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REGIONAL NEWS
Home > Regional News
Photo exhibition at CSU at Dubbo
06 Aug 2009
.jpg) Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Dubbo is hosting the twenty-second annual Western Districts National Exhibition of Photography during the month of August. Coordinator of the competition and exhibition, Ms Lorna White from Dubbo said, “This event grows in quantity and quality of entries every year, with entries from most states in Australia. We’re delighted it is again displayed at Charles Sturt University, and visitors to the exhibition will be impressed by the range of subjects and approaches taken by individual photographers.” The exhibition received 292 film print entries from which 100 prints from 33 entrants were selected for display in five sections - Open Colour, Open Monochrome, People, Nature and Photo Journalism. There is also a digital images category which received 964 submissions from which 293 images were selected from 96 entrants in the sections Open, Nature, People, Photo Journalism and Photo Travel. The exhibition opened at the Interactive Learning Centre at CSU on Monday 3 August and ends on 28 August.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The twenty-second annual Western Districts National Exhibition of Photography is open to the public and is easily accessed through the CSU main entrance between 9am to 7pm Monday to Thursday, and on Friday from 9am to 5pm. Print this story Drawing makes writing easier
05 Aug 2009
 Kindergarten students and teachers in Albury are hoping to revitalise the old saying ‘a picture can lead to a thousand words’ as part of a literacy research project being run by Charles Sturt University (CSU). Literacy researcher Dr Noella Mackenzie is working with ten teachers and 60 students to explore how children’s love of drawing can be used to support them as they learn to write. “Starting school provides many challenges for children, including learning to write. Writing is the most artificial and difficult of all language activities, because it demands skills from children which differ markedly from talking, reading and listening,” says Dr Mackenzie. “Teachers can make this process easier for children if they use a child’s existing strengths. Children’s drawings allow them to explore their ideas in drawing and talking before moving into the abstract process of writing.” Dr Mackenzie will explore these ideas with local teachers on Thursday 6 August, from 1.30 to 3pm at the Murray School of Education, CSU Thurgoona site. She recently presented early results of her research at a national literacy conference in Hobart, Tasmania.
Media Note: For interviews with Dr Noella Mackenzie, contact CSU Media. Print this story Science@CSU
04 Aug 2009
 The Dean of the Faculty of Science at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Nick Klomp, a notable science media personality, will present entertaining public talks about science at the University’s various campuses during August. Members of the community, government and industry representatives, and future students are invited to attend to learn about initiatives currently planned or being implemented in various science disciplines at CSU, such as:
Presentations, which will be open to the public, will be held between 4pm and 5pm, followed by refreshments.
Media Note: For interviews with Professor Nick Klomp, contact CSU Media. The talks will be held on these dates and locations:
Albury-Wodonga Campus: Thursday 6 August, the CD Blake Auditorium, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona site;
Wagga Wagga Campus: Monday 10 August, National Wine and Grape Industry Centre, Building 412, Wagga Wagga Campus;
Bathurst Campus: Wednesday 12 August, Foundation Rooms 1 and 2, Centre for Professional Development, Bathurst Campus;
Orange Campus: Thursday 13 August, Templers Mill Bar, Orange Campus; and,
Dubbo Campus: Thursday 27 August, Lecture Theatre, Building 442, Dubbo Campus.
Print this story Ambassador of Ireland to inspect CSU's horses
04 Aug 2009
 Ties between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Connemara Pony’s homeland are set to strengthen when the Ambassador of Ireland, His Excellency Máirtín O'Fainín, visits Wagga Wagga on Friday 7 August to tour the University’s horse breeding and teaching facilities. Also attending is Mr John Dawkins, former federal Treasurer and President of The Connemara Breeder’s Society of Australia, which is collaborating with CSU in a program to improve the breed. CSU is the only university undertaking a program involving the Irish native Connemara Pony. Veterinary science, animal science and equine students learn to handle, train and manage horses as part of their courses, and the Connemara Pony, which is smaller and not as intimidating as larger horses, has proven ideal. “The visit by the Ambassador is a wonderful opportunity to explain our program and to forge a closer relationship with the government of Ireland,” said Head of the School of Veterinary Science at CSU, Professor Kym Abbott. CSU’s Equine Centre is currently leasing four mares and one stallion and the School plans to continue working with The Connemara Breeder’s Society for the benefit of both the students and the breed.
Media Note: To arrange interviews contact Peita Vincent on 02 6933 4447. The CSU Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Ian Goulter; Chancellor, Mr Laurie Willett, AO, and Head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Professor Kym Abbott, will officially welcome the Ambassador of Ireland and members of The Connemara Breeder’s Society of Australia to the University from 11.30am. Following lunch, the Irish Ambassador will tour the university’s veterinary science facilities from 1 - 2pm. CSU’s Equine Centre and Veterinary Clinical Centre facilities and expertise will be instrumental in expanding the genetic base of the Connemara Pony in Australia by facilitating the importation of horses and genetic material, to the advantage of the Breed Societies of both Australia and Ireland. Print quality photos will be available after the visit. Print this story Research into impact of hormonal therapy for prostate cancer
04 Aug 2009
 Researchers at Charles Sturt University (CSU) are seeking participants aged 50 years or more for a study of the long-term side-effects of hormonal therapy on musculoskeletal structure and function in prostate cancer patients. Dr Jack Cannon, lecturer and researcher at the CSU School of Human Movement Studies at Bathurst, says, “Men who have received hormonal therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer are at significant long-term risk of osteoporosis, frailty, falling, and reduced functional ability. The results of this study of muscle strength, body composition, and bone mineral density will help to determine the long-term side-effects of hormonal therapy on musculoskeletal structure and function in such patients. This will assist in the development of interventions aimed to minimise long-term musculoskeletal risks and reduce secondary health conditions in these individuals. Testing will require only a single visit to our laboratory for about an hour, and anyone from the wider Central West region who has been treated for prostate cancer is invited to participate,” Dr Cannon said.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Dr Jack Cannon who is course coordinator for the Bachelor of Exercise Science. Eligible participants must be aged 50 years or older, diagnosed with prostate cancer, received hormonal therapy, and be metastases free. Interested participants should contact research supervisor Dr Cannon on 02 6338 4334 or jcannon@csu.edu.au, Print this story CSU gives bad teeth the boot
03 Aug 2009
During Dental Health Week, Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Dentistry and Health Sciences are encouraging parents and teachers to enrol children in the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) Seven Day Dental Bootcamp. “The program will give children the knowledge they need to look after their teeth and understand what foods are good for them and what they should limit,” says senior lecturer Dr Sabrina Manickam. The ADA website offers information for parents, teachers and children on keeping teeth healthy. “In 2010, the CSU Dental Clinic will be open to the public and we’ll be able to contribute to improving patient access in the Central West,” Dr Manickam says. “We hope to help take the pressure off waiting lists at the region’s dental clinics while helping them continue their efforts, so all school age children have immediate access to dental care.”
Media Note: Dr Sabrina Manickam and other dental academic staff will be visiting Spring Hill Public School on Monday 3 August at 11.30am to give students a demonstration on how they can keep their teeth healthy. Media are invited to attend.
Dental Health Week runs from 3 to 9 August. Click here for more information on the ADA Seven Day Dental Bootcamp.
Print this story Tree planting at CSU Wagga Wagga
30 Jul 2009
 Students and staff at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga will come together to plant trees on the University campus starting at 10am on Friday 31 July as a contribution to National Tree Day. The planting will be in the James Hagan Court northern garden area. Grounds Supervisor in the Division of Facilities Management at CSU, Mr Simon Cole, said “Charles Sturt University plants hundreds of trees every year on its campuses, and thousands over the years, but we thought it was important to contribute to this annual national event. We will be planting 100 mixed native trees with water storage granules to help them along, and the ground is already prepared to make it quicker and easier on the day. The planting is also a step towards meeting the University’s targets for biodiversity and carbon reduction as specified in its Institutional Development Plan 2007-2011.” The annual National Tree Day is Australia’s biggest community tree planting event and has seen approximately 13 million native trees and shrubs planted since the event was launched in 1996.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Mr Simon Cole. National Tree Planting Day is Sunday 2 August. Print this story What's the future for farming in southern NSW?
28 Jul 2009
 Once a safe region for mixed farming, the southern NSW district around Wagga Wagga is now enduring an unprecedented period of low rainfall affecting both dryland and irrigated farmers. A public seminar and forum entitled A Dry Argument will be held at Charles Sturt University (CSU) on Wednesday 29 July to examine some of the consequences of drought and the difficulties farmers face in adjusting to dry periods. “Agricultural scientists, agribusiness and policy makers are often swept up in the technology of coping with drought and maintaining production, rather than considering their response to the ‘big picture' travails of farmers. The future of farming is a topic worthy of careful consideration,” said CSU organiser Emeritus Professor Ted Wolfe. “We’re bringing together experts from Victoria and across the Riverina to share their experience and insight.” The EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (an alliance between CSU and NSW Department of Primary Industries) is hosting the event in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology and Wagga Wagga City Council.
Media Note: Open to members of the public, A Dry Argument, will be held in two parts on Wednesday 29 July in Wagga Wagga. From 2 to 4.30pm at the CSU Convention Centre, five expert speakers will give detailed presentations on aspects of the topic A dry argument – adjusting to climate change, followed by questions and discussion. The meeting will adjourn and recommence at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre from 6 to 7.15pm, where each panel member will give a short introduction and summary and the audience will be invited to discuss the topic A dry argument – which way for rural adjustment? For the full program of guest speakers visit the meeting website. Contact CSU Emeritus Professor Ted Wolfe on 0401 753 786 to arrange interviews. Print this story Why ‘the wretched of the earth’ kill their own
28 Jul 2009
A visiting community critical psychologist with an international reputation will deliver a public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Thursday 30 July that examines ‘Why the wretched of the earth kill’. Professor Mohamed Seedat, from the University of South Africa, is a guest of the CSU School of Social Sciences and Liberal Studies. His lecture will critically examine the viability of explanations for violence such as that in South Africa in May 2008 that primarily targeted foreign nationals and resulted in 69 deaths, thousand of displaced people, and untold psycho-social trauma. “Most prominent among these explanations is the idea that xenophobic violence arises from the interplay of various socio-economic issues - poverty, inequality, joblessness and poor delivery of municipal services,” Professor Seedat said. “In particular, I will examine explanations which have their roots in anti-colonial theory and scholarship focused on understanding the reality and the life-worlds of the colonized. I will argue that while such explanations offer a degree of systemic understanding, they do not explain sufficiently why the ‘wretched of the earth’ - the poor, downtrodden and oppressed - kill their own.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Professor Mohamed Seedat. His public lecture, Why the wretched of the earth kill, is at 3pm on Thursday 30 July in the James Hardie Room at the Centre for Professional Development (S17). Dr Seedat is Director of the Institute for Social and Health Sciences at the University of South Africa. He also heads the National Presidential Lead Programme on Crime, Violence and Injury in South Africa, a joint collaboration between the Medical Research Council and the University of South Africa. Print this story CSU student seeks smokers
28 Jul 2009
As part of the research for her Honours degree in Pharmacy, Charles Sturt University (CSU) student Sarah Kissiwaa is calling on smokers in Orange to assist her by completing a survey on a ‘quit’ program to be available in pharmacies. “Although there have been enormous declines in the prevalence of smoking over the last decade, smoking is still responsible for too many deaths and there is a lot more we can do to help smokers quit,” Ms Kissiwaa says. The survey will give critical information towards developing the ‘quit smoking’ program. “Quitting is the hardest thing anyone can do, but the consequences of not quitting are much worse.” Ms Kissiwaa recommends the use of nicotine replacement therapy and speaking to a pharmacist or doctor and getting as much support from family and friends as possible. The surveys are available in print and online.
Media Note: For interviews with Ms Sarah Kissiwaa, contact CSU Media. Print this story Winery recognised at Inland Tourism Awards
28 Jul 2009
 The Charles Sturt University (CSU) Winery Cellar Door at Wagga Wagga has received an Award of Distinction at the 2009 Inland NSW Tourism Awards held in Narrabri, NSW on Saturday 25 July. The Cellar Door sells wine and offers tastings from the University’s own range of premium table, fortified and sparkling wines. “It’s a fantastic achievement to receive this award – one of only five businesses (in addition to the 18 category winners) out of 58 entrants in the state to be commended,” said Cellar Door Manager Mr Richard Lawson. “The award recognises the Winery’s contribution to local and regional tourism, as well as the extensive range of CSU wine, cheese and olive oil products available for tasting and sales. It also recognises the hard work of our dedicated Cellar Door team.” Since its inception in 1977, the CSU Winery has won numerous trophies and medals in national wine shows.
Print this story The world is coming
28 Jul 2009
The world is coming to students with Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Community Health this week with the annual Allied Health Job Forum being held in Albury. Over 300 students enrolled in CSU degrees in physiotherapy, speech pathology, podiatry and occupational therapy are able to view job vacancies being offered by over 25 organisations. These organisations come from around Australia, including Tasmania, Queensland, ACT, Melbourne and regional Australia, as well as showcasing the newly merged Albury Wodonga Health. CSU representatives will provide information on jobs in general as well as international job opportunities. Forum coordinator Donna Duncan said the forum was a “fantastic opportunity for potential graduates to become aware of the diversity of employment opportunities available”. The forum will be held from 1.30 to 3pm on Thursday 30 July in St David’s Uniting Church Hall, Wilson St, Albury.
Media Note: For interviews on the CSU Allied Health Job Forum, contact CSU Media. Print this story Drug company, politicians and academics slammed
22 Jul 2009
A visiting academic will deliver a public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Thursday 23 July which examines how, in his view, the political system, the medical profession, and the university sector in the United Kingdom (UK) have colluded with the pharmaceutical industry to promote shareholder profits at the expense of public health. Dr Paul Duckett, a visiting community critical psychologist at CSU’s School of Social Sciences and Liberal Studies at Bathurst, suggests that efforts in the UK to secure social justice and social support for people allegedly harmed by the psycho-pharmaceutical industry has implications for thousands of Australian children, and questions why the drug Paxil is prescribed by doctors rather than being proscribed by politicians. According to Dr Duckett, in Australia during 2008, 4000 children under 10 years of age were prescribed Paxil and other Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) medications. This is despite findings in 2003 that the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), withheld clinical trial data for at least five years that showed the drug was clinically ineffective and increased the risk of suicide in children and adolescents.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Dr Duckett will deliver his presentation - Paxil: Politicians, Pharmacological Corporations and Academics – an unhealthy mix? - at 3pm on Thursday 23 July at the James Hardie Room at the Centre for Professional Development (S17) at the CSU campus off Panorama Ave, Bathurst. Dr Duckett is currently based in the Department of Psychology and Social Change at Manchester Metropolitan University, England, where he teaches community psychology and critical psychology. He is visiting CSU after presenting as keynote speaker at the 11th Trans Tasman Community Psychology Conference in Fremantle, Western Australia, and lecturing in Hong Kong, Nanjing and Tokyo. Print this story Showcasing dentistry in Orange
21 Jul 2009
.jpg) The Western Division of the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) NSW branch will meet this week at the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Orange Campus where construction of one of the $64 million dentistry and oral health facilties is being completed. Meeting in the new lecture theatre at CSU at Orange on Friday 24 July, ADA divisional members will hear talks by CSU’s Professor of Dentistry, David Wilson, on oral pathology and oral medicine. Dr John Whitworth from Newcastle University in the UK will give a presentation on endodontics, or root canal surgery. Dr Peter Duckmanton, an endodontic specialist from Sydney and current president of the Australian Endodontic Society, will also give a short presentation on endodontics. “ADA divisional members are looking forward to seeing the CSU Orange Campus developments while discussing the latest technology and practice methods in dentistry and oral health,” says Dr Sabrina Manickam, CSU Senior Lecturer and External Relations Coordinator in Dentistry and Oral Health Therapy.
Media Note: Media are invited to interview participants in Lecture Theatre 3 on CSU Orange Campus between 12.45 and 1pm, and during lunch between 1 to 2pm at the Templer’s Mill Bar at CSU. Print this story A hydrological model for the globe
21 Jul 2009
 As part of his visit to Australia hosted by Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) International Centre of Water for Food Security (IC WATER), a renowned Dutch hydrologist will present his ambitious plan to develop a model that displays the status of water on or under every hectare of the earth’s surface. Professor Nick van de Giesen, Chair of Water Resources Management at the Technical University of Delft (TUD) in the Netherlands, will discuss his ideas at a seminar at CSU at Wagga Wagga on Friday 24 July. Professor van de Giesen said the computational power needed to present the data at 15 minute intervals is relatively modest and although much scientific research is needed to make such a model a reality, prototypes already exist. IC WATER director Associate Professor Mohsin Hafeez said the long-term partnership between CSU and TUD will focus on establishing joint projects and building expertise in irrigation water management, water accounting and saving, climate change impact on water availability, land use and land cover change.
Media Note: Professor Nick van de Giesen will present a seminar "The hydrological model of everywhere" on Friday 24 July at 10.30am at the Council Room, David Asimus Court, Valder Way, CSU,Wagga Wagga. Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Print this story Water management in India
21 Jul 2009
 A visiting scholar at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS) will present a public seminar on water management and agricultural extension in India on Wednesday 12 August. Associate Professor Chandrasekaran Karthikeyan, from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in India, will present an overview of the social context of land, water resource management and agriculture in India, with special reference to water management and agricultural extension, as part of the CSU School of Environmental Science seminar series. Professor Karthikeyan is with the Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies, based in Coimbatore City, India. He is working with Professor Allan Curtis from ILWS and is an Endeavour Executive fellow based in Albury from June to October 2009. The seminar will be held at CSU’s Thurgoona site.
Media Note: The seminar will be delivered by Associate Professor Chandrasekaran Karthikeyan in Room 205, Building 751, CSU Thurgoona site, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona. For interviews contact CSU Media or Ms Margrit Beemster, ILWS Communication Manager, on (02) 6051 9653. Print this story Creative minds meet for Symposia09
21 Jul 2009
 There will be a meeting of creative minds from across Australia in Wagga Wagga when Charles Sturt University (CSU) hosts the Symposia09 conference on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August. The two day creative arts conference brings together 14 speakers from across Australia including specialists in animation, lighting design, illustration, sound, web design, exhibition design, video, photography, multimedia, music, visual art and graphic design. “This is an intensive two day gathering of some of the leading creative practitioners in Australia,” said Associate Professor Margaret Woodward, Head of School of Visual and Performing Arts at CSU at Wagga Wagga. It will include a combination of visual presentations, music, discussion and an opportunity to meet informally with speakers. “Collectively the speakers have vast experience and knowledge to inspire the audience,” said Professor Woodward.
Media Note: Symposia09 is being organised by the School of Visual and Performing Arts at CSU at Wagga Wagga. It will be held from 8.30am to 5pm on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August at the Riverina Playhouse, Cross St, Wagga Wagga. A full list of speakers and program are available here. For bookings and information call the School of Visual and Performing Arts office on (02) 6933 2589. Print this story Exercise and fatigue hits Blue Mountains
20 Jul 2009
The Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Human Movement Studies is hosting a three-day symposium in the NSW Blue Mountains for national and international experts in exercise and exercise rehabilitation. Professor Frank Marino, Head of the CSU School of Human Movement Studies at Bathurst, said The Future of Fatigue in Exercise: An International Symposium on the Limits to Exercise Performance, which runs from Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 July, is the first symposium of its kind in Australia. “The symposium provides an opportunity for leaders in the field from around Australia and the world to come together to discuss a range of issues related to exercise, rehabilitation, health and wellbeing. We expect it will advance our research and the way in which we work together to solve problems that affect many of us, particularly athletes, at some stage in our lives.” Presentations at the symposium include Anticipating fatigue during exercise by Professor Marino and Cancer-fatigue in exercise by CSU’s Dr Jack Canon.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The Future of Fatigue in Exercise: An International Symposium on the Limits to Exercise Performance will be held at the York Fairmont Resort at Leura near Katoomba, NSW, Australia, from Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 July. A copy of the symposium program with full details of presentations is available upon request. Print this story International flavour for business courses
17 Jul 2009
 The first group of students from South Korea to study business courses with Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Faculty of Business in Albury-Wodonga will experience the sights of Albury and surrounding districts before they commence their studies. The students will be welcomed to Albury City by Deputy Mayor Alice Glachan on Monday 20 July before taking part in orientation activities, which will include introducing skills in learning, computing and the library as well as visits to local services and attractions. Associate Dean (Administration) with the Faculty of Business, Associate Professor John Atkinson said, “this is a very exciting time for CSU and the Albury-Wodonga community, as we welcome the first group of students from Dongguk University in Seoul, who are enrolled in the CSU Bachelor of Business”.
Media Note: The Korean students will meet with Albury City’s Deputy Mayor Alice Glachan at the Council Chambers, Kiewa St, Albury at 10.30am on Monday 20 July. Contact CSU Media for interviews. The students will visit Oz-e-wildlife on Wednesday afternoon, 22 July. Print this story New Head of Campus at CSU at Dubbo
17 Jul 2009
 (cropped & re-sized).JPG) The Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Ian Goulter, has announced the University’s new Head of Campus at Dubbo. Dr Beverley Moriarty, who is Associate Head of the School of Teacher Education at Dubbo, will take on the Head of Campus role for three years, effective from Wednesday 15 July. Professor Goulter welcomed Dr Moriarty’s appointment and looks forward to working closely with her to develop further the campus at Dubbo. Dr Moriarty said she was honoured to accept the new role. “These are exciting times for the higher education sector and I am delighted that I can contribute to realising the opportunities for Charles Sturt University as it moves ahead as the University of Inland Australia,” Dr Moriarty said. “I also want to acknowledge the contribution of my predecessor, Mr Gary Shipp who has taken on an important new role in the University as Special Adviser, Indigenous Affairs.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Dr Moriarty. Dr Moriarty comes from Western Australia and taught at the Central Queensland University for many years before coming to CSU at Dubbo in 2008. Her professional interests include mathematics for pre-service teacher education students and creative arts education for undergraduates. She has a passion for music, and plays piano, organ and violin. Print this story |
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