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REGIONAL NEWS
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Social development in Asia-Pacific
18 Nov 2008
 Increasing awareness of the social development needs of the Asia-Pacific region is one of the aims of an international conference being co-organised by Associate Professor Manohar Pawar from Charles Sturt University (CSU). The conference, which will be held in Nepal from Tuesday 25 to Friday 28 November, is held biennially by the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD). Professor Pawar, from the CSU Institute for Land, Water and Society, is president of the ICSD Asia-Pacific branch. “This conference, with its themes of social development, transition and local partnerships, is being held at a time of international financial uncertainty,” said Professor Pawar. “Some world leaders have responded by pleading for global partnership and cooperation to deal with the financial crisis, though the whole world may not be responsible for such a crisis. Similar to the financial crisis, the world is experiencing severe and intensive crises such as poverty and hunger, climate change, disasters and drought, war and violence, and mass displacement of people. It is also timely to call for global partnership and cooperation to attack these crises.”
Media Note: The conference, Social Development and Transition: Paths for Global Local Partnerships will be held at the Dhulikhel Lodge Resort in Kathmandu, Nepal. The program can be found here ( CMS/document store/ISCD speakers program .doc ). Further information about the International Consortium for Social Development Asia Pacific branch can be found here. Conference co-organiser, Associate Professor Manohar Pawar will depart CSU at Wagga Wagga for Nepal on Friday 21 November. Among the guest speakers for the three day event is social activist, Ms Medha Patkar, from India. Her awards include the Right Livelihood Award, the Green Ribbon Award from the BBC, and Amnesty International Award for Human Rights Defenders. Print this story Scholarship for CSU careers advisor
18 Nov 2008
 cropped & resized copy1.jpg) Ms Vicki Anderson, a career development advisor in the Division of Student Services at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst, has received one of only seven Commonwealth government ‘Study Scholarships’ awarded to university careers advisors. The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Ms Julia Gillard, MP, Minister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Social Inclusion, announced a total of 76 scholarships to careers advisors working at schools, TAFEs or universities on Wednesday 12 November. ‘Study Scholarships’ are worth $5 000 each and provide support for people to undertake postgraduate studies and upgrade their career advisor skills and qualifications. Ms Anderson said, “I am delighted this scholarship will enable me to complete my current studies in career education and development, and this will enhance my ability to assist Charles Sturt University students in their exploration of life-long learning and work.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Print this story Campus gets a birds-eye view
18 Nov 2008
 The oddly shaped water tower at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Orange is now home to a pair of rare Peregrine Falcons and, more recently, their eggs. “We noticed a pair of falcons hunting at the campus and mounted a roosting box high up in the water tower, on the south window to encourage the raptors to hang around,” said CSU lecturer Ms Cilla Kinross. “They took to the box very quickly and no end of carnage was brought in to consume.” Two cameras have been temporarily mounted near the nest which now contains at least two eggs. “We’ve been receiving brilliant close-up footage of our new acquaintances and we are currently in the process of upgrading audio/video equipment with a website link for all to see and enjoy,” Ms Kinross said.
Media Note: More images of the Falcons can be obtained here. For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story CSU graduates in demand
18 Nov 2008
 He hasn’t yet completed his degree, but local Orange resident and Charles Sturt University (CSU) Bachelor of Farm Management student Mr Chris Blore has secured a position with Smithfield Feedlot in Queensland. Mr Blore was recently interviewed by Orange Agricultural Institute’s chief researchscientist in sheep, Dr Sue Hatcher, as part of the CSU annual graduate capability interviews. “Dr Hatcher was amember of the panel that asked Chris about his career aspirations, his suitability to the chosenposition, and the relevance of his degree studies in preparing for the workplace,” CSU lecturer in management, Ms Zelma Bone said after the interview. The interviews see graduating students andindustry representatives meet in a mock job interview setting to prepare students for the workforce. “The compulsory subject has been a great success in helping students like Chris to secure graduate job placements,” Ms Bone said.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story New scholarships for regional learning
18 Nov 2008
 Charles Sturt University (CSU) will offer 20 scholarships that encourage joint studies between the University and TAFE colleges. The CSU Rural Learning Partnership Scholarships, each worth $2 000 for one year, are aimed at full-time students in need of financial assistance who are completing such courses such as the Bachelor of Business Studies in Griffith. Students with disabilities, from non-English speaking backgrounds or who are Indigenous are encouraged to apply for the competitive grants which can pay for accommodation, tuition fees, books and computers. CSU’s Head of School of Business and Information Studies, Associate Professor John Atkinson, said the Rural Learning Partnership Scholarships aim to redress some of the current financial inequities of tertiary study in regional Australia by helping students with genuine financial difficulties. The scholarships will be launched in Griffith on Thursday 20 November by CSU and NSW TAFE Riverina Institute at an integrated Business program information session.
Media Note: For interviews with Head of the School of Business and Information Studies, Associate Professor John Atkinson, contact CSU Media. The integrated Business program information session will be held at the Gemini Hotel, Griffith, from 6 to 7pm on Thursday 20 November. Print this story Ten years for Indigenous education expo
11 Nov 2008
 Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Murray School of Education will celebrate ten years of providing Indigenous educational experiences for its early childhood education students in Lavington on Wednesday 12 November. The CSU students will provide 400 primary school students from Albury and Wodonga with a bush-tucker barbeque, face painting, boomerang making, clap-stick and bandana painting, cave construction, dance, music and storytelling, all based on Indigenous cultures. Wiradjuri spokesperson and CSU education lecturer, Yalmambirra, said the subject gave many students their first hands-on experiences of Indigenous cultures and that these were important for educating future teachers. The Indigenous cultural education day will be held between 9am and 2.30pm at Mirrambeena Community Centre, Martha Mews, Lavington (opposite the North Albury swimming pool).
Media Note: For pictures and interviews with CSU education lecturer Yalmambirra, contact CSU Media.
Print this story Big electricity bills motivate users to switch off
11 Nov 2008
2.jpg){kind=small} An initial survey of NSW households by a Charles Sturt University researcher has found most householders are looking at ways to become more energy efficient by using less electricity. However, while environmental concern is one reason people aim to reduce their usage, according to CSU postgraduate student Ms Jodie Kleinschafer it is the “larger than expected electricity bill” that is the more immediate motivator. “When ‘average’ householders get larger than expected electricity bills, they start to look for ways to reduce the electricity they use,” said Mrs Kleinschafer, who is undertaking a three year, $100 000 research project funded by Country Energy. So far, Mrs Kleinschafer has surveyed 80 households, and in conjunction with Country Energy will survey a further 4 000 regional NSW households in the next two months. She said the findings of her research would enable electricity retailers to manage increasing electricity demand in a way that still satisfies the needs of residential electricity consumers.
Media Note: For interviews contact the Media Office. Print this story Business films screened for CSU competition
11 Nov 2008
Entries in a short film competition sponsored by the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Marketing and Management will be screened on Wednesday evening, 12 November, at the CSU at Bathurst. The CSU Flix - M&M Short Film Awards focus on the topic ‘Life as a business student with the CSU School of Marketing and Management’. There are three prizes valued at $2 000 for the winners, chosen from three categories which focus on the experience of students enrolled in distance education, on campus or postgraduate studies. The short film entries will be used on CSU websites for prospective students wanting an insight into student life. Admission on the night is by donation to Headspace, a charity for young people with mental health problems in Bathurst.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The short film entries and M&M Award’s night will start at 6.30pm, Wednesday 12 November at CSU at building S15 in Room 2-5. Light refreshments will be served on arrival. Guest judges include Associate Professor Rod McCulloch (Head of CSU School of Communications), Mr Jimmy Foggo (Digital Media Producer for Fremantle Media Australia) and Mr Mark Waters (Managing Director of PPS, Sydney). Print this story CSU backs women's health and safety
11 Nov 2008
 re-sized.jpg) The Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Ian Goulter, presented over $1 300 to representatives of the Central West Women’s Health Centre in Bathurst for its Emergency Fund on Thursday 6 November. The money was raised by CSU staff and community members at the ‘Reclaim the Night’ march in Bathurst on Thursday 30 October. Speaking at the presentation, Professor Goulter, thanked the community for its support of this event and underlined the importance of the ‘town and gown’ co-operation that was mentioned by Sister Pat Linnane in her speech to the gathering at the march. “Violence against women and children has an enormous impact on the ability of victims to learn, work and live to their full capacity. I am proud that this event was so well supported by the wider community and by staff and students from CSU who affirmed the right of women and children to walk freely and safely in any community.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Print this story Awards for CSU's Veterinary Clinical Centre
11 Nov 2008
 Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Veterinary Science Clinical Building at Wagga Wagga has received two awards this month for its construction and innovative design. Joss Constructions won the Master Builders Association of NSW ‘Excellence in Construction Award’ in the Tertiary Buildings category valued under $10 million. The Australian Steel Institute of NSW and ACT awarded a high recommendation in the ‘Architectural Steel Design Award’ to Merat Architects, Wood and Grieve Engineers, Joss Constructions and Southern Central Engineering. The clinic includes modern surgical facilities for large and small animals, diagnostic imaging and reproduction services for horses. Fourth year veterinary science students are the first CSU students to benefit from the clinic which was officially opened in July 2008.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Dubbo school leavers can study locally
11 Nov 2008
With high demand for rental properties in metropolitan and regional cities and as fuel prices continue to rise, Dubbo school leavers and mature-age students are relieved Charles Sturt University (CSU) is on their doorstep allowing them to stay home and study. To assist students with questions about university study, CSU has organised a number of advisory sessions at Centro Dubbo to help with local enquiries. “CSU staff and current students will be present at these advisory sessions to answer questions and discuss courses and career options,” said Mr Gary Shipp, Head of Dubbo Campus.
Media Note: Charles Sturt University advisory sessions will take place at Centro Dubbo from Monday 17 to Saturday 22 November: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – 10am to 6pm; Thursday – 10am to 8pm; Saturday – 9am to 2pm. For more information or interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story New scheme falls into student laps
11 Nov 2008
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story CSU committed to saving water, energy
11 Nov 2008
 Commitment to a University-wide environmental initiative has gained Charles Sturt University (CSU) $77 000 from the NSW Government to assist energy and water conservation on its Wagga Wagga site. CSU has committed $300 000 to introduce conservation measures to campus infrastructure, teaching spaces and office accommodation. Director of Operations and Maintenance, Mr Wayne Millar, said the project, 'Learning by Doing', combines practical water and energy saving measures with education to raise awareness of water and energy management among CSU students, staff and the Wagga Wagga community. “The project includes lighting, air conditioning and water efficiency upgrades across the campus, which is projected to save 443 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and more than four million litres of water each year.” With CSU at Wagga Wagga leading, CSU will develop energy management plans for each campus and move towards the goal of becoming a ‘greener’ University.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Health workers visit Vanuatu
11 Nov 2008
Known as the happiest country in the world, Vanuatu residents have a few less teeth to smile with after visiting medical staff extracted over 400 teeth on Tongoa Island in the western Pacific. Charles Sturt University (CSU) final year nursing student Ms Tabitha Pandey recently travelled with 11 other Australian and New Zealand health care workers to take part in a medical camp on the island. “We were amused when we went to look at the centre to find a chicken laying an egg on a bed in the labour ward,” Tabitha reports. “There was no running water or electricity and very little equipment. Despite all this, the camp was a huge success as the locals and travelling medical team pulled together and improvised with what we had.” More than 700 locals were treated by doctors, dentists, eye specialists and counsellors. “Some patients travelled several hours by boat to attend the clinic from a nearby island, which goes to show what little health care is available.”
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Crimes for better training
10 Nov 2008
Assault, robbery and theft are all part of an innovative multimedia approach to police recruit training which will be officially launched by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Police Force on Tuesday 11 November in Goulburn. Three police training scenarios simulating real-life policing situations were filmed to enhance the learning materials sent to probationary constables in the NSW Police Force who undertake CSU’s Associate Degree in Policing Practice. The scenarios include an assault, a robbery and a theft. “The project brought together a range of resources from CSU and NSW Police Force to produce high quality instructional materials that are practical and relevant to the needs of everyday policing and provide the best possible training for police officers,” said Head of the CSU School of Policing Studies, Associate Professor Rosemary Woolston. The second stage of the project, which includes the filming of another three scenarios, is due to commence in late November.
Media Note: For interviews with Head of the School of Policing Studies, Associate Professor Rosemary Woolston, contact CSU Media. Print this story Time to correct mistakes of ABC
07 Nov 2008
 The appointment of receivers to manage the private childcare operator ABC Learning Centres represents a prime opportunity for the Rudd government to make right the mistakes of the past, according to a Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic. The childcare operator yesterday went into voluntary administration with the receivers assuring parents that the centres will remain open. “Many early childhood experts had expressed concern about the growing monopoly of ABC, particularly in regional areas,” said Senior Lecturer with the CSU School of Teacher Education Ms Fran Press. “The Commonwealth should show leadership by brokering a deal between the three levels of government and the community sector to ensure the survival of childcare places. Not only would this ensure the retention of much needed childcare places, it would put them in a good position to work toward the fulfilment of election promises concerning the provision of early childhood education.” The fact ABC currently has about 30 per cent of long day care places in Australia is unusual. “No other country entrusts so much childcare to just one provider,” said Ms Press.
Media Note: CSU lecturer Ms Fran Press is available for interview. She is based at CSU in Bathurst. Contact CSU Media on 0439 475 315
Print this story New education partnership for Griffith
06 Nov 2008
 The signing of a new partnership between TAFE NSW Riverina Institute and Charles Sturt University (CSU) will highlight the importance of the new purpose-built teaching and learning centre at Riverina Institute’s Griffith Campus. The joint venture agreement signed on Thursday 6 November will see the development of new Integrated Degree/Diploma Programs in Early Childhood Studies and Nursing. “Signing the agreement with Charles Sturt University allows us to extend the pathways to careers from entry level to degree level,” said Riverina Institute Director Rosemary Campbell. “This will be exceptionally valuable to both employers and people seeking career paths in health and in children’s services.” “Charles Sturt University is strongly committed to improving access to and participation in higher education in Griffith and the western Riverina,” said CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Ross Chambers. “The University believes working with Riverina Institute and local government and organisations and businesses is the best way to do achieve this increased participation,” said Professor Chambers.
Media Note: The NSW Labor MLC for Murrumbidgee, Tony Catanzariti MLC and Senator for New South Wales Mark Arbib, officially opened the new facilities on Thursday 6 November 2008. Following the ceremony, guests from industry and the Griffith community, as well as TAFE NSW Riverina Institute students and staff toured the new facilities. Print this story Future teachers showcase their skills
05 Nov 2008
Cultural awareness in the classroom, and the importance of incorporating cultural awareness and understanding at an early age, is among topics to be presented at a conference today, Wednesday 5 November, by trainee teachers finishing their final year in education at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Albury-Wodonga. Teachers and members of the public have been invited to attend the ‘ECON 2008: Teachers of the Future’ conference to learn about the students’ work and learning over the past four years. The conference includes guest speakers Professor Jennifer Sumsion, Sub Dean of CSU’s Faculty of Education, and Assistant Principal at Melrose Primary School in Wodonga, Ms Maree Geoghegan. ECON 2008 will runs from 4 to 8.30pm in the CSU Cliff Blake Lecture Theatre complex, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona.
Media Note: For interviews, contact CSU Media. Print this story Minister to launch new IT degree
04 Nov 2008
A new information technology (IT) course to be offered by Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst will be launched on Friday 7 November by the Hon. Phillip Costa, MP, NSW Minister for Water, Rural Affairs and Regional Development. The Bachelor of Information Technology (Business Services) degree has been developed by CSU and international computer firm IBM to keep pace with rapidly evolving industry needs and will provide skilled IT professionals for a range of industries. Head of the CSU School of Accounting and Computer Science, Associate Professor Ross Wilson, said, “The degree, which offers a mix of technical and business aspects that reflects what industry is looking for, will be offered from the start of 2009 and will incorporate flexible delivery to facilitate concurrent work experience. All 22 students accepted into the new course will be fully supported by scholarships funded by industry partners IBM, Country Energy and the NSW Department of Lands.”
Media Note: The official launch of the Bachelor of IT (Business Services) degree by the NSW Minister for Water, Rural Affairs and Regional Development, the Hon. Phillip Costa, MP, will take place at 11.30am on Friday 7 November at the James Hardie Room , Centre for Professional Development on the CSU Bathurst Campus. Print this story Award winning jewellery designs
04 Nov 2008
 Two Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduates have come up trumps in the National Contemporary Jewellery Awards held on Thursday 24 October at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery. Ms Emily Snadden from Wagga Wagga, was highly commended for ‘best innovative contemporary jewellery design’. Ms Snadden, who graduated with the Bachelor of Arts (Jewellery) in 2006, works in the CSU School of Visual and Performing Arts. Her design entitled The Bends continued her exploration into the potential plasticity and malleability of metal. “My works are unashamedly quirky and conceptual works which aim to demonstrate a material plasticity normally uncharacteristic to metal,” said Ms Snadden. Ms Emma Kidson, also from Wagga Wagga, won the ‘best innovative contemporary jewellery design submitted by an artist under 26 years of age’. Ms Kidson owns a jewellery design business in Wagga Wagga and graduated from CSU in 2007. Entitled Origami Box Ring 1, Ms Kidson submitted a sterling silver ring.
Media Note: The National Contemporary Jewellery Awards is administered by the Griffith Regional Art Gallery. Print this story
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The tapping sound of typing is replacing the rustle of paper and scratching of pens across lecture theatres in regional Australia as students purchase laptop computers though Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) rebate scheme. CSU is offering a $300 rebate to on campus undergraduate students who purchase a laptop for their studies. Lecturers welcome the rebate scheme. Head of CSU at Dubbo, Mr Gary Shipp, said “The scheme is designed to encourage and assist students make the most of accessing university online systems when visiting and studying on campus. Distance students can take advantage of the scheme when required to attend compulsory residential schools on campus. I hope it will make note taking and assessment writing easier for our students."