* CSU Albury-Wodonga presented two 2018 Charles Sturt University NAIDOC Awards * The National NAIDOC theme this year is Because Of Her We Can * Today we celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their active and significant roles across the Albury-Wodonga region Charles Sturt University (CSU) is proud to recognise women as part of the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week theme this year, Because of Her We Can.Head of Campus at CSU in Albury-Wodonga Dr Jennifer Munday said, “Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people have kept the oldest continuing culture on the planet strong, and the women have been strong partners with their men in maintaining this cultural connection through generations”.Two women from the Albury-Wodonga region were awarded with CSU NAIDOC week awards at a ceremony on campus today. Past and present CSU staff and students and community members attended.Ms Liz Heta is a Senior Advisor, Aboriginal Engagement and Outcomes (Department of Health and Human Services), and this year spoke to the first year occupational therapy students at CSU in Albury-Wodonga about her thoughts on the impact of racism on occupational choice and engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Ms Heta’s presentation was a balance of being factual, honest and confronting as well as being personal, considered and sensitive to the needs to the first year students. Instead of being paid for her time, the money was used to purchase resources for a local preschool that provides education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.Aunty Nancy Rooke is an Elder who has played an important role in the wider community.She was a pioneer in bringing the Aboriginal community of Albury into TAFE and is a passionate advocate for education with her people.The nomination noted, ‘because of her we can, as non-Indigenous people teach CSU students with confidence on how to connect with community’.“Today we have celebrated just a few of the women who contribute, who work in a variety of ways, and are influencing and shaping our community,” Dr Munday said.“We also acknowledge that there are many, many more local women that should be recognised, in addition to those whose stories we shared today.“Charles Sturt University is so proud to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community members.“It was delightful and an honour to be able to acknowledge and present awards to all these fabulous women making an impact across our communities.”