* Small wetland on CSU in Albury-Wodonga is home to the vulnerable Sloane’s froglet* Volunteers are planting native vegetation around the wetland to provide vital protection for the species* CSU in Albury-Wodonga is also home for a thriving community of native animals and birds in the midst of suburbiaA frog listed as ‘vulnerable’ in NSW will benefit from some human intervention on the Charles Sturt University (CSU) campus at Thurgoona next Tuesday 7 August.Recent school leavers and support staff will plant native grasses to provide important cover for a small population of Sloane’s froglet (pictured left) establishing itself near the David Mitchell Wetlands at CSU in Albury-Wodonga.Ms Michelle Wilkinson from CSU Green said the planting will add to vegetation planted last month around a small wetland in which the frogs have been found.“Native grasses are important for the Sloane’s froglet as provide important shelter for this tiny frog,” Ms Wilkinson said.“They like areas of grassland or woodland that are periodically inundated, but recent populations have been decimated by trampling by cattle, loss of habitat caused by clearing for growing urban areas, drought and long-term changes to climate patterns, and changes in water flows through creeks and wetlands."We hope our revegetation program will help these little critters increase numbers again.“It will also allow experts in the School of Environmental Sciences to carry out more detailed studies of the species, particularly to assess if they are affected by the chytrid fungus disease which has devastated so many other frog species across Australia.”CSU ecologist and frog expert Dr Geoff Heard will be on hand to speak about the Sloane’s froglet to the visitors and lend a hand in the planting.

* 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.”

* PhD research explores why Aboriginal men of Albury-Wodonga under-utilise the local Aboriginal Health Service * Culturally appropriate exercise and health education program achieved an 85 per cent attendance rate for the 10-week program * Aim is for program to be transferable to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communitiesA Charles Sturt University (CSU) student and academic has been awarded the CSU Albury-Wodonga 2018 NAIDOC Scholar of the Year Award for his PhD research project.Mr Brett Biles (pictured), a PhD student and lecturer in Indigenous health in the CSU School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health in Albury-Wodonga, received the award for his PhD research project titled, ‘An exploration of a tailored cardiovascular exercise and education program for Aboriginal men in a regional centre’.“It is humbling to receive this award as recognition for community-driven research,” Mr Biles said.“It has been an amazing experience to research within my community and privilege the voices of local Aboriginal men.”The award citation notes the three-pronged research was developed to explore the reasons why Aboriginal men of Albury-Wodonga under-utilise the local Aboriginal Health Service, to evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiovascular exercise and health education program, and to explore the men’s experience of this program.As background, the citation notes that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health problem within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.It states Mr Biles’ research has developed a culturally appropriate and respectful tailored exercise and health education program, that achieved an 85 per cent attendance rate for the 10-week exercise and health education program, which highlights the cultural appropriateness of the program.Mr Biles aims for his culturally-appropriate and respectful tailored exercise and health education program to be transferable into other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.The research is in its final stages of his PhD and Mr Biles looks forward to disseminating the findings of the research.

* 180 high school students expected for MyDay at CSU in Albury-Wodonga on Wednesday 27 June* Free MyDay event is a great start to preparation for universitySenior high school students from across NSW will attend a MyDay at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga on Wednesday 27 June to explore a range of courses and future study options.CSU prospective student adviser Ms Katie Trebley said, “With around 150 students currently registered, we can expect about 180 students plus parents to attend the MyDay.“Students who have registered come from NSW and Victorian high schools, from as far as Bendigo and Echuca to Dubbo, as well as local schools across Albury-Wodonga.“The students who attend MyDay can learn about the courses we offer at Charles Sturt University in Albury-Wodonga as well as general information about university and study. This free event is a great start to university preparation.“Parents are also welcome to attend most sessions to learn more about courses and study at Charles Sturt University.”Courses to be explored by the students include accounting and business, environmental science and outdoor recreation, podiatry, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, gerontology, leisure and health, and teaching and education.

* Simple regular stretches can help physical status and well-being of people with diabetes * Research project seeking adults with Type 2 diabetes and living in Albury-Wodonga to test stretching program at home.A Charles Sturt University (CSU) health researcher is investigating the benefits of simple stretching exercises to relieve aches and pains for people with diabetes.Honours student Mr Rod Burgess is seeking residents from Albury-Wodonga aged over 18 years who have Type 2 (Age Onset) diabetes to take part in his research project based at Thurgoona.“We know that diabetes can thicken and stiffen the tissues in the body and so affect a person’s quality of life as they become less flexible. This can change the way a person moves and causes them more harm,” said Mr Burgess, who is in his final year of physiotherapy with the CSU School of Community Health.“We know exercise can benefit people with diabetes, however some people cannot or choose not to exercise.“We are now investigating if even a small amount of stretching and exercise can have positive medical effects for people with diabetes, as well as how they feel.”Mr Burgess is now seeking participants to take part in his research project in their homes to assess the impact of gentle exercise on their disease.After completing an initial health check and questionnaire with Mr Burgess at the CSU Community Engagement & Wellness Centre, participants will be asked to gently stretch muscles in their legs and ankles at home for 10 minutes in each session, with three sessions per week over a six-week period as part of the study.“Muscle stretching is easy and safe to do and may possibly improve or delay some of the damaging effects of your diabetes. Participating in the project could help you, and hopefully other people with diabetes, to relieve some symptoms of this crippling disease,” Mr Burgess said.For further information or to participate in the research project, call the Community Engagement & Wellness Centre (CEW) on 6051 9299 or email Ahcrecep@csu.edu.au, at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Ellis Street, Thurgoona.

* CSU research finds low-income households leading Albury community, using 70 per cent less electricity.* Low-income households suffer in health and well-being being unable to afford higher electricity costs, making heating and cooling homes a real problem. * ‘Powering Down’ project sharing hints and tips from project on World Environment Day (5 June).Charles Sturt University (CSU) researchers have found that low-income earners lead the Albury community in power saving, but at a cost.“Some low-income households are using 70 per cent less electricity than similar households in Albury. But they are using far less power than they need out of financial necessity,” said social researcher Dr Helen Masterman-Smith, who led the ‘Powering Down’ project based in the northern suburbs of Albury.“High electricity costs are making heating and cooling homes a real problem, especially for those with health conditions.“Some people are spending winter days in bed and summers taking repeated cold showers or baths. As a result, their wellbeing and quality of life are suffering,” Dr Masterman-Smith said.Funded by NSW Environmental Trust, the Powering Down project has supported low-income households to live better using less electricity. Residents have shared their knowledge and tips on reducing electricity use and have received help with the upfront costs of energy efficient appliances.“Project participants have much wisdom to convey on striking a balance between living well and powering down for the planet and the hip pocket,” Dr Masterman-Smith said.“For example, one resident tried the little-known hack of placing bubble-wrap on her north facing windows. It’s a cheap and easy form of double glazing. She ended up being one of our energy efficiency competition winners.”To provide further assistance for low-income households in Albury, the project team will hold a free ‘Bring Your Electricity Bills’ day on World Environment Day, Tuesday 5 June, running from 9am to 3pm, at the Salvation Army Hall, corner of Union Road and Corella St, Lavington.The event is supported by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Albury City Council, the Salvation Army and the Global Village Co-op.“Friendly staff will be on hand to discuss energy assistance vouchers, no-interest loans, hardship programs, service complaints, financial counselling, affordable efficient appliances, independent advice on suppliers, efficiency tips, and much more,” Dr Masterman-Smith concluded.

* Call for stroke patients living in southern NSW to take part in an ‘at home’ rehabilitation project.* Geographical distance from health services can make it difficult for patients in regional NSW to access outpatient services once they have been discharged from hospital.* Project participants and carers will have access to extensive support materials and phone support for 12 weeks.* Participating clinicians will also receive support as part of the project.Have you had a stroke in the last six months and live in or near Albury-Wodonga or Wagga Wagga? Do you experience cognitive or upper limb difficulties? A research team supported by Charles Sturt University (CSU), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury-Wodonga Health are looking for participants to test a program over 12 weeks that assists patients in their recovery from the debilitating effects of stroke.Participants and their carers will have access to the Best Evidence for Stroke Therapies (BEST) website that can help stroke patients to regain some or all of their capabilities before the stroke occurred.Project leader Dr Melissa Nott (pictured left), an occupational therapy lecturer with the CSU School of Community Health, is part of the team that developed the BEST website.“The website is a one-stop shop for helpful resources including 'step-by-step' guides, information and instruction sheets and videos, home activity records and goal setting worksheets.“On the same site, clinicians such as occupational therapists and speech pathologists can access 'how-to' videos, implementation checklists and evidence summaries to help them implement and evaluate their stroke-related care of patients, working as a team with the stoke patient."We wanted to provide all the information that would be needed by both patients and clinicians so that clinicians feel more confident to implement the National Stroke Guidelines and that patients receive the best quality care," said Dr Nott said, who is based at CSU in Albury-Wodonga."Geographical distance from health services can make it difficult for patients in regional NSW to access outpatient services once they have been discharged from hospital. This website offers an alternative way to ensure all patients can access the highest quality rehabilitation."See 'Cheryl' from Wagga Wagga as she tells her story on the importance of a team approach to her rehabilitation after a stroke.The program incorporates use of the BEST website (pictured right) with phone coaching and training for clinicians to help stroke patients drive their own recovery from home over 12 weeks, supported by the research team.“The BEST website has been trialled and refined since 2017, and we are now ready to expand its use across areas covered by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury-Wodonga Health.“Positive results for this expanded trial will have application for rehabilitation services across regional Australia and for patients living in isolated circumstances.”To apply to join the BEST project or for further information, contact Ms Tana Cuming on 02 6051 9266 or email bestresearch@csu.edu.au.

* CSU launches its $100,000 Community-University Partnerships grants program for 2018.* Up to $20,000 available across five different categories to support our regions. * Launch at CSU in Albury-Wodonga today. Online applications here. * Grants for projects across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous and discretionary grants for community initiatives. Grant money totalling $100,000 is now on offer from Charles Sturt University (CSU) for local communities following the launch of the 2018 Community-University Partnerships (CUP) grant program.Head of Campus at CSU in Albury-Wodonga Dr Jennifer Munday said, “The University is offering $100,000 in grants as an investment in the development of our regions.“Members of our local communities are encouraged to apply for the funding to support their local community groups and activities.“There’s funding from hundreds of dollars, up to a maximum amount of $20,000 in each grant category,” Dr Munday said.CUP grants are across five separate categories across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous, as well as discretionary grants to support small community initiatives.Launching in Albury-Wodonga today, CSU also welcomed successful recipients from last year’s program to congratulate them on their success and for them to share with the community how they spent the grant they received.One of those was the Albury Public School Parents and Citizens Association which received funding through the CUP Head of Campus Small Grants Program.The Association’s Ms Justine Parer said, “The grant allowed the P and C to host an evening barbeque and picnic at the School for families early in the year.“Approximately 180 people attended the event and we received warm feedback from many of those who let us know that they had met new people in the School community.”Dr Munday said, “Given that winter is just around the corner, we’ve opened the 2018 grant program with the Rural and Regional Sports Development round first and the other grant programs will open in a rolling fashion throughout the year.“Charles Sturt University has a long and proud tradition of supporting our communities. The CUP initiative is all about the University supporting groups and organisations in Albury-Wodonga and the surrounding region in achieving the goals,” Dr Munday concluded.BackgroundGrants are available from five different categories. The CUP Head of Campus Small Grants Program, CUP Rural and Regional Arts and Culture Program, CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program, CUP Rural and Regional Indigenous Community Engagement Program and CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program.Online applications are now open for the 2018 CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program, with the other programs to follow. Further information, application packs and program guidelines can be found here.

- Albury students working in CSU award-winning grey treatment system at CSU.- Students will prepare a case for Council consider water recycling systems for Albury housing estate developments.- Project between CSU and Department of Education to equip local students with skills to address local environmental challenges into the future.Year 9 students from three Albury high schools will seek to show how Mother Nature can work with land development to clean up waste water in our region.On Tuesday 3 April, 60 students from Albury, Murray and James Fallon high Schools will test and investigate the award-winning grey water treatment system used at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga.“During their visit, the students will use various equipment to test waste water from storm water drains, kitchens and wash basins in campus buildings,” said project coordinator and lecturer with the CSU School of Education, Mr Paul Grover.“This waste water has been treated and purified through a series of carefully designed settling ponds, and is then stored in dams on the campus for re-use on campus,” Paul Gover said.At 10am, the students will be briefed on how the wetland system works by Dr John Rafferty from the CSU School of Environmental Sciences. They will then, in conjunction with their science teachers, don waders to use water-testing equipment in the field in the CSU David Mitchell Wetlands and filtration ponds until 2pm.“Using the evidence they gather, the students will prepare a case for AlburyCity and propose that Council consider water recycling systems for new and established housing estate developments,” Mr Grover said.Mr Grover noted that the project is part of a partnership between CSU and the NSW Department of Education.“The project provides high school students with real-life issues to investigate and prepare solutions and present these to local interest groups, in this case the Council and land developers,” Paul Grover said.