The imagery of an international Charles Sturt University (CSU) photography student is set to remain permanently at Macquarie Street , Sydney,  in recognition of the Charles Sturt University Week held recently in the NSW State Parliament .

 

The Hon. Morris Iemma, Premier of NSW , who described CSU as ”the great inland University”, was presented with the framed photograph on behalf of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Goulter, by The Hon. Tony Catanzariti MLC, the State Member for Bathurst, Gerard Martin, and the NSW Minister for Fair Trading, Youth, and Volunteering, the Hon. Linda Burney, MLA.

 

The photograph is the work of third year photography student, Ms Anny Jacopetti, a Brazilian student studying at CSU’s Wagga Wagga Campus, who says she is overwhelmed by the honour.

 

The image features CSU Bachelor of Education student Jason Stuart, who hails from the NSW town of Young.

The inscription on the photograph tells Jason’s story. “I was born in Young, where I completed my schooling and decided to study this course through Charles Sturt University. After completing my degree I wish to pursue my teaching career in remote areas of NSW, because I believe these areas need as much assistance and support as possible. Life on-campus has a great balance of work and social events. I encourage anyone, from remote or large metropolitan areas to study at Charles Sturt University. It’s a great experience.”

 

The work of photographic students and staff from the University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts remain hung in the public gallery of NSW Parliament House for a month in a special display that tells the story of CSU and its role in the lives of Australia’s inland communities.

 

More than 60 per cent of CSU graduates contribute to inland communities through their work as teachers, nurses, journalists, pharmacists, agriculturalists, winemakers, accountants, police officers, ministers of religion, social workers, information technology  professionals, physiotherapists and other allied health workers.

 

Because CSU insists that its programs are nationally accredited, many others work around the nation and internationally in leadership and creative roles.

 

CSU was the first university invited to feature its work at NSW Parliament House. ‘CSU Week’ began on Monday 31 March and concluded on Friday 4 April. The week featured a display about CSU, luncheons, special guest lectures, the launch of the CSU Centre for Indigenous Studies, as well as the CSU alumni cocktail party.