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DUBBO
Home > Regional News > Dubbo
Plea for action for wetlands
08 Nov 2009
 Globally, the rate of loss of freshwater wetlands exceeds that of any other ecosystem and predicted climate change will greatly exacerbate the trend in the future. According to Charles Sturt University (CSU) vertebrate ecologist Dr Iain Taylor, wetlands provide invaluable ecosystem services to humans throughout the world and are essential habitats for an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. “Many species of water birds are in serious decline and the on-going drought in southeast Australia has caused a massive and probably irreversible decline in most of the larger water birds such as egrets, ibises and spoonbills,” he said. Dr Taylor is the convener of the international conference, Wetlands and Waterbirds: Managing for Resilience in Leeton in the Riverina region of NSW from Monday 9 November. Also presenting at the conference is CSU wetland ecologist Professor Max Finlayson who said climate change will place many wetlands and species under further pressure from rising temperatures and changes to their water regimes as rainfall patterns change. “If anything we should be constructing or restoring more wetlands, not degrading those that are left. They are valuable and have been under stress for far too long,” said Professor Finlayson, Director of CSU’s Institute for Land, Water and Society.
Media Note: To arrange interviews contact CSU Media. The Wetlands and Waterbirds Conference will be held from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 November at the Leeton Soldiers Club in Leeton. CSU academics presenting at the conference are Professor Max Finlayson, Dr Iain Taylor, Professor Mark Morrison and PhD students Maria Bellio and Anna Lukasiewicz. The conference program is available here. For media inquiries on Tuesday 10 November and Wednesday 11 November contact Ms Tracey Valensis on 0407 262 496. The Fivebough and Tuckerbil Swamps are internationally recognised wetlands under the Ramsar Convention and home to large waterbird populations, just minutes from Leeton.
Print this story New nurses for rural NSW from CSU Dubbo
06 Nov 2009
 The hospitals and health facilities across rural NSW will soon get a boost after 15 nursing students celebrate their last days at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Dubbo with a barbeque on Monday 9 November before their exams and graduation. Ms Cathy Maginnis, lecturer in nursing and academic advisor for the Bachelor of Nursing at Dubbo, said, “CSU's School of Nursing and Midwifery has an excellent rapport with the many health facilities across NSW, both rural and metropolitan, to ensure the clinical experience for our students is second to none so they are ready to fulfill their duties as Registered Nurses upon completion of their degree. These students have just completed their last clinical placement which enables them to integrate the theory and skills taught at university to the workplace setting. Students are currently being notified of their acceptances into postgraduate programs for next year as Registered Nurses. As most will be staying in Dubbo and surrounding areas, this reinforces the importance of CSU at Dubbo in providing professional, qualified nurses for regional NSW.”
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Ms Cathy Maginnis. The farewell barbeque is at 12.30pm on Monday 9 November at the CSU Dubbo Campus, with an official group photo to be taken at about 2pm.
Print this story Graduates celebrate in Hong Kong
05 Nov 2009
The Chancellor of Charles Sturt University (CSU) Mr Lawrie Willett AO will praise the academic achievements of almost 70 graduates who are eligible to receive their awards at a ceremony in Hong Kong on Saturday 7 November. The graduates will receive their postgraduate and undergraduate awards from the University’s Faculties of Arts, Business, Education and Science from 10.30am in the Langham Place Hotel in Hong Kong. The occasional address will be delivered at the graduation ceremony by Mr Steve O’Conner, the Librarian at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Mr O’Conner has worked in Higher Education for most of his career and has researched, published, spoken, consulted and taught very extensively in the areas of change, organisational management, information delivery, scenario and strategic planning, as well as the wider library and information environment. Graduates have completed a range of courses at CSU in areas such as theology, business, information technology, hotel management, arts, primary education, library and information management, medical imaging and clinical nursing.
Media Note: The ceremony will be held from 10.30am in the Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Charles Sturt University is one of Australia’s leading providers of distance education with currently 20,000 students around the world studying by distance education. Print this story Scholarships for TAFE students to study at CSU
27 Oct 2009
 TAFE students who have enrolled in or recently completed Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses at TAFE Western, the Canberra Institute of Technology and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute can now win scholarships to further their education at Charles Sturt University (CSU). Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at CSU, Professor Ross Chambers, says applications for the 12 scholarships, each worth $2 500, are available for 2010, with four scholarships available at each institution. “The CSU University Pathway Scholarship Program is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to create strong education pathways and collaboration from TAFE to University in our regional cities and regions,” Professor Chambers said. Acting Institute Director at TAFE Western, Ms Kate Baxter, says each year a number of TAFE Western graduates seek higher qualifications by studying at universities. “These scholarships will provide welcome support and encouragement and expand the opportunities for people in Western NSW to achieve their aspirations,” Ms Baxter said. Applications will close on Friday 27 November, with offers due to be made to successful TAFE students on Friday 11 December.
Media Note: For an interview with Professor Ross Chambers or Ms Kate Baxter, contact CSU Media. Information about the scholarship, including guidelines and the application form, can be found here.
Print this story CSU Koori Admissions Program
06 Oct 2009
.jpg) Aboriginal students considering a tertiary degree are encouraged to apply for Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Koori Admissions Program (KAP) within the next week to ensure they are considered for study in 2010. The annual KAP is an alternative entry program designed specifically for Indigenous students. The KAP provides potential students with a supportive and caring environment to assess whether or not they are likely to be suited to university life. It is free of charge to eligible participants, with travel, meal and accommodation costs funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training. Students who successfully complete the KAP will be offered a place in their chosen course at any CSU campus or via distance education. Koori students interested in being part of the program should register their interest with the University’s Indigenous Student Services (ph 6338 4236) in the coming weeks or visit here.
Media Note: For interviews or more information please contact CSU Media. Print this story Dubbo ceremony to start new CSU dental clinic
15 Sep 2009
.jpg) A sod-turning ceremony at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Dubbo on Wednesday 16 September will mark the start of the building program for the new University Dental and Oral Health Clinic which is part of the CSU School of Dentistry and Health Sciences. The Foundation Head of the School, Professor Ward Massey, said, “This is any exciting day for the University in Dubbo and when completed the clinic will enhance the practical opportunities for our students and dental care for the community of Dubbo and the surrounding region.” The dental clinic is a joint initiative of CSU, the Greater Western Area Health Service, and the University of Sydney, and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2010 at a cost in excess of $8 million. The first sod of soil will be turned by the Hon. Mr Mark Butler, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, representing the Prime Minister. Also attending are members of State Parliament, dignitaries from CSU and its partner institutions, the Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, councillors from surrounding areas, Wiradjuri elders, and staff and students.
Media Note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews. The ceremony will start at 2pm on Wednesday 16 September at Charles Sturt University at Dubbo. Print this story CSU leads at Tour de Timor
08 Sep 2009
 Staff and students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) successfully flew the flag at the inaugural cycling race Tour de Timor held recently in Timor Leste (East Timor). CSU student Mr Neil Van der Pleog from Mount Beauty in Victoria won the 450-kilometre race around the country. CSU students and staff also provided extensive physiotherapy services for competitors throughout the tough event. Started by President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta in the capital Dili, the five day event took cyclists through the nine regions of Timor before returning to Dili. At the hilliest stage of the race, riders climbed to 1 850 metres. Two third year Bachelor of Physiotherapy students Mr Tom Bidstrup and Ms Rachael McLeod and physiotherapy lecturer Mr Tim Retchford from the School of Community Health at CSU at Albury-Wodonga provided physiotherapy services for the 350 competitors. Many of the riders were international participants who were attracted to Timor Leste for the gruelling US$75 000 event. “The Tour de Timor coincided with the celebration of the 10 years since East Timor's independence vote,” said Mr Retchford. “Locals lined Dili’s streets up to 10 deep to cheer the riders as they crossed the finish line.”
Media Note: CSU physiotherapy lecturer Mr Tim Retchford and the physiotherapy students are available for interview tomorrow, Wednesday 9 September, before they go on clinical placement outside the Albury-Wodonga region. Contact CSU Media. The physiotherapy program runs through the School of Community Health at CSU at Albury-Wodonga.
Print this story Gifted designer honoured
08 Sep 2009
 An artist and Charles Sturt University (CSU) student has been named as a finalist in Australia’s richest design prize. PhD student Mr Rohan Nicol from Wagga Wagga is one of 10 finalists in the prestigious Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award. With his entry, Peppered Sunlight Mr Nicol will compete for the first prize of a $30 000 grant and a trip to Milan to attend the Salone del Mobile furniture fair in April 2010. The prize is dedicated to recognising and rewarding excellence in design, improving and promoting awareness of design and improving the commercial success of talented Australians. Peppered Sunlight is a large pendant light inspired by ‘dappled light that filters through trees’. Through the School of Visual and Performing Arts at CSU at Wagga Wagga, Mr Nichol is researching a financially sustainable model of studio-based craft and design practice by engaging with the Australian manufacturing industry in regional Australia. Read more here.
Media Note: In 2009, Ph student Rohan Nichol was awarded funding from the Australia Council. Read more here.
He is available for interview on 0416 362 133. Finalists in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award will present their entries to a panel of judges in October. The overall winner will be announced on Wednesday 18 November. The works will then be included in the Design Discovery Award Exhibition at the Establishment Hotel in Bridge Lane, Sydney from Monday 9 until Monday 30 November and in Melbourne and Brisbane in early 2010. Read more about the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award here.
Print this story Making sense of learning in the early years
08 Sep 2009
 A consortium led by Charles Sturt University (CSU) based in Australia, has developed the nation's first framework for early child education and care services for the Australian federal government. Sub Dean of CSU’s Faculty of Education, Professor Jennifer Sumsion will discuss Belonging, Being and Becoming - Early Years Learning Framework at a public lecture to be presented at 4.30pm on Wednesday 9 September at CSU’s Burlington site. “Since late 2008 and for over six months we consulted with teachers, parents and various private and government agencies on how the framework could best support the learning of young pre-school children and enhance the professional practice and status or early childhood educators,” Professor Sumsion said. Read more about the Early Years Learning Framework here.
Media Note: The public presentation will be held from 4.30 to 6.30pm on Wednesday 9 September at CSU in Ontario, 860 Harrington Court, Burlington, Ontario. Call 905 333 4955 or send an email for directions and further information. Read more about the CSU Ontario School of Education here. Print this story Recognising years of service
08 Sep 2009
One of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) most senior academics is among those honoured for his years of service to CSU and its predecessor institutions. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Ross Chambers is one of 13 staff eligible to receive 20 and 30 year service medals during a ceremony on Friday 11 September in the Convention Centre at CSU at Wagga Wagga from 12.30pm. Professor Chambers joined the Riverina College of Advanced Education (RCAE) in 1979 as an Associate Lecturer in history and politics after studies at the University of Sydney and the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at the University of London. He was appointed a Principal Lecturer at RCAE in 1987. Following the creation of CSU in 1989, Professor Chambers was appointed Head of the School of Humanities and Social Science and in 1992 the Dean of the Faculty of Arts. In 2002 he was appointed to his current position as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). “It has been a great privilege to be part of the development of Charles Sturt University and to work with the community of staff and students at the University,” said Professor Chambers. “I have especially appreciated being part of an organisation with a strong commitment to the values of equity in access and participation and of service to its communities.”
Media Note: The service medals are presented to long-serving staff as CSU continues to celebrate its 20th year in 2009. Read more about the 20th anniversary celebrations here. The 20 and 30 year service medals will be presented to staff on Friday 11 September from 12.30pm to 3pm in the Chancellor’s Room, Convention Centre, building 230, near Jingellic Place, CSU, Wagga Wagga. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Ross Chambers will be overseas during the ceremony and will receive his medal at a later date. Photos of Professor Chambers are available from CSU Media. A second group of staff will also be awarded long service medals from 12.30pm to 3pm at the same venue on Tuesday 22 September.
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