• Charles Sturt University officially launched its Communication Precinct on Thursday 3 October which includes the largest TV and production studio in regional NSW
• The precinct offers six learning and teaching spaces and equipment to mimic real-world communication workplaces and facilities
• The multi-million-dollar facility was developed in collaboration with key industry stakeholders and University communication experts

Charles Sturt University in Bathurst has unveiled its Communication Precinct showcasing state-of-the-art teaching, learning and technical equipment.

The Communication Precinct was officially launched at a ceremony on Thursday 3 October, opening with a speech from Charles Sturt  Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Renée Leon, PSM, at building 1401.

The new space ties together numerous authentic teaching and production spaces, all incorporating state-of-the-art equipment, and developed in collaboration with leading industry stakeholders.

Head of School in the Charles Sturt School of Information and Communication Studies Professor Tina Du said the Communication Precinct offers the opportunity for strong industry, government and community partnerships, as well as giving students a leading learning experience.

“We’re dedicated to building on our excellence in teaching and graduate outcomes, and this multi-million-dollar investment represents this commitment to the communication industry over the coming decade and beyond,” Professor Du said.

The Precinct boasts six key areas, including:

• Strategic Communication and Newsroom Production spaces: These spaces are used for classwork in an environment mirroring professional communication spaces, easy access to editing suites and a boardroom with video conferencing capabilities.
• Podcast studios: Three studios, each with 4 Rode Podmic, headphones and a Rodecaster Pro II podcasting desk.
• Editing suites: Multipurpose spaces with Dell Precision Workstations running Adobe Creative Cloud, XDM-100 Microphones and headphones with Godox ES30 panel lights, Logitech BRIO Webcams for high quality streaming and a Loupedeck CT Control Surface as an editing interface.
• Media Production Studio: This dynamic, multidisciplinary space is the largest TV and production studio in regional NSW. It houses the Infinity Wall, a 10-metre wide, five-metre high and four-metre deep structure that is used for the creation of content across all media forms. It also features a nine-metre wide greenscreen, ARRI Skypanel and Orbitors, BirdDog 4k robotic cameras, Vizrt’s Tricaster Elite 2 vision switcher capable of automated switching and managing livestreaming and virtual events, Teleprompters, a Behringer X32 rack, a variety of Shure microphones and receivers, and Rode NTG2 microphones.
• 2MCE Community Radio and NRN: The station is a major teaching and practical training resource for students, offering professional and practical skills for the media and broadcast industries.
• Equipment Stores and Specialist Support: In collaboration with industry and University technical staff, the equipment available to students includes Sony A7 Mark 4, Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K’s, HM250E Cameras, a wide range of Zoom recorders including the H2N and H6N, Portable Rode Podcaster Kits, Accessories for Smartphones, Continuous Three Point Lighting Kits and Rode Wireless GO II for wireless audio across all equipment.

Professor Du said the equipment alone provides a sound backing for Charles Sturt students to prepare for real-world communication careers.

“Over the years, Charles Sturt has adapted to the shifts in communication technologies and media industries, continuously updating its curriculum to include cutting-edge courses such as social media analytics and multimedia storytelling,” she said.

“This legacy highlights the strong foundation and ongoing impact of Charles Sturt’s communication program, shaping leaders who continue to influence and transform the media landscape.”