Charles Sturt University (CSU) is proud to reveal its latest buildings at Orange. More than a library, the new Learning Commons at CSU at Orange is a student-centred space equipped with a range of learning and social areas. The new facility caters for a range of study options from group study pods through to quiet individual study areas.  A mix of computing and multimedia equipment supports group and individual learning.  As well as the new Learning Commons at CSU at Orange, a brand new lecture theatre featuring video conferencing facilities has been built. New student accommodation is currently under construction as the University prepares for more students at Orange in 2010.

 

In a world saturated with advertising and media using sex to sell, a Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic has warned of the long-term risks for children. Dr Emma Rush, Associate Lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences says companies are increasingly marketing their products to children to capture the children’s allegiance to their brands. However she says some products, like padded bras for eight-year-old girls, are completely inappropriate.”Big companies make products to make money, but the clothing, magazines, toys and games are becoming increasingly sexualised,” said Dr Rush. The CSU academic is a contributing author to a new book, Getting Real: Challenging the Sexualisation of Girls. The book deals with the sexualisation and objectification of girls and women in the media, popular culture and society. “Experts are seeing psychological damage in younger and younger children and a rise in behaviours such as low self-esteem, depression, self-harms and eating disorders. The children should be out in the world having fun. They should be constructing themselves, rather than squashing into a narrow stereotype,” said Dr Rush. “As adults we have responsibilities for children’s health and development. It is wrong to think of premature sexualisation as simply a matter of taste; the fact is that it has risks for children.”

Dr Emma Rush is an Associate Lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at CSU at Wagga Wagga. She is researching the impact of the sexualisation of children. Dr Rush is pushing for a review of the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry into the Sexualisation of children in the contemporary media. Getting Real: Challenging the Sexualisation of Girls is published by Spinifex Press.

A new book by a Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic explores the need for and path towards successful community development in both developed and developing countries in the Asia Pacific region. Community Development in Asia and the Pacific by Associate Professor Manohar Pawar, from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Wagga Wagga, delves into the challenges and impediments for successful community development programs. "Both developed and developing countries have been re-emphasising the importance of community development but really need to address issues such as entrenched community power structures, unstable political systems and authoritarian leadership styles which play a big part in obstructing community development," Associate Professor Pawar said. ”The four key principles needed to put development into practice include respect for human rights, self reliance, self determination and participation,” he said. "This book examines the latest community trends in the Asia Pacific region. It makes a case for adopting values- and principles-based practice; for altering current leadership styles and developing new leaders; for retaining diversity and learning from it; for practicing what is preached; and for having a local level comprehensive social development perspective.”

Associate Professor Manohar Pawar lectures in the Social Work and Human Services program in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Wagga Wagga. He has more than 20 years of experience in social work education, research and practice in Australia and India.  Community Development in Asia and the Pacific is published by Routledge.Contact CSU Media to arrange an interview.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) has been honoured in a national award for its successful traineeship programs. CSU was named as a runner up in the 2009 Minister’s Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices.  The University was among the top four employers of apprentices in the Western NSW category. Two CSU traineeship programs, known as Front Line Management for existing employees and Indigenous Traineeships, were submitted to the national awards. “The success of these two programs has led to the retention of trainees, a good completion rate for accredited training, expanded career opportunities for existing staff and improved employment opportunities at the University for Indigenous trainees,” said Ms Sarah McCormick , Manager of Diversity and Equity at CSU. Ms McCormick and CSU Training Manager Ms Jenny King attended the award ceremony hosted by the Federal Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations the Hon. Julia Gillard, MP, at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 18 August.

The Minister’s Awards for Excellence recognise and reward organisations and individuals who make an outstanding contribution towards the training of Australian apprentices. More information about Awards can be found here. Through its Division of Human Resources, CSU offers a staff development calendar offering over 100 workshops and forums annually. The University also runs an in-house Registered Training Organisation (RTO), CSU Training to deliver vocational qualifications.

A new facility to further research into the experiences that people have with new computer technologies will be unveiled at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 26 August. The new laboratory in the University library aims to allow researchers to ensure that the needs and practices of computer users are reflected in future software applications and information technologies. The equipment in the new Digital Library Usability Laboratory includes three high-end desktop PCs running on Windows XP, equipped with microphones, headset and Webcam; Morae (version 3) software which allows software and website usability testing for market research; two rooms to accommodate researcher and research participants; and a one-way mirror between rooms to facilitate observation.

The special screening in Bathurst on Wednesday 2 September of the acclaimed documentary, The Burning Season could be the start of a new series of film screenings for local audiences. Associate Professor Jane Mills at the School of Communication at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst, says this one-off screening is the initiative of former co-director of the Sydney Asia-Pacific Film Festival and new Bathurst resident Ms Juanita Kwok, supported by the School of Communication. “We’re hoping this screening will bring Bathurst’s screen buffs out and that this could be the start of a series of screenings if there is audience support,” Professor Mill said. “Juanita took the decision to hire the cinema and rent The Burning Season, and we’re personally splitting the costs and hope people will come along. We’re both committed to screen culture and like to see all that cinemas around the world have to offer beyond the mainstream. I’m teaching two film subjects at CSU this semester and it’s a constant frustration that my students can’t see the films that are available to those living in the capital cities. Ms Kwok chose The Burning Season because it’s had a fantastic reaction among audiences at film festivals around the world.”

Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews with Associate Professor Jane Mills from School of Communication at CSU at Bathurst. The Burning Season screens at 7pm Wednesday 2 September at Metro Cinemas, 144 Piper St, Bathurst. For more information about the screening contact Ms Juanita Kwok on 6331 3158 or send an email.   

 

Dr Jane Mills is Associate Professor in Communications (Research and Teaching) in the School of Communication. She is the author of Loving and Hating Hollywood: Reframing Global and Local Cinemas and The Money Shot: Cinema, Sin and Censorship. Ms Juanita Kwok is the former co-director of the Sydney Asia-Pacific Film Festival and co-author of Film Asia: new perspectives on film (Curriculum Press).

 

The Burning Season follows the journey of young Australian carbon trading entrepreneur Dorjee Sun as he goes in search of a solution to the deliberately-lit fires that rage across Indonesia every year destroying rainforests, endangering orangutans and contributing to climate change. Directed by Cathy Henkel and narrated by Hugh Jackman, The Burning Season is an eco-thriller about a young man not afraid to confront the biggest challenge of our time.

 

To request an interview with director of The Burning Season, Ms Cathy Henkel, please contact Ms Tara Wardrop by email.  Further information about the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary is available here.  

Forty-two TAFE NSW students from Bathurst, Lithgow and Orange who are currently completing the Tertiary Preparation Course (TPC) and eight students completing the Diploma of Communication and Media toured Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Tuesday 18 August. The TAFE students met staff and current students and inspected the University’s many facilities. Ms Fran Dwyer, Prospective Student Adviser at CSU at Bathurst said the day provided insight and motivation for students who are interested in furthering their education. “We know that TPC students who enrol at university generally do very well, so it is important that prospective students understand the excellent range of facilities and support services that Charles Sturt University offers,” said Ms Dwyer. Anyone interested in further information about studying at CSU should phone the CSU Contact Centre on 1800 334 733, send an email or log on to the CSU website here.

Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews.

To arrange an interview with CSU veterinary science Ms Emma Packer, contact CSU Media. As one of  the inaugural students to study veterinary science at CSU at Wagga Wagga, Ms Packer is about to start an intense 30-week schedule of work placements which will shore up her veterinary science studies prior to graduation in 2010. A rotation of three-week placements at 10 veterinary practices, commencing at Warrnambool, Victoria and Coonamble, NSW will see Ms Packer putting into practice the skills and knowledge gained after four-and-a-half years of study.

An orphaned foal born prematurely at the Veterinary Clinical Centre at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga is receiving round-the-clock care from dedicated veterinary, equine and animal science students. Affectionately named Tim Tam, the foal was born by caesarean section in early August when it was clear his mother would not survive irreparable bowel damage. Since his birth he has received 24-hour attention from a team of veterinary and nursing staff at CSU, ably assisted by over 30 students rostered on six to 12 hour shifts. Students were only too happy to be involved in his care, which has included respiratory support, intravenous feeding, medication and two hourly turning. Senior Lecturer in Equine Medicine at CSU, Dr Sharanne Raidal says the mare in foal was brought to the Veterinary Clinical Centre with severe colic, as it was one of the only facilities in the region that could provide the immediate care needed. “Not only does the foal receive excellent care at the centre, it provides our veterinary science students with hands on experience that is invaluable in their training to become rural vets. We are very proud of the enthusiasm and dedicated care demonstrated by staff and students,” said Dr Raidal.

Dr Sharanne Raidal is a Senior Lecturer in Equine Medicine in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at CSU at Wagga Wagga. The Veterinary Clinical Centre opened in April 2008 and is located on Agriculture Avenue adjacent to the Equine Centre at CSU. It includes a modern large animal hospital with operating theatres, sophisticated diagnostic imaging facilities, a reproduction unit and small animal teaching laboratories.