The Prime Minister John Howard flies to Fiji today for the Pacific Islands Forum, and once again the Solomon Islands is expected to be the focus of discussion. While relations between Australia and the Solomons becomes increasingly more strained, a CSU PhD student, Cliff Bird, described as “one of the prime intellectuals of the country” is preparing to address a Solomon leadership forum on conflict resolution.

Three Aboriginal Elders associated with CSU have been recognised for their work with the University and for their contribution to education and social justice for Indigenous people over many years.

Research projects that work towards securing sustainable futures for Charles Sturt University’s regions form the bulk of projects that have received $1.2 million in funding from the Australian Research Council.

Aboriginal students from schools across the Hastings region will take part in a workshop in Port Macquarie Monday 11 November designed to provide them with an insight into careers in the health sector.

CSU and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation are launching a collaborative project to introduce Indigenous students from rural and regional NSW to university education and careers associated with the ABC.

Support for the Murray Darling Medical School, proposed by Charles Sturt University and La Trobe University, has reached 50,000 people on Facebook.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann has called on the higher education sector to recommit to close the gap for Indigenous Australians.

CSU will continue two programs aimed at improving community health through active lifestyle and building Indigenous higher education aspiration in 2016.

Mr Stan Grant, a Wiradjuri man and award-winning journalist, will join CSU as the new Chair of Indigenous Affairs.