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REGIONAL NEWS
Home > Regional News
Broadband on track
07 Apr 2009
 The Federal Government has finally got the plan right for the National Broadband Network (NBN) according to Charles Sturt University (CSU) adjunct researcher Mr Peter Adams. Mr Adams, who has studied household broadband adoption for the past seven years, said today's announcement by the Rudd Government that it would form a public-private partnership to build the NBN is the best outcome from what has been an issue poorly managed by successive governments."Having the Commonwealth control the building of such important national infrastructure will ultimately achieve the best outcome for broadband users by ensuring there is clear separation between the provider of the cables and the commercial companies who compete to service consumers.” The researcher from CSU's Centre for Research in Complex Systems warned the Rudd Government now has a big job: it will manage the building of the network, and needs to convince households they will be better off under the proposed NBN. "Research conducted at CSU in 2008 showed householders are not convinced they should spend their income on higher speed broadband. Clear information must be provided to consumers about the benefits of NBN services."
Media Note: Mr Peter Adams is based in Wagga Wagga and can be contacted on mobile 0438 255 964. He is an adjunct researcher with CSU's Centre for Research in Complex Systems.
Print this story Islam and Christianity: Can they live together in peace?
07 Apr 2009
 A leading Australian theologian will examine the relationship between Christianity and Islam when he delivers a public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Tuesday 14 April as part of the University’s 20th anniversary celebrations. Reverend Professor James Haire, AM, whose address will draw on his extensive international and inter-faith experience, is Professor of Theology at CSU, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture and Director of CSU's Public and Contextual Theology Research Centre, based in Canberra. “I will look at the inter-relationships of Christianity and Islam in global perspective, and at the implications for Australia. I will also draw on personal experience in inter-faith dialogue and negotiations,” Reverend Professor Haire said. The lecture will start at 6.30pm on 14 April in the James Hardie Room, Centre for Professional Development, at CSU Bathurst Campus.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Reverend Professor James Haire. His public lecture is titled Islam and Christianity: Can the two live together in peace? Reverend Professor Haire was a minister and professor in theology in Indonesia from 1972 to 1985, and has received Honorary Doctorates from three universities. He became a Knight of St John in 2000, a Rotary Honorary Peace Ambassador in 2001, was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal in 2003 and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2006. Print this story Focus on trust during bushfires
07 Apr 2009
People around Wangaratta including the King Valley who were affected by the 2006-07 bushfires can have their say on their experiences of the fires through a survey being mailed to every fire affected household in the area. Charles Sturt University (CSU) PhD student Emily Sharp, a member of the University’s Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS), who is studying the role of trust in developing and implementing fire management strategies, has already done in-depth interviews with 38 people affected by the fires as well as 12 agency staff. She is investigating what factors influence trust between communities and government agencies before, during and after a fire. “People’s experiences of the fires depended on many factors, including where they lived, how much vegetation was around them, the topography, how much experience of fire they had had beforehand, and their confidence in their fire plans.” The survey, to go to up to 650 residents in mid April, will take 25 to 30 minutes to complete. Ms Sharp hopes her research will improve community/government agency relationships.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU social researcher, Ms Emily Sharp, contact ILWS communication manager, Ms Marg Beemster on (02) 6051 9653, or CSU Media. Print this story Collected rainwater under scrutiny
07 Apr 2009
While rain water may be free, drinking it may not be risk free, says one Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher. Dr Andrea Crampton, a microbiologist with the CSU’s Institute for Land, Water and Society, said while drinking water supplied to cities and towns is treated and routinely monitored for bacteria and other potential contaminants, the water drunk by most rural residents living on properties is not monitored and detection and prevention is left in the hands of the consumer. “Drinking water harvested from roofs, bores, dams or rivers could pose health risks to those who rely on it,” said Dr Crampton, who is part of a research team currently testing water from self-managed sources for bacteria and other contaminants. As part of the study, which is running around Wagga Wagga in April and May, participants will be sent a water test kit consisting of a survey, collection bottles, instructions and cooler bag with ice pack to keep water cool. Participants will also be contacted for a telephone interview. Anyone interested in participating in the study and having drinking water tested for free please contact Dr Crampton on (02) 6933 4032 or send an email.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU microbiologist Dr Andrea Crampton, contact CSU Media. Print this story Casella art competition
07 Apr 2009
 Melbourne artist Mr Warren Lane has been named the winner of the 2009 Casella Art Prize at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery. Judge and Head of the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Visual and Performing Arts, Associate Professor Margaret Woodward, selected Lane’s work, The Accidental Activist to win the $2 500 Casella Art Prize for Excellence in Painting. "The exhibition's theme of urban and built environment has an important role to play in how we understand and reflect the places we inhabit, visit and construct,” said Professor Woodward. “Skilfully executed and very firmly set in an urban environment, Lane's painting invites us to consider the tension between the natural and built environment and to be mindful of the natural world in contemporary urban life.” Now in its fourth year, the Casella Art Prize aims to support new, emerging and established artists within Australia. The exhibition will run at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery until Sunday 26 April.
Media Note: For interviews, contact CSU Media. Print this story New course hits right note
07 Apr 2009
 A new Charles Sturt University (CSU) course starting in 2010 could see music teachers educated through regional music conservatoriums around Australia. The new CSU Associate Degree in Music Education is aimed at the teaching of an instrument. The brainchild of CSU and Orange Regional Conservatorium Director Mr Graham Sattler, the two year full-time course at CSU at Bathurst, or four years part-time by distance education, concentrates on studies into educational, curriculum, teaching and professional issues. “The ability to deliver this course by distance education makes it very accessible,” says Christopher Klopper, a music lecturer with CSU’s School of Teacher Education. “It combines theory and practice in an exciting approach that will build the confidence of both aspiring and practicing music teachers.”
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Abu Dhabi police study criminal intelligence
07 Apr 2009
Fourteen police intelligence officers from the Middle East have commenced their policing studies in Australia. The serving officers, from Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf, are enrolled in the Master of Arts (Criminal Intelligence) course from Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Australian Graduate School of Policing, based in Manly. “CSU is adding to its strong record of close cooperation with international police forces, having already trained officers from such countries as Hong Kong and Indonesia,” said Head of School, Associate Professor Mark Briskey. The new students commenced their year long course in March with a six week residential school that includes field trips to learn about the intelligence capabilities of the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, NSW courts, the NSW Department of Corrective Services and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU Head of Australian Graduate School of Policing, Associate Professor Mark Briskey, contact CSU Media. Print this story Dubbo sees launch of two Oral Health partnerships
03 Apr 2009
Recognising the urgent need for adequate Aboriginal oral health in western NSW, Charles Sturt University (CSU), Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) and Bila Muuji Aboriginal Health Service Inc. will join forces, launching two oral health partnerships in Dubbo on Monday 6 April. A Memorandum of Understand (MoU) between CSU and Bila Muuji will be signed to establish a Student Clinical Placement Program for CSU Dentistry and Oral Health Therapy undergraduates at regional Bila Muuji sites and to investigate opportunities of joint research projects. Furthermore, a partnership between Bila Muuji and GWAHS will see the appointment of Oral Health Promotion Coordinator, Ms Kay Jackson. The School of Dentistry and Health Sciences is particularly excited by this partnership. “Bila Muuji clinical activities and CSU’s educational footprint very neatly dovetail across western NSW,” says Professor Ward Massey, Head of School. “The MoU will result in Bila Muuji input into curriculum content and delivery, provision of scholarships for CSU students and patient care at Bila Muuji sites by CSU students and staff.”
Media Note: Attending will be the Acting Chief Dental Officer with NSW Health, Dr Peter Hill, CEOs of Aboriginal Medical Services in Western NSW, representatives from Aboriginal Health Medical Research Council, and representatives from CSU, GWAHS and Bila Muuji. Contact CSU Media. Print this story Vale Sheila Swain, AM
31 Mar 2009
The Charles Sturt University (CSU) community was saddened to hear of the recent death of Mrs Sheila Swain, AM. Mrs Swain was first appointed to the Council of Mitchell College of Advanced Education, a predecessor institution of CSU, in 1981. She became Deputy Chair in 1984 and was Chair from 1986 to 1988. The building housing the School of Nursing and Midwifery on the University’s Bathurst Campus was named after Mrs Swain in 2000. Mrs Swain was a councillor on Hunters Hill Municipal Council in Sydney from 1971 to 1991, becoming the first woman elected mayor of the suburb in 1980-82 and was re-elected in 1987-89. She was also active in the Australian Local Government Women's Association - as treasurer, secretary, president of the NSW branch and later national president. In 1986 Mrs Swain was named Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Australian Federation of Business and Professional Women, and in 1987 was appointed a member of the Order of Australia. In 1989 she established and funded four scholarships for female students at CSU suffering financial hardship.
Media Note: More information of Mrs Swain’s life is found here. Print this story Highest CSU honour for two graduates
31 Mar 2009
 Two graduates due to attend this week’s ceremonies at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will receive the University’s highest academic honour, the Charles Sturt University Medal, for their outstanding achievements. Mr Aidan Luke, who works for Defence Materiel in Canberra, will receive the medal when he graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with Honours Class 1 from 10.30am on Thursday 2 April. Mr Benjamin Lloyd from Wagga Wagga will be joined by his parents when he receives the medal for his Bachelor of Information Technology with distinction. He will also graduate from 10.30am on 2 April. Mr Lloyd is continuing his studies at CSU in 2009 by completing an Honours year. Almost 2 000 graduates are eligible to receive their awards from the CSU Faculties of Arts, Business, Education and Science during six ceremonies, on Wednesday 1, Thursday 2 and Friday 3 April at Wagga Wagga. Read more here.
Media Note: The six graduation ceremonies from Wednesday 1 until Friday 3 April will be held at Joyes Hall, Pine Gully Road, CSU at Wagga Wagga. Print this story Acting now for a sustainable future
31 Mar 2009
 The potential of ‘biochar’ for storing carbon in the soil and improving soil health is being investigated by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and a Wagga Wagga community group as part of the University’s commitment to sustainability. Established last December, the CSU Green Office is facilitating community initiatives in a campus-wide drive to reduce energy consumption and water usage. “An initial meeting held in February attracted 18 people including local businessman, farmers, Wagga Wagga City Councillors and representatives from TAFE NSW Riverina Institute and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and included discussions of biochar,” said Mr William Adlong, Manager of CSU Green. According to the CSIRO, biochar is charcoal created from the heating of organic materials such as crop waste or animal manure in a low oxygen environment.“The group is interested in the potential of biochar to store carbon from the atmosphere for long periods and mitigate climate change, as well as improve soil nutrient and moisture retention and generate electricity from the heat created while producing biochar,” Mr Adlong said.
Media Note: Any community member interested in the biochar network should contact CSU Green Manager, Mr William Adlong on (02) 6933 4200. For interviews with Mr Adlong, contact CSU Media. Print this story Warm welcome for CSU academics in far eastern Russia
31 Mar 2009
 Two Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturers were the first Australian academics to recently visit Vladivostok in far eastern Russia to establish contacts and foster collaboration with the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) and the Far Eastern National University (FENU). Mr Errol Chopping and Dr David Tien, from the CSU School of Accounting and Computer Sciences at Bathurst, held seminars and meetings with key personnel at RAS and FENU to discuss and promote shared project development, collaborative research, and exchange programs for staff and students. Mr Chopping said, “CSU computer science staff have research interests which complement those of the RAS, especially in the use of computer games technology. We detected growing interest to work with Australian universities, government organisations and industry. We even have similar challenges in travel and communications due to our vast and remote locations. A joint conference with RAS is planned for next year.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Mr Errol Chopping and Dr David Tien. Mr Chopping is Chairman of Academic Alliance International, a networking and communication organisation for academics, and Dr Tien heads the NSW section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a professional organisation for the computing and engineering fields. Print this story Galloping into holiday fun
31 Mar 2009
 With parents aware of the importance of life skills for children, Charles Sturt University (CSU) is offering its first Equine School to be held in the NSW school holidays in April. CSU will also help school students contemplating a career in the horse industry with a tailored holiday course in horse riding. “The school is also ideal for young or green horses to enable their owners to provide valuable exposure away from familiar surroundings, with horses given sound basics to go on with at home,” course coordinator Ms Cheryl Gander said. “Sharing life with horses is a wonderful tool in learning important life skills, especially for younger children and teenagers. Horses can teach things like responsibility, humility and patience – all important in everyday life.” The school will be run by experienced instructors in a safe, controlled environment at the CSU Equine Centre at Orange.
Media Note: CSU’s Equine Centre, located on the Orange Campus is holding two four-day short courses during the Easter holidays for children and adults from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 April, and from Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 April. The courses cost $440. Self-catered accommodation is available on CSU Orange Campus. For more information contact CSU Media. Print this story Graduation honours for social justice work
31 Mar 2009
 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) student who has made a ‘tangible difference’ to the delivery of community and health services in rural and remote communities has received the Lila Kirilik Social Action Prize. Ms Lee-Anne Drewery will be presented with the annual social justice award when she receives her Bachelor of Social Work from CSU in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 2 April. Now employed as the Community Projects Officer for the Central Darling Shire Council in Wilcannia, Ms Drewery was selected by staff from the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences for her work while on placement at the council in 2008. “Lee-Anne completed a service mapping project of the towns of Wilcannia, Menindee and Ivanhoe with the hope of improving service delivery to this very disadvantaged region,” said CSU lecturer Dr Juliane Allan. The Lila Kirilik Social Action Prize was established in 2004 in honour of the late Ms Lila Kirilik, senior lecturer in Social Welfare at CSU.
Media Note: Ms Lee-Anne Drewery will graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work and receive the Lila Kirilik Social Action Prize from 10.30am on Thursday 2 April, at Joyes Hall, Pine Gully Road, CSU, Wagga Wagga. Further details about six graduation ceremonies at CSU at Wagga Wagga from Wednesday 1 April until Friday 3 April can be found here. Print this story Procession celebrates tertiary education
31 Mar 2009
 Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) graduation season in Wagga Wagga will kick off with the annual Town and Gown Academic Procession along the city’s main street on Tuesday 31 March. In a spectacle of colour and movement featuring academic regalia, the parade involves CSU graduating students, academic and general staff of CSU, TAFE NSW Riverina Institute and the University of NSW Rural Clinical School, and Wagga Wagga City Councillors. Wiradjuri Elder Mrs Isobel Reid will lead the procession. Mrs Reid will be accompanied by her 11 year old grand-daughter Madison Fisher, who will carry the CSU Message Stick for her grandmother. They will be followed by the Esquire Bedell, Dr Henry Gardiner, carrying the University Mace, the CSU Chancellor Mr Lawrie Willett, AO, and Wagga Wagga Mayor Councillor Kerry Pascoe. The Riverina Concert Band will escort the procession which commences at 4pm at the corner of Morgan and Baylis Streets and ends outside the Civic Theatre. The CSU Chancellor and the Mayor will host a reception from 4.30pm. Over 2 000 students will graduate from CSU during six ceremonies in Wagga Wagga from Wednesday 1 April to Friday 3 April.
Media Note: Further information about the CSU graduations ceremonies from Wednesday 1 April to Friday 3 April can be found here. Details of CSU academic gowns can be found here. Images of CSU academic gowns can be found here.
Print this story Leading Australian joins CSU Council
24 Mar 2009
 Director of the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and the former Director of the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, Dr Dawn Casey, PSM, FAHA has been appointed to the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Council. Dr Casey is the newest member of the University’s governing body following her appointment by the NSW Minister for Education and Training, the Hon. Verity Firth, MP, on recommendation from the CSU Council. Dr Casey, who is nationally and internationally recognised for her leadership of the Powerhouse Museum, the National Museum and the Western Australian Museum, has been appointed until June 2011. Dr Casey has made a major contribution to Indigenous policies and programs in Australia as well as to Australia’s cultural heritage, including. the establishment of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. She also initiated the joint Commonwealth-State response to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody as a senior executive in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Dr Casey’s appointment comes as the University celebrates the 20th anniversary of its establishment through the Charles Sturt University Act 1989. Read more here.
Media Note: Further information about the CSU Council including membership is available here. Print this story Celebrating graduation in Dubbo
24 Mar 2009
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Charles Sturt University (CSU) will recognise academic excellence among its graduating students and the wider community at Graduation in Dubbo on Wednesday 25 March. Included in the 102 graduates will be Dr Patricia Logan, Dubbo-based lecturer with the CSU School of Biomedical Science, who will be awarded her PhD. “I think finding the balance of time between work, study and family is always difficult, so graduation day is a day of pride for the students who have successfully completed their degree,” said Dr Logan, who will give the vote of thanks on behalf of all Dubbo graduates. As part of the University’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, the Dubbo student residences will be named in honour of people who were instrumental in the development of the Dubbo Campus. The naming ceremony will take place at a graduate luncheon to be held on the Dubbo Campus.
Media Note: The CSU Graduation will take place at 10.30am at the Dubbo Civic Centre, Darling Street, with Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Goulter, Head of Campus Mr Gary Shipp and occasional speaker Mrs Patricia Doolan attending. A luncheon will then be held at 12.30pm at the CSU Dubbo Campus, Tony McGrane Place, at 12.30pm. Media are invited to attend the graduation ceremony from 10am and the luncheon from 12.30pm. For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Celebrating graduation in Orange
24 Mar 2009
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Charles Sturt University (CSU) will recognise academic excellence among its graduating students and the wider community at Graduation in Orange on Friday 27 March. Included in the 154 graduates will be Mr Yann Guisard, Orange-based associate lecturer at the CSU School of Agriculture and Wine Science, who will be awarded his PhD. “My studies have been challenging at times and I’ve really valued the support I received from lecturers while I completed my doctorate,” Mr Guisard said. The occasional address will be given by Professor Peter Carroll, who, for the past 35 years, has worked in academic, community and hospital pharmacy as well as in medical and marketing positions within the pharmaceutical industry. The ceremony will be opened by CSU Chancellor, Mr Lawrence Willett, AO.
Media Note: CSU graduation ceremony at Orange will take place at 10.30am on Friday 27 March at Derek Pigot Auditorium, Kinross Wolaroi School, 59 – 67 Bathurst Road, Orange. Media are invited to attend at 10am. For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Securing the future of agricultural education
24 Mar 2009
 Ensuring a bright future for Australia’s agricultural industry through improved education of its future leaders will bring academics and industry representatives together at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga on Thursday 26 March. Hosted by the CSU School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, the industry advisory day will focus on the improvements made of the Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree, including the introduction of work placement in the course’s final year. “Various agricultural industry organisations will attend to help forge new relationships between the employers and educators of agriculturalists and to work on plans for the future to improve agricultural education in Australia,” said CSU lecturer Dr Alison Southwell. “By working together to produce the next generation of agriculturalists, we can make our graduates more ‘work ready’ and more capable of handling the challenges that agriculture faces in the future.”
Media Note: CSU lecturer in the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, Dr Alison Southwell is available for interview on (02) 6933 2632. The industry advisory day will run from 8.30am until 4pm on Thursday 26 March at the Convention Centre, CSU at Wagga Wagga. A short morning tea break will be held from 10am and lunch will be held from 12.30pm until 1.30pm, when a tour of CSU at Wagga Wagga will be conducted for industry representatives. Print this story Photography students on national exhibition
24 Mar 2009
Media Note: The portraits entered into the National Photographic Portrait Prize by students Ms Kate Lewis and Mr Matt Regan are also exhibited in the H R Gallop Gallery, building 21 near car park 2, Darnell Smith Drive, CSU, Wagga Wagga. Ms Lewis also has a new solo exhibition, Thirteen: Faces of Edel Quinn at the Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga. Photos available from CSU Media. Print this story
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Two Bachelor of Arts (Photography) students had works selected in 2008 to hang in the National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. The students, Ms Kate Lewis, who is now studying a Masters of Arts Practice at CSU, and Mr Matt Regan joined staff from the CSU 