exhibition Shebang will commence 6.30 pm on Monday 20 November, with the multimedia show screening from 7pm at Wagga Wagga’s Civic Theatre. For more information on the exhibition from CSU’s School of Visual and Performing Arts call 02 6933 2473. Print this story Quality jewellery on show
14 Nov 2006
Rings, bangles, pendants and brooches created from precious metals as well as other materials such as silicon and polyurethane are on display at an exhibition of work by Charles Sturt University's (CSU) graduating Bachelor of Arts in Jewellery students. Lecturer Sabine Pagan says the students used both traditional and contemporary skills in the manufacture of their innovative designs. She says the highlight of the exhibition is seeing how the students worked within themes such as evolution, space, and body armour. “These themes have guided the seven students in their creation of truly unique works," Ms Pagan said. Executive Director of Craft ACT Barbara McConchie will officially open the exhibition at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery on Friday 17 November at 6.30pm.
Media Note: The official opening will be on Friday 17 November at 6.30pm in the Art Education Room, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery (entrance off Wollundry Lagoon, opposite the National Art Glass Gallery). The free exhibition will run from Saturday 18 to Thursday 23 November at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. The Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am - 5pm and on Sunday from 12pm - 4pm. Print this story Global warming - what can we do?
14 Nov 2006
A public forum discussing how people in north east Victoria and southern NSW can respond to climate change and the positions of Victoria’s major political parties on this critical issue will be presented by Monday 20 November. Hosted by Charles Sturt University’s Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS) and La Trobe University, speakers include four candidates for the Victorian seat of Benambra for the up-coming Victorian State election: Bill Baxter (Nationals), Lisa Mahood (Labor), Helen Robinson (Greens) and Bill Tilley (Liberal), as well as a scientist who will discuss the predicted impacts of climate change on this region. Starting at 6pm, light refreshments will be available at the close of the forum at 7.30pm. The forum will be held in the Main Lecture Theatre, La Trobe University, University Drive, Wodonga.
Media Note: For further information on the public forum and interviews, contact ILWS communications manager Margrit Beemster on telephone 02 6051 9653. Print this story Vagabonds at the Shrine: fragments of The Cherry Orchard
14 Nov 2006
Second year acting students from Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Wagga Wagga Campus will take on Anton Chekhov’s complex, classic play, The Cherry Orchard, in a studio presentation called Vagabonds at the Shrine: fragments of The Cherry Orchard. Dr Ashley Wain, lecturer in the CSU School of Visual and Performing Arts, said the students find Chekhov a challenge “but also a joy. If you can play Chekhov then you can really act - it is fantastic teaching material. Chekhov’s vision of the world is so subtle and precise. Actors have to develop depth and fullness of imagination, compassion and empathy. Working on Chekov helps to refine their artistic sensibilities and to enrich them as people. Chekhov had an incredible influence on the whole birth of modern theatre.” Vagabonds at the Shrine: fragments of The Cherry Orchard in will be presented at Drama Studio One, Performing Arts, Wagga Wagga Campus from Tuesday 14 until Sunday 19 November. Tickets at the door, or call 02 6933 2473.
Media Note: For interviews and pictures, contact CSU Media. Print this story Early Childhood research conference in Dubbo tomorrow
09 Nov 2006
Parents, teachers and others who work with children in a variety of settings are invited to hear about the latest research at an information day at the Research in Early Childhood Conference 2006 to be held in Dubbo tomorrow (Friday 10 November) at Charles Sturt University (CSU).
Presented by CSU Dubbo 3rd Year Early Childhood students and Early Childhood Australia Inc NSW Central Far West Regional Group (ECA), the conference will feature research from “nationally-known speakers who are very well known in the field,” according to Laura McFarland, a lecturer with the School of Teacher Education.
“Margaret Young, National President of ECA, and Judy Kynaston, Executive Director of the Country Children's Services Association of NSW, will both be talking about current trends in Early Childhood.”
Ms McFarland says student’s research topics include “a series of interviews with teachers in the field about their behaviour management techniques and what is successful, another group looked at fertility choices of university students and non university students, another was about food choices of parents and children, and also how parents decide on when to send their children to kindergarten.”
The Dubbo community and local media are welcome to attend the conference. “The student research projects are applicable to parents, teachers as well as the community in general.”
Media note: Media are invited to attend the conference. For interviews, contact CSU Media.
Print this story Lunchbox Spectacular addresses child obesity on the Border
09 Nov 2006
 Ian Parmenter, celebrity chef on ABC TV’s Consuming Passions, will lend his considerable culinary expertise to fighting childhood obesity when Charles Sturt University (CSU) and NSW TAFE Riverina Institute host a Lunchbox Spectacular on Monday 13 November. The evening event will focus on providing healthy, nutritious and fun food for school children, and is aimed at classroom teachers, nutritionists, parents and anyone interested in healthy food for kids. Other speakers include CSU’s lecturer in dietetics Gabrielle O’Kane and Head of the University’s Murray School of Education, Dr Louise Hard. The event will start at 4pm at the Rivers Restaurant on the Albury Campus, Riverina Institute of TAFE, Poole St,  Albury, and will be followed by CSU wines and healthy snacks. The event is sponsored by Qantas Airways and Hume Building Society.
Media Note: For interviews and pictures before the event, contact CSU Media. Print this story CSU looks for interest from private sector for expansion
07 Nov 2006
 Charles Sturt University (CSU) is inviting the private sector to take part in the University’s plans to significantly increase student accommodation on or near its main campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga. Later this month, CSU is calling for expressions of interest to finance, plan and build student accommodation next to or near the CSU campuses, with the option to also manage the facility. “We want to provide well-located and competitively priced accommodation for our students that is also commercially sustainable and in keeping with our ecologically sustainable development goals,” said CSU Executive Director of Financial Services Jim Hackett. As part of the University’s expansion of student accommodation, CSU is also developing and financing facilities to house 200 students in self catering accommodation on its Bathurst, Albury and Wagga Wagga sites.
Media Note: For interviews with Jim Hackett, contact CSU Media. Print this story CSU Winery is outstanding: Halliday
07 Nov 2006
 Superlatives flow like fine wine when it comes to the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion: “a must have for any serious lover of Australian wine”, “the No. 1 bestselling guide to wineries and wine in Australia”, “keenly anticipated by winemakers, faithful collectors and wine lovers alike”. In the 2007 edition, it is James Halliday who waxes lyrical about the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Winery, giving it, and its 2005 Orange Chardonnay, the highest rating. Only “outstanding wineries capable of producing wines of the highest calibre” can receive five stars from Halliday, while the 2005 Orange Chardonnay was an “outstanding wine of the highest quality” and “outstanding value”. CSU’s winemaker Andrew Drumm says the Winery is “very pleased to receive this honour, especially from someone like James Halliday. It makes the students feel proud of the time spent in the winery and reinforces our education and research activities.”
Media Note: CSU’s winemaker Andrew Drumm is available for interviews. Contact CSU Media. Print this story St Mark's and CSU’s “robust” relationship to be enhanced
07 Nov 2006
A Valedictory Service this Friday 10 November in Canberra will see Charles Sturt University (CSU) strengthen and renew the existing partnership with St Mark’s. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of CSU, Professor Ross Chambers says the signing of the renewed CSU/St Mark’s Agreement will further enhance a relationship that has “has proven robust, sustainable and effective for both parties. It is the basis of the excellent performance, academically, of CSU’s School of Theology”. The Valedictory Service will recognise the Reverend Dr Stephen Pickard’s leadership and welcome his successor as Director of St Mark’s National Theological Centre. The Right Reverend George Browning, President of St Mark’s Council, announced the appointment of The Right Reverend Dr Thomas Frame as Director of St Mark’s National Theological Centre last week. The appointment follows the resignation of Dr Pickard to take up an appointment as Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Adelaide.
Media Note: The signing of the revised Agreement will take place during the Valedictory Service on Friday 10 November 2006 at 6.00pm. The Service will be held at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACCC) Chapel, which adjoins St Mark’s National Theological Centre at 15 Blackall Street, Barton, ACT. Media are welcome. The Reverend Dr Stephen Pickard and Professor Ross Chambers are available for interviews. Contact CSU Media. Print this story Graduates ready for work force
07 Nov 2006
 Graduating Rural Management students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) will be “job ready” according to industry representatives who recently interviewed the students as part of their final assessment. Final year students at the University’s Orange Campus have completed interview sessions with industry leaders and presented portfolios demonstrating their work and capabilities. “We had 15 local industry representatives volunteer their time to give feedback to our final year students on their portfolios and interview techniques,” says Mrs Zelma Bone, Bachelor of Management course coordinator. “Disciplined knowledge and high level skills are what every graduate should have and what employers are looking for,” said Mrs Bone. “Our graduates have always been in high demand but these techniques ensure they are ready to enter the work force and are quickly employed.” Mr John Chilcott, senior manager at the Manildra Flour Mills, said the students he interviewed were ready to apply for positions. “The great thing about this type of preparation for job applications is that when it comes to recruiting, it sorts the wheat from the chaff.”
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