• Communication students from Charles Sturt assist with filming in Bathurst for episode of Channel 9's Under Investigation TV show
• Students from the Bachelor of Communication were involved in three separate shoots between October 2020 and February 2021
• The Under Investigation episode airs on Channel 9 on Monday 8 March

Charles Sturt University communication students from Bathurst have gained valuable industry experience assisting with filming an episode of Channel 9's Under Investigation with Liz Hayes.

Charles Sturt alumni and Channel 9 Producer Mr Simon Heath contacted the University seeking interns to help as the production was filming in Bathurst for an episode about the disappearance of Janine Vaughan in 2001.

Ten second- and third-year Bachelor of Communication students were involved in three shoots between October 2020 and February 2021 for the Under Investigation episode.

The students filmed in and around Bathurst, with interviews also taking place at the University’s campus in Bathurst and Nine's production studio in Sydney.

They assisted with re-enactments, camera and grip work, arranging interviews and photography associated with the episode.

Charles Sturt’s Course Director for the Bachelor of Communication, Dr Travis Holland, said it was encouraging to see Channel 9 supporting the up-and-coming generation of television production and journalism graduates.

“Work experience is built into our course, but with the disruptions of 2020, many of our regular partners had been unable to take student interns,” Dr Holland said.

“The opportunity to work with Channel 9 was very exciting and came at just the right moment.

“Nine has always been a huge employer of Charles Sturt University graduates in journalism, television production, advertising and media production.

“It was fantastic to be able to work with Channel 9 to give our students important industry experience.”

Bachelor of Communication (Media Practice) student Mr James Siegert said the opportunity to gain industry experience in camera work, interviewing and production was highly valuable.

Third-year Bachelor of Theatre Media student Ms Milly Gavrily said working with names such as Liz Hayes, obtaining new skills and trying new roles has allowed her to create a professional and social network that will assist her after graduation.

Mr Heath said the contribution made by Charles Sturt’s students was invaluable to the completion of the episode.

He praised the professionalism and skills of the students involved.

“Quite honestly, there is no way we could have done this without the help from Charles Sturt University … you [the students] are all industry ready,” he said.

“Thank you from the team at Nine.”

The episode featuring the Janine Vaughan case aired on Monday 8 March and can be viewed on the 9Now website.