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REGIONAL NEWS
Home > Regional News
Centenary of the minimum wage
16 Oct 2007
 Work Choices is only the latest change in Australia’s industrial relations landscape. Charles Sturt University (CSU) industrial relations expert Dr Bill Robbins will discuss the first industrial relations revolution that began in October 1907 with the Harvester case during a free public lecture on Thursday 18 October. The case created a legal decision which became one of the most famous in the industrial, social and political history of Australia, and which also introduced the world’s first significant minimum wage. “On the centenary of the Harvester Living Wage case, it is worth reflecting on how industrial relations can affect the quality of life of the majority of Australians," said Dr Robbins, a senior lecturer in management and industrial relations with CSU’s School of Business & Information Technology. He has researched the management of Australian labour from Australia's convict origins to the contemporary Work Choices environment. The lecture, entitled A World First: the centenary of the Harvester case, starts at 6pm in the CSU Nowik Lecture Theatres, Guinea St, Albury.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU senior lecturer Dr Bill Robbins on the Harvester case and Work Choice, contact CSU Media. Print this story Orana economy resilient
16 Oct 2007
 The economy of the Orana region was resilient in the face of continuing drought conditions, according to a new report released on Monday 15 October by Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Western Research Institute (WRI). The Reliance Credit Union Orana Regional Business Survey for the September quarter of 2007 shows that although sales performance remained below the NSW average, profit levels reported for the September quarter were the strongest this year for the Orana region. “All industries, with the exception of transport and manufacturing, reported positive overall profit levels,” said Mr Tom Murphy, WRI Chief Executive Office. “Strong consumer demand had a positive effect on industry, and three of the six sectors reported improved sales performance. Decreases in the costs of inputs and material also contributed to an overall decrease in the rate of increase in operating costs in the Orana region. In the coming December quarter businesses anticipate improvements in sales performance and profitability, with 48 per cent of businesses expecting good or very good sales performance for the Christmas period. Full-time staff numbers are expected to increase in the December quarter.”
Media Note: Mr Tom Murphy is available for interview. Contact CSU Media. Copies of the survey are available from the WRI on (02) 6338 4435 or click here. The survey included 200 businesses from the Orana region and a further 352 across the rest of regional NSW. Print this story Atheism examined
16 Oct 2007
 Competing views on the role of God will be the subject of a public lecture in Orange next week. Titled Richard Dawkins’ burka – is his world view too narrow?, Professor David Goldney, Adjunct Professor at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Rural Management, will discuss The God Delusion, by British scientist and academic Professor Richard Dawkins. Although both are scientists, Professor Goldney is a self-described ‘Christian in the evangelical-orthodox tradition’. Professor Dawkins is an atheist, who currently holds the Charles Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science at the University of Oxford. “In the lecture I will examine Professor Dawkins’ major arguments and what I see as the common ground between Dawkin’s and my views, as well as areas where there is significant disagreement,” Professor Goldney said. “I will also chart a way forward to ensure that this debate will be constructive and life-changing, rather than vitriolic and life-denying.” The public lecture will be held at the conference room, CSU Orange Campus, Leeds Parade, at 6pm on Wednesday 24 October. CSU wine and cheese will be served after the lecture.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Professor David Goldney.
Print this story Improving education for young rural Australians
16 Oct 2007
Two innovative Charles Sturt University (CSU) research projects will focus on delivering improved education to the population of rural Australia. CSU researchers, lead by senior lecturer at the School of Teacher Education, Dr Linda Harrison, will conduct research into improving and maintaining quality and access in centre-based, government-regulated child care in Australia. Of major concern to CSU researchers is improving the adverse outcomes of poor quality child care, especially for more vulnerable children. A second CSU research team, headed by Professor Jo-Anne Reid, Associate Dean at the Faculty of Education, will focus on renewing rural teacher education and sustaining schooling for sustainable communities, in an attempt to avert a national crisis in attracting teachers and other professionals to rural areas. The two CSU research projects will receive over half a million dollars over the next three years under the Federal Government’s Discovery grant scheme.
Media Note: The Discovery grants are contained in the latest Australian Research Council funding round and were selected from a record number of 4 834 applications. For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story CSU answers Blood Bank corporate challenge
16 Oct 2007
Charles Sturt University (CSU) students and staff are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and support the Wagga Blood Bank’s first ever Club Red Corporate Challenge, a corporate blood donor program designed for businesses and community organisations in Wagga Wagga. The Club Red Corporate Challenge is aimed at rallying everyone in the Riverina business community throughout 2007 to help save lives. The challenge runs until Monday 31 December 2007. ”Each blood donation could save up to nine lives,” says CSU spokesperson Roxanne Loche, “and giving blood is an ideal way for us to get involved in a vital community service”. Appointments to donate blood are available by calling 13 1495.
Media Note: For interviews with CSU’s Roxanne Loche contact CSU Media
Print this story National Ride to Work Day
16 Oct 2007
Staff and students at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Albury-Wodonga Campus are being encouraged to get healthy and take part in the national Ride to Work Day this Wednesday 17 October. Across Australia, cyclists will saddle-up and peddle to Ride to Work breakfasts, designed to promote, encourage, inspire and share the joy of cycling. Participants can ride solo at a time that suits or join the group ride which will depart from the bottom of the Dean Street bridge, next to Baker Motors, in Albury at 7.45am and travelling along the bypass cycle path to the University’s Thurgoona site. A free breakfast will be available for all who travel to Thurgoona using active transport, including bikes, walking, blades, skates, running, or scooters. The breakfast will be held at CSU’s Gums Café between 8.30am and 10.30am.
Media Note: To register for the Ride to Work, click here. For interviews contact CSU Media. Print this story Lung checks in the Calare electorate
09 Oct 2007
 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) research project aims to estimate the number of people aged 55 to 75 years with respiratory disease in the Federal electorate of Calare. Dr Debbie Burton, a senior lecturer and Associate Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU’s Orange Campus, says the project will screen a sample of people for asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). “People generally know if they have asthma but because the loss of lung function occurs slowly and progressively with COPD many people don’t know they have the problem until their lung function is reduced to 50% of normal. They put their shortness of breath down to ageing or lack of fitness,” Dr Burton said. “The delay in diagnosis of COPD increases the risk of also getting heart problems, but once a diagnosis is made, people can be managed medically, so the quality of life can be improved and the diseases progresses at a slower rate”. The results of this study will be used to identify ways to more easily screen people in the age range most likely to have COPD so as to detect the disease earlier. If you are aged 55 to 75 years, live in the Calare electoral district and are interested in participating in the lung health screening project, please call Dr Debbie Burton on (02) 6365 7828 or Ms Natalie Milic (02) 6365 7774.
Media Note: For interviews, contact CSU Media.
Print this story Wanted: healthy young men
09 Oct 2007
Healthy and physically active men aged between 18 and 35 are required for Charles Sturt University (CSU) research into the central nervous system and exercise. The research is being carried out by Ms Katrina Onus, a PhD student at the University’s School of Human Movement Studies in Bathurst. Ms Onus said that her study will investigate fatigue and athletic performance and how to possibly overcome or delay the onset of fatigue. “This research is important because the findings may be relevant to other areas such as diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as the military and industry. Any men interested in participating in the research must be available for five weeks from late October until December 2007. They need to be physically active at least three times per week. Ms Onus can be contacted on (02) 6338 4161.
Media Note: For interviews, contact CSU Media. The study entitled, The Central Nervous System and exercise endurance in a warm environment following ingestion of a dopamine/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor will be supervised by Associate Professor Frank Marino and Dr Jack Cannon. The study has been approved by the CSU Ethics in Human Research Committee.
Print this story Ecological engineering for sustainable pest management
09 Oct 2007
Can farm productivity and the environment benefit from the innovative use of ecological pest management rather than the use of genetic engineering? Professor Geoff Gurr from the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Rural Management in Orange will present a seminar entitled "Ecological engineering for sustainable pest management" on Thursday 11 October. Professor Gurr says “Ecological engineering is about manipulating farm habitats, making them less favourable for pests and more attractive to beneficial insects. Though they’ve received far less research attention and funding, ecological approaches may be safer and more sustainable that their controversial cousin, genetic engineering”. The seminar, which is being hosted by the E H Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, will take place in the Conference Room of the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute from 3.30pm, Thursday 11 October.
Media Note: The E H Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, is a collaborative alliance between CSU and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. The seminar runs from 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm on Thursday 11 October. For interviews contact CSU Media
Print this story Advancing Indigenous education
09 Oct 2007
T  he Dubbo Campus of Charles Sturt University (CSU) will host a two day conference for about thirty CSU indigenous staff on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 October. Head of Dubbo Campus and Director of the University’s new Centre for Indigenous Studies, Mr Gary Shipp, said that this was the first time a CSU Indigenous staff conference has been held in Dubbo. “Indigenous staff from all CSU’s major campuses will attend and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Goulter, will address staff at the opening dinner on Tuesday evening, 9 October. This is an important meeting because it not only allows the Indigenous staff at CSU to establish contacts, but it will inform all staff of the recent developments at CSU with the establishment of the new Centre for Indigenous Studies and the development of an Indigenous education strategy. This will place CSU as a lead higher education provider in progressing Indigenous education nationally and in particular within inland Australia.“ A number of speakers will address the conference including Ms Lynette Riley-Mundine, Academic Coordinator at the Koori Centre at the University of Sydney, who was raised and attended school in Dubbo.
Media Note: For interviews with the Director of the Centre for Indigenous Studies, Mr Gary Shipp, contact CSU Media.
Print this story Sarah Lugton on exhibition
09 Oct 2007
 An exhibition of striking jewellery and objets d’art, designed and hand crafted by the three inaugural winners of The Kaiserman Prize, including a Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduate, will go on exhibition in Melbourne this month. Relocating to the Victorian capital from Wagga Wagga in regional New South Wales has influenced the work of CSU graduate Ms Sarah Lugton whose work is featured in the exhibition. Ms Lugton , who recently completed her Bachelor of Arts in Jewellery at the CSU Wagga Wagga Campus, has taken her inspiration from Melbourne’s architecture, landscape, people and culture to create a bold silver and gold ring with pink sapphires set in resin. The creation will be on display from Wednesday 17 to Tuesday 30 October at the Kaiserman showroom, 586 Church Street, South Yarra. The exhibition will feature over 30 pieces of original, hand made jewellery.
Media Note: The Kaiserman Prize was established with an aim of preserving design and jewellery making skills in Australia. For interviews contact CSU Media
Print this story Access for all
09 Oct 2007
 Applications have opened for students seeking financial assistance in 2008 through the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Equity Scholarships. The scheme offers students three types of scholarships; the Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships, Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships and CSU Equity Scholarships. The Commonwealth Scholarships are offered by the Federal Government for students from a low socio economic background, especially Indigenous students and students from rural and regional Australia. The CSU Equity Scholarships were introduced in 2006 when the University’s allocated $3.25 million from 2006 to 2008 to assists students from disadvantaged backgrounds. “The scholarships, which vary from $2 000 to over $4 000 each, are an integral part of the University’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to national and internationally recognised educational opportunities, “ said Mr Les Burr, acting Executive Director of Student Services at CSU. Students have until the end of November 2007 to complete their application forms. More information is available at the Equity Scholarships website here.
Media Note: For interviews, contact CSU Media. Print this story Putting kids feet first
09 Oct 2007
A group of Charles Sturt University (CSU) staff and students will be out to highlight the importance of healthy feet for children and their parents during the Children’s Fair in Wodonga on Sunday 14 October. With the start of national Foot Health Week also on Sunday, the CSU group is keen to focus of children’s feet, highlighting the first steps to good foot health. “Childrens’ feet are still forming – undue pressure can cause deformities that children can carry through life,” says CSU podiatry lecturer Ms Caroline Robinson. She said the CSU group is keen to show children and parents about the best ways to care for feet during the Fair, using fun activities such as footprint painting, foot measuring and shoe matching. The Children’s Fair will be held between 10am and 3pm, Sunday 14 October at the Wodonga racecourse.
Media Note: For interviews, contact CSU Media.
Print this story CSU sports team success at Australian uni games
09 Oct 2007
Charles Sturt University (CSU) sent a 115-strong team of students to compete in the annual Australian University Games on the Queensland Gold Coast from Sunday 23 to Friday 28 September and came away with a Silver Medal in the Women’s Hockey and a Bronze Medal in Beach Volley Ball (Division 2). “Our athletes did well against some tough competition,” CSU team manager Niklaus Granger said. “There were about 6 000 students competing from over 40 universities Australia-wide in a range of sports. The CSU Women’s Hockey team did particularly well with only 12 team members (1 sub) in its 3-1 loss to the University of Sydney in the finals.” In addition, at least four CSU students were selected for the Green and Gold Merit teams. These are students chosen from all competitors based on their performance during the week. They include Kate Davis (Bathurst) and Amanda George (Wagga Wagga) in women’s hockey, Duncan McPhee (Bathurst) in men’s hockey, and Will Stuart (Bathurst) in men’s rugby.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews.
Print this story CSU students revved by V8 Supercars
05 Oct 2007
 Six Charles Sturt University (CSU) students studying at the University’s Bathurst Campus have won scholarships in 2007 from V8 Supercars in association with Bathurst Regional Council (BRC). The students received praise from V8 Supercars, BRC and CSU representatives at a race week presentation ceremony at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst on Thursday 4 October. CSU representative and acting Head of the School of Communication, Mr Rod McCulloch, said, “This tripartite relationship allows our students to benefit from Bathurst’s proud association with Australian motor racing. I thank V8 Supercars Australia and BRC, and its predecessor, Bathurst City Council (BCC), for its long history of supporting students through the Charles Sturt Foundation scholarship program. Starting in 1986, scholarships have been funded by BCC and BRC for the past 21 years, demonstrating their significant commitment to support education in the region.” CSU student Trent Hile, who is studying a double degree in Sports Studies and Journalism, is the recipient of the 2007 Peter Brock Memorial Scholarship.
Media Note: Contact CSU News to arrange interviews with Mr Rod McCulloch or V8 Supercars-BRC scholarship recipients. The six CSU students to receive the V8 Supercars-BRC scholarships for 2007 are Caris Bizzaca (BA Communication), Karla Cosier (B Nursing), Trent Hile (BA Communication), David Marchese (BA Communication), Michael Perry (BA Advertising), and Megan Ryan (B Nursing).
Print this story CSU vet students? Halfway Festival
02 Oct 2007
Charles Sturt University (CSU) third year veterinary students are marking a milestone in their commitment to graduate from the University of inland Australia. A Halfway Festival is being held by the students to celebrate the halfway point in their six year veterinary science degree. The three day celebration begins on Friday 5 October at the CSU Wagga Wagga Campus with a breakfast and continues on Saturday 6 October with a charity rugby match between the Riverina Southern Inland Rugby premiers Wagga Agricultural College and a team of veterinary students. Proceeds from the match will support the Aussie Helpers charity, which assists drought stricken families. The CSU students, their parents and faculty staff will later attend a dinner, hosted by the DIrector of Veterinary Science at CSU, Professor Kym Abbott. The Halfway Festival concludes on Sunday 7 October with a "barefoot" lawn bowls competition.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media Print this story Cyberwriting with Catherine Jinks
02 Oct 2007
Award winning Australian author Ms Catherine Jinks aims to inspire the Riverina region’s budding writers at the launch of a program designed to develop the skills of young authors. Catherine Jinks, who writes historical fiction for young adults, will be in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 4 October to launch Cyberwriters, a project for young authors of historical fiction devised by Booranga Writers' Centre member Ms Jen Thompson. The visit by the internationally celebrated author is funded by a Country Arts Support Program (CASP) grant from Regional Arts NSW and is presented through the collaboration of the Booranga Writers’ Centre at Charles Sturt University (CSU), the Eastern Riverina Arts Program, the Museum of the Riverina and CSU. Ms Jinks will present a one-only reading and open-microphone discussion session in conjunction with the launch of Cyberwriters at the Wagga Wagga Historic Council Chambers.
Media Note: For interviews contact CSU Media.
Print this story Reducing the cancer risk from pesticide
25 Sep 2007
 With increasing links being identified between occupational organophosphate-based pesticide exposure and cancers, the need for a more sensitive screening test than the existing test has become apparent. Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturer in biomedical sciences, Dr Helen Moriarty will present a seminar entitled A novel screening test to detect low level occupational exposure to organophosphate-based pesticides on Thursday 27 September 2007 that suggests a solution. Dr Moriarty has identified a simple test that uses blood from a finger prick sample. Since many users unknowingly expose themselves to pesticides, a successful screening test will enable safe handling practices to be monitored and adjusted as necessary. This application is anticipated to make a major impact on the prevention of many environmentally induced cancers.
Media Note: For interviews with Dr Helen Moriarty contact CSU Media. The seminar will be held in the Conference Room, Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, CSU Wagga Wagga Campus, on Thursday 27 September 2007 from 3.30pm. Print this story Bali launch for play A Terrible Beauty
25 Sep 2007
 The publication of the play A Terrible Beauty, by Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturer Mr Ray Harding, will be launched at the Ubud Writers’ Festival in Bali on 27 September 2007. A Terrible Beauty deals with the October 2002 Bali Bombing which claimed more than 200 lives, 88 of them Australian. "It's wonderful that this publication can be launched in Bali, near the site of the tragedy that this work reflects upon," Mr Harding said. "It's a celebration of the triumph of hope and goodwill which many of us didn't think would be possible a few years ago." This is Mr Harding's fifth play and it had its world premiere performance at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre in June 2006. The play's publication launch will be accompanied by a performance of the play by an all-Indonesian cast. The launch will be officiated by Finley Smith, organizer of the writers' festival, together with former senior CSU theatre lecturer, Bill Blaikie and Kersena Dewanto, the festival's artistic director.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. Print this story Senior CSU executive in top research role
25 Sep 2007
 Charles Sturt University will be represented in the new system to assess where Federal Government research dollars should be spent in 2008. Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research) at CSU, Professor Paul Burnett will chair one of the 13 assessment panels for the Research Quality Framework. The panels will assess the research applications submitted by higher education providers and will award a rating for quality and impact. As Head of the University's Centre for Research and Graduate Training and being responsible for the administration of research and research training at CSU, Professor Burnett will head the Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurological, Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences panel. With five degrees, Professor Burnett is a counsellor, counselling psychologist and educational and developmental psychologist.
Media Note: For pictures and interviews with Professor Paul Burnett, contact CSU Media. Print this story
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