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REGIONAL NEWS
Home > Regional News
Pakistan dairy industry in focus
16 Jun 2008
Links will be strengthened between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and leading Pakistani agricultural researchers during a visit to the Wagga Wagga Campus tonight, 16 June, 2008, aimed at improving the nation’s dairy industry. Also in attendance at the visit will be the Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner. "Pakistan is the fourth largest dairy producer in the world, yet manufactures very little of its raw product, with most milk consumed within 12 hours due to the lack of refrigeration and the need for constant supply," said Peter Wynn, Professor of Animal Production in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. A CSU research team, working collaboratively in Pakistan for six months, has increased productivity by working with farmers and agricultural agencies to implement changes in the industry.
Media Note: Contact Professor Peter Wynn on 0428 679 954 to arrange interviews from 4.30pm, 16 June 2008. The Deputy High Commissioner for Pakistan, HE Mr Tanveer Khaskheli, will be available for interview prior to the dinner which commences at 7pm at the Convention Centre, CSU Wagga Wagga Campus. Print this story Worm stamps on snail pests
11 Jun 2008
 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) team lead by award-winning researcher Associate Professor Gavin Ash has developed a novel approach to attacking exotic snails that devastate crop and pasture production across southern Australia. Professor Ash and his team have found a local nematode that injects itself into the snails and delivers a deadly bacterium that kills the snail and allows the nematode to feed on the decaying body. The round worm, from the Rhabditids group, was collected from soil near Wagga Wagga, NSW, and is endemic to Australia. They kill the common white snail, white Italian snail, conical snail and small conical snail within four to eight days of being introduced. “These pests are a significant threat to Australian grain exports. They feed on emerging crops, clog up farm machinery and contaminate harvested grain which puts our exports at risk due to quarantine problems,” Professor Ash said. Based on CSU’s Wagga Wagga Campus, the research is funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
Media Note: For interviews, contact CSU Media. Print this story Theology students graduate in Sydney
10 Jun 2008
 Students from around Australia and overseas will gather with families and friends at Parramatta in western Sydney on Friday 13 June to graduate from the Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Theology. Almost 100 students will receive their undergraduate and postgraduate awards from CSU, which is the largest provider of theological studies in the Asia Pacific region. Professor Tom Frame, Head of the School of Theology said that the University has become a premier venue for theological learning and research in Australia. “The collaboration between St Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra and the United Theological College brings a very significant ecumenical focus to bear on a range of disciplines including biblical studies, ethical reflection and pastoral care. The increasing number of students graduating with postgraduate degrees is particularly encouraging as we seek to meet the needs of Australian churches, educational institutions, welfare organisations and the health care sector,” he said. CSU Chancellor, Mr Lawrence Willett, AO, will preside over the graduation ceremony. The Occasional Address will be delivered by theologian Emeritus Professor Peter Matheson, of Knox Theological Hall, Otago, New Zealand. The Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor Paul Barber, will be a special guest at the ceremony.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The CSU School of Theology graduation ceremony will be held at The Sebel Parramatta, 350 Church St, Parramatta, at 5.30pm on Friday 13 June. The CSU School of Theology consists of St Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra and United Theological College (UTC) at Parramatta. Founded in 1957, St Mark’s is the administrative centre of CSU’s School of Theology. UTC joined the School in 1999.
Print this story Devil in the detail
10 Jun 2008
 Microscopes have been enlisted in the fight against the summer perennial weed Silverleaf Nightshade. Researchers at the EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, an alliance between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, are half way through a project to look for innovative solutions to tackle the invasive weed. Silverleaf nightshade is estimated to cost agriculture millions of dollars every year in reduced crop and pasture production. Project leader Dr Rex Stanton says new research has shown that trichomes, or fine hairs, on the underside of the leaves may hold the key to tackling the invasive weed."Under a microscope the hair like structures are visible and they penetrate deep into the leaf, so understanding the basic anatomy of the plant may help us come up with better techniques to manage it," said Dr Stanton. The researcher is about to start planting trials with pasture species such as lucerne, phalaris, coxfoot and biserrula at sites across NSW. The project is funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.
Media Note: Interviews on research into Silverleaf Nightshade are available from the EH Graham Centre’s Dr Rex Stanton (02) 6938 1618 or Professor Deirdre Lemerle on 0419 816 267. Print this story Sowing the seed for a career in agriculture
10 Jun 2008
 Identifying animal bones and testing the quality of vegetable oils are just some of the activities on offer to almost 100 Riverina school students who will attend this year’s Agriculture Enrichment Day on Friday 13 June in Wagga Wagga. Hosted by the EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, an alliance between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the day will give the high school students access to some of the state’s leading agricultural and veterinary scientists. The EH Graham Centre's Director, Professor Deirdre Lemerle, says the day has many benefits for the school students and she hopes it will encourage them to consider a career in agricultural science. Students from Years 10 and 11 can choose between various hands-on research activities, including selecting wheat for disease resistance, sheep breeding, quality assurance in vegetable oil, bone identification and detecting fungi on ryegrass seed.
Media Note: The Agricultural Enrichment Day will be held on Friday 13 June from 8.45am to 1.30pm at the Convention Centre on CSU Wagga Wagga Campus. EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation Director Professor Deirdre Lemerle is available for interview on 02 6938 1667 or 0419 816 267.
Print this story Supporting Indigenous education
10 Jun 2008
 A Wiradjuri woman from Wagga Wagga has been appointed to a key position in the four Indigenous Support Units (ISU) covering Charles Sturt University (CSU) campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga. Based in Wagga Wagga, Ms Therese Reid, the Units’ Programs Coordinator oversees the Koori Admissions Program, an alternative admission to university program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme, as well as supporting Indigenous students who travel to CSU for study including many students studying the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health). Ms Reid was the first Indigenous Coordinator at the Ashmont Community Resource Centre in Wagga Wagga for three years and is the daughter of Wagga Wagga Elders’ Group member, Ms Isabel Reid. “Therese’s role in supporting Indigenous students is a critical part of the University’s mission to enhance our communities by promoting Indigenous access, participation and success in tertiary education,” said Executive Director of Student Services at CSU, Mr Andrew Callander.
Media Note: The Indigenous Support Units on the Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga campuses will celebrate NAIDOC Week from Sunday 6 July to Sunday 13 July. Further details will be released closer to NAIDOC Week.
Print this story Exchange students bound for Korea
10 Jun 2008
Eight Charles Sturt University (CSU) teacher education students leave this week for a one month exchange program with Hannam University at Daejeon in central South Korea. This is the second annual exchange of teacher education students with Hannam University. “The exchange emphasises the University’s commitment to providing enriching experiences for its students so they are better rounded and better able to work professionally in classrooms anywhere,” said Professor Toni Downes, Dean of the CSU Faculty of Education. “Three weeks are spent on a cultural tour and one week is spent doing a placement in a local school. The students have to apply to go and are chosen by the Faculty based on the criteria of good academic results combined with the right personalities to be representing the University,” Professor Downes said. There are six students from the CSU Bathurst Campus, one from Wagga Wagga Campus and one from Albury-Wodonga Campus. They leave Australia on Sunday 15 June and return in the middle of July.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Professor Toni Downes or the exchange students. Ms Emma Anderson (BEd Primary), Ms Melissa Firbank (BEd Primary), Ms Sarah Linton (BEd Primary), Ms Kylie Mepham (BEd Early Childhood), Ms Elise Tritton BEd Primary) and Ms Emma Wagner (BEd Primary) all study on the CSU Bathurst Campus. They are joined by Ms Bernie Ward (BEd Primary) from the Wagga Wagga Campus and Ms Rebekah Salvaire (BEd Middle Schooling) from the Albury-Wodonga Campus.
Print this story Earlier detection in the fight against heart disease
03 Jun 2008
Detecting heart disease before the symptoms start is the subject of new research by Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher Dr Geoff Currie, a senior lecturer with the University’s School of Dentistry and Health Sciences in Wagga Wagga. Dr Currie is looking at the role that the sympathetic nervous pathways can play in that detection. An examination of the body using thermography, or digital infrared imaging, can also screen for other conditions including diabetes, breast cancer and auto-immune disease. Dr Currie, who lectures in nuclear medicine, is researching the potential for thermography as a cheap, effective and mobile instrument for the early detection of disease in rural and remote Australia. He is part of the CSU-initiated Cardiovascular Research Group, which also includes researchers from Wagga Wagga Base Hospital who work collaboratively with other Australian and international universities and hospitals on research projects, from the diagnosis to treatment for heart failure, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors.
Media Note: For interviews with Dr Geoff Currie, contact CSU Media.
Print this story Healthy young men wanted
03 Jun 2008
A Charles Sturt University (CSU) research student in the School of Human Movement Studies on the Bathurst Campus needs healthy, physically active males aged 18 to 35 years for her research into the central nervous system and exercise. Ms Katrina Onus said that her study will investigate fatigue and athletic performance, and how to possibly overcome or delay the onset of fatigue. “Findings from this research may be able to be applied to diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as the military and industry,” Ms Onus said. Research participants should preferably live in the Bathurst area as they will need to be available for five tests over three weeks on the CSU Bathurst Campus. They need to be physically active at least three times per week, and will be required for one session of 90 minutes and four sessions of 2.5 hours each session. People interested in participating should contact Ms Onus on 02 6338 4211. The study will start as soon as volunteers are recruited, briefed on the research and checked for medical clearance. The study will continue until August 2008.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with CSU PhD student Katrina Onus. The research entitled, The Central Nervous System and exercise endurance in a warm environment following ingestion of a dopamine/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor is supervised by Associate Professor Frank Marino and Dr Jack Cannon. The study has been approved by the Charles Sturt University Ethics in Human Research Committee.
Print this story Changing behaviour the way to save energy
03 Jun 2008
Early results from research with Charles Sturt University (CSU) students living on the Wagga Wagga Campus show that they are more likely to reduce their electricity use as a result of ‘social marketing’ strategies than simply having a meter to tell them how much electricity they are using. The CSU researchers used social marketing techniques that identified the barriers and benefits to encourage students to use less energy, and then developed ways to overcome the barriers, encouraging students to change the way they use energy in their residences. Students who received the social marketing strategies significantly decreased their electricity use by 15 per cent over seven weeks, while students with access to meters only decreased their use by five per cent. Students exposed to these strategies used significantly less electricity than students that received nothing. The next stage of the research is to see what happens if students receive both social marketing and meters in their residences. “We can go a long way to reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by just changing our behaviours,” said CSU’s Dr Penny Davidson. The project is supported by the Public Facilities Program under the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund, in collaboration with NSW energy provider Country Energy and electrical display unit manufacturer Ampy.
Media Note: For interviews, contact CSU Media. CSU is aiming to reduce its energy consumption by 10 per cent by 2011 and to be greenhouse ‘neutral’ by 2015.
Print this story Scholarships for Orange high achievers
03 Jun 2008
The annual Scholarships Presentation Ceremony for students at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Orange Campus will be held on Friday 6 June. Two notable scholarship recipients are Ms Claire Walker, an agricultural business management student who will receive the Ian Smith Memorial Scholarship, and Mr Joshua Adamson, a clinical sciences student who is receiving the inaugural Rotary Club of Orange Scholarship. This new scholarship is awarded to encourage local students to return to the NSW Central West to practice in the field of dentistry. Official guests at the presentation are CSU’s Deputy Chancellor, Ms Kathryn Pitkin, Chair of CSU Pharmacy Foundation, Mr Dick Marris, Head of Orange Campus, Professor Kevin Parton, and all scholarship donors. The scholars’ vote of thanks will be delivered by Mr William Hunt, a first year student enrolled in clinical sciences, who will receive one of the 2008 GP Logic Foundation Scholarships.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media. The Scholarship Presentation Ceremony will be held at the Templers Mill Student Function Room, CSU Orange Campus, Leeds Parade, Orange. Afternoon tea will be served at 3pm and the Ceremony will start at 3.30pm.
Print this story 'Gadgets' brings graduate back to Bathurst
03 Jun 2008
 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) theatre/media graduate, Ms Shien Chee, will return to Bathurst this week in her multiple roles as a Company, Tour and Stage Manager for Gadgets, a theatre production that has toured regional areas around Australia since last February. Ms Chee, who graduated from CSU’s School of Communication in 2000, has since worked in a range of community theatre and theatre-in-education roles. She said she’s delighted that Gadgets, which combines physical theatre, music and technology, will bring her back to Bathurst where she has friends and fond memories of her student days. “My partner, Joel Salom, is the creator and driving force of Gadgets, and we are travelling with our three year old son too, so it's a real family affair.” Gadgets will be staged at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 June.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Ms Shien Chee. For more information about Gadgets contact the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on 02 6333 6161, or visit their website here. Print this story Prospective students converge on Bathurst
27 May 2008
About 1 200 Year 12 students from across central western NSW will converge on the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Bathurst Campus on Thursday 29 May to learn about further educational opportunities and future careers. The NSW Central West Careers Advisers Association will holds its annual FACTS (Facts About Careers and Tertiary Study) Day for the high school students, who will come from centres including Bathurst, Lithgow, Kandos, Blayney, Cowra, Orange and Molong. The event, starting at 10am, will provide the opportunity for Year 12 students to access higher educational providers. “The FACTS Day at CSU provides regional students with an experience of the University,” said CSU Prospective Student Adviser, Ms Fran Dwyer. FACTS Day is organised by the Central West Careers Advisers Association.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Students arriving for the 10am and 2.30pm sessions will view the careers expo in the CD Blake Auditorium and a motivational presentation in S15 Lecture Theatre.
Print this story Scholarships for Bathurst high achievers
27 May 2008
The annual Scholarships Presentation Ceremony for students on Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Bathurst Campus will be held on Friday 30 May. Two notable scholarship recipients are Mr Darren Denmead, a third year student in early childhood education, and Ms Imogen Kelly, a fourth year student undertaking the double degree in advertising and marketing. Mr Denmead and Ms Kelly have both received three scholarships during their study. Official guests at the presentation are CSU’s Deputy Chancellor, Ms Kathryn Pitkin, Federal Minister for Internal Affairs and MP for Macquarie, the Hon. Bob Debus, and NSW MP for Bathurst, Mr Gerard Martin, the Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council, Councillor Paul Toole, and acting Head of Bathurst Campus, Professor Denise Jarratt. The scholar’s vote of thanks will be delivered by Ms Pamela Rudge, a third year student enrolled in public relations and business, who received scholarships in 2006 and 2007 and will receive the 2008 Bathurst Regional Council scholarship.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The annual Scholarships Presentation Ceremony will be held at 2.30pm on Friday 30 May, in the CD Blake Auditorium, CSU Bathurst Campus. The Charles Sturt Foundation oversees the scholarships. See more here. Print this story Taking note of chronic kidney disease
27 May 2008
 The emerging and serious health problem, chronic kidney disease, will be examined during a public lecture in Tumut on Wednesday 28 May. The lecture coincides with the national Kidney Health Week 2008 being held from Saturday 24 May to Saturday 31 May. Associate Professor Ann Bonner from the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Nursing and Midwifery in Wagga Wagga, will explain chronic kidney disease, its risk factors, optimal healthcare requirements and its impact on individuals, society and the Australian healthcare system. Associate Professor Bonner has practised for more than 20 years as a renal nurse and has developed postgraduate renal nursing courses for universities in NSW and Queensland. Dr Bonner is also involved in collaborative research projects with renal health care clinicians in these states. The lecture, presented by CSU and the Tumut Shire Council, will be held from 6pm in the Montreal Community Theatre, 44-46 Russell St, Tumut. CSU wine and cheese will be served after the lecture.
Media Note: Associate Professor Ann Bonner is available for interview. Contact CSU Media. Print this story Creating a suicide-safer community
20 May 2008
Suicides and attempts at suicide are a serious community health problem. In 2007, the Division of Student Services at Charles Sturt University (CSU) began a program to create a ‘suicide-safer community’ among its students and staff. “Deaths and injuries due to suicide can be reduced and a community-centred approach is considered an effective strategy,” said Mr Peter Bell, CSU residential operations manager for Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga campuses. “We aim to equip members of the University community with the skills to help students and fellow staff members when they may be struggling emotionally.” The University delivers suicide awareness seminars to its staff to create direct, open and honest talk about suicide. Mr Bell will discuss suicide and ways in which the community can help prevent it in a public lecture starting at 6pm on Wednesday 21 May in the Nowik Theatre, CSU Albury City site, Guinea St, Albury. CSU wines and cheeses will be served after the lecture.
Media Note: For interviews with Mr Peter Bell, contact CSU Media. Print this story Australia beefs up Indonesian collaboration
20 May 2008
 Australia’s beef and live export industry will have a greater understanding of Indonesia’s beef market with the launch of a two and a half year project by the Asian Agribusiness Research Centre (AARC) at Charles Sturt University’s Orange Campus. Funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the project ‘Benchmarking the Beef Supply Chain in Eastern Indonesia’ is a collaboration with four Indonesian institutes and the world-wide network agri benchmark. Project leader Dr Claus Deblitz says, “The Indonesian beef supply chain has been identified as a crucial area in Eastern Indonesian agriculture and is one of the most complex”. Drawing a comprehensive picture of the stakeholders, product, finance and information flow, proposals will be developed investigating how the Indonesian supply chain can be more effective and competitive, and provide farmers with higher incomes.
Media Note: Interviews with Dr Claus Deblitz are available through CSU Media. Print this story Journalists from newest nation visit CSU
20 May 2008
.jpg) Two journalists from the small European state of Montenegro, the world’s newest nation, have visited Charles Sturt University (CSU) Bathurst Campus to learn about how the media works in Australia and how the university promotes itself through the media. Dr Hazbo Skoko, a lecturer at the CSU School of Marketing and Management, hosted the visit and acted as interpreter for Mr Vukoman Batko Kljajevic, a radio and TV journalist for Crna Gora, the Montenegro Government Broadcast Company, and Mr Murat Corovic, chief editor of the MOZAIK magazine for culture, education and tradition. Dr Skoko said the visiting journalists were impressed with CSU students’ lifestyles and facilities. “They also were very impressed with the Australian educational system and the transparency, friendliness and easy going approach of the work of lecturers and students.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Dr Hazbo Skoko. Following a referendum on 21 May 2006, Montenegro declared its independence from Serbia on 3 June 2006 and became the newest fully recognised country in the world. Montenegro became the 192nd member state of the United Nations on 28 June 2006, and became the 47th member state of the Council of Europe on 11 May 2007. Print this story Seeking volunteers for health research
20 May 2008
A Charles Sturt University (CSU) research student is seeking volunteers from the Bathurst area to become involved in a physical health and wellbeing study. Mr Cheyne Donges, who is with the School of Human Movement Studies, said that while a number of women have registered for the research, he needs more Bathurst men to participate. “I need non-smoking men aged between 30 to 60 years,” Mr Donges said. “Furthermore, I am looking for people who are not currently or haven’t been exercising more than once per week in the last few months, and they should not be taking any hormone replacement therapy, blood pressure or cholesterol medication. Study participants will receive is a free comprehensive blood test with an explanation of their results, plus an image scan to analyse muscle, bone, fat and other tissues their body. We will also provide an analysis of muscle, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness.” Anyone interested to participate in the research can contact Mr Donges on 6338 4048, or send an email.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Mr Cheyne Donges. Print this story Researcher recognised for excellence
20 May 2008
 There was loud applause for awarding-winning Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher Associate Professor Gavin Ash as he received public recognition for his work in the fields of agricultural and veterinary sciences and environmental sciences. Professor Ash was named earlier this year the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence 2007. The CSU academic received his award from the Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter during the graduation ceremonies on the Wagga Wagga Campus in April. Professor Ash, from the CSU School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to innovative research in plant pathology, identifying and determining the risk posed by diseases in crops and exploring innovative approaches to the management of diseases and weeds. Since joining CSU at Wagga Wagga in 1990, Professor Ash has attracted more than $4.2 million in research funds, written for over 150 publications and supervised 38 postgraduate students. In the last five years Professor Ash has authored 27 refereed publications and gained 27 research grants.
Media Note: Associate Professor Gavin Ash is available for interview. Contact CSU Media. Print this story
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