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Final 2017 Booranga writer-in-residence

Booranga Writers' Centre at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga has named award-winning author Ms Biff Ward (pictured) as the final writer-in-residence for 2017.

Centre President and adjunct senior lecturer in English at the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences Mr David Gilbey said, "Biff's residency for a month from Wednesday 23 August concludes our program of multi-talented writers who have shared their skills with the writing communities of Wagga Wagga and surrounds.

"I reviewed her early feminist poems for Southerly in the early 1990s and was impressed with her insights, energy and language skills. More recently, Biff is the author of the literary memoir In My Mother's Hands, which was short-listed for the NSW Premier's Douglas Stewart Literary Prize for non-fiction 2015 and the WA Premier's Prize for 2016. It was also long-listed for The Stella Prize 2015 and winner of the Canberra Critics' Circle Award 2014 for non-fiction.

"Commentators have noted, In My Mother's Hands (published by Allen & Unwin) is a beautifully written and emotionally perplexing coming-of-age true story about growing up in an unusual family.

"In 1984, her ground-breaking book, Father-Daughter Rape, one of the first in the world about child sexual abuse, was published in the United Kingdom and the United States.

"Biff is a winner in the Griffith Review's 2017 novella competition, Storied Lives. She is currently finalising her memoir about the Vietnam War."

During her residency, Ms Ward will present a free public reading of her work at the Historic Council Chambers in the Civic Centre, Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga, from 5.15pm to 7pm on Thursday 24 August. She will be joined by local poet Mr Maurice Corlett who will be reading his new works.

Ms Ward will also present a writing workshop from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 26 August at Booranga Writers' Centre, Mambarra Drive, at CSU in Wagga Wagga. The workshop is free to members, and a $5 donation is requested from non-members.

Read more about Ms Ward here.

Students get microscopic with science

As part of National Science Week 2017, Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturer Dr John Harper will encourage young scientists in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 19 August to get up close to everyday items using a microscope.

Joined by students from the University's Faculty of Science, Dr Harper will help children look down the lenses of digital, stereo, and compound microscopes.

Dr Harper will also demonstrate how the microscopic images can be captured on a mobile phone.

The free family event will be held from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the children's area in the Wagga Wagga City Library.

 "The children should bring along something to look at through the microscopes," Dr Harper said.

"It may be a pet hair sample, a plant from the garden, or even breakfast cereal. It is fascinating how these everyday items look under the microscope."

Dr Harper is a senior lecturer in plant science in the CSU School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences.

CSU to celebrate 20 years in Dubbo

Charles Sturt University (CSU) will celebrate its 20 years in Dubbo with a special event on Tuesday 5 September.

Head of Campus Ms Cathy Maginnis (pictured) said, "Charles Sturt University in Dubbo is celebrating having a presence in the local community for the past 20 years, and invites everyone to applaud this milestone with us.

"We welcome alumni, past and current staff and students, and community members to celebrate this occasion and share memories and our achievements."

Ms Maginnis said that during the past 20 years CSU had contributed significantly to Dubbo and the NSW western region by enabling local students to study closer to home and to return to their communities to contribute expertise and professional services in rural and remote areas.

"Charles Sturt University plays a significant role providing a range of skilled professionals including nurses, teachers, and social workers in western NSW," she said.

"The recent addition of the dental clinic in Dubbo is also a testament to the practical contribution the University makes to the community.

"We have made a significant boost to Indigenous tertiary education, as well as the recognition of and support for Indigenous issues and awareness."

As part of the event, a photo exhibit and past media articles will be displayed, and tours of facilities will be available. Staff and student guest speakers will share anecdotes and memories, while a professional photographer will be present on the night to capture the celebrations. There will also be opportunity to purchase CSU clothing and memorabilia.

"I invite community members and especially any alumni and others associated with the University, to come along to reminisce and share the fun," Ms Maginnis said.

The CSU in Dubbo 20 year celebrations will be from 5 to 8pm on Tuesday 5 September at CSU, 8 Tony McGrane Place, Dubbo.

Refreshments will be provided, and people are encouraged to send an RSVP here to assist with catering.

CSU play explores ‘millennials’

A new production at the Ponton Theatre at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst explores the realm of young people known as 'millennials'.

Think Outside the Label is an original performance devised by second-year Bachelor of Communication (Theatre Media) students in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst and Cycle Productions.

Lecturer and director Mr Dan Aubin said the production explores what it's like to be young people born at the turn of this century and coming of age now, who are otherwise known in the marketing parlance of the day as 'millennials'.

"This 45-minute show is by millennials for millennials and everyone, and uses comedy, physical theatre and dance to engage the audience with questions about the meaning of the labelling of this generation as 'millennials'," Mr Aubin said.

"Are millennials lazy, entitled, narcissistic and weak as some would label them, or are there any positives to this label? The production provides plenty to ponder for audiences to make up their own minds."

Think Outside the Label starts at 7pm on Thursday 10, Friday 11, and Saturday 12 August at the Ponton Theatre (building 1434) at CSU in Bathurst. The bar opens from 6.30pm.

Tickets are $10 concession or $12 for adults at the door or online at www.trybooking.com/RHVZ

There is a language warning for the production.

The Power is with young women

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst will host its annual major event highlighting the Power of Engineering for young women interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as a future career.

Located in the award-winning Engineering building and run by CSU Engineering, The Power of Engineering will welcome 250 female students from Years 8 to 10 in high schools across the NSW central west region this Thursday 10 and Friday 11 August.

Lecturer in engineering, Dr Andrea Goncher, said the participants will see the opportunities that a career in engineering or science can offer over the two-day program.

"Last year's event was a runaway success, and we are looking forward to inspiring the next generation of women engineers for our region, Australia and the world," Dr Goncher said.

The CSU engineering course has already been recognised globally, with one of its student teams winning the national Engineers Without Borders Challenge in 2016.

In addition, CSU Engineering was also chosen this year by the renowned US-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology as the only Australian case study for a project highlighting the four most innovative courses in the world.

The day-long program will provide real-world science and engineering problems for the students to solve while demonstrating the importance of collaborative work and human-centred design.

"One of the challenges of recruiting young women into engineering is helping them to see themselves as engineers," Dr Goncher said.

"By giving them real-world challenges to solve, and female engineer role models to guide them while they do so, we help these young women see that there is a future for them in a STEM career."

The students are travelling from public and private high schools located in Blayney, Gilgandra, Mudgee, Orange and Oberon as well as Bathurst to take part in the program.

Nuclear energy public lecture at CSU in Dubbo

The environmental and strategic security that nuclear energy offers to Australia will be examined in a free public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo on Tuesday 15 August.

This Explorations Series free public lecture, titled 'How our fear of nuclear energy is hurting the environment', will be presented by Mr Rob Parker (pictured), President of the Australian Nuclear Association.

Head of Campus at CSU in Dubbo Ms Cathy Maginnis said, "Mr Parker will address the issues of harnessing nuclear energy in Australia, with experience gained during his recent visits to French and American nuclear facilities and to Fukushima in Japan.

"He will cover the historical achievements of nuclear energy in the 'laboratory of real life', and will delve into the economic benefits for a nuclear powered expansion of wealth as we deal with global warming.

"Because the use of nuclear energy is now being considered in the context of climate change imperatives, but is criticised by some as unsafe and too expensive, the acceptance of nuclear energy for many Australians will require an about-face on how they overcome the perceived clash of economic prosperity with the environmental impact.

"I am delighted that Charles Sturt University is able to present this truly important Explorations Series public lecture for all in Dubbo to take an interest in."

The free public lecture is from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday 15 August at CSU in Dubbo, in building 902, room 202. The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session, and light refreshments.

To attend this free public lecture please register here for catering purposes.

Read on the event more here.

The 2017 Theo Barker Memorial Lecture

The 7^th Theo Barker Memorial Lecture will feature young local performers in a rehearsed reading of the text delivered by Australian actress and playwright Ms Rachael Coopes.

This free public lecture on Friday 18 August is the next in the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Explorations Series in Bathurst.

Adjunct Associate Professor in history in the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences Robin McLachlan said, "The Theo Barker Memorial Lecture is widely recognised as a significant Bathurst event that is both scholarly in content and popular in presentation.

"Lecture presenter Ms Coopes (pictured) has a deep passion for research-based projects derived from her fascination with how Australia's past informs its present and a desire to create theatre for young people.

"Her plays have been staged in the USA, Britain, and across Australia, and they delve into the complex process of merging history with imagination.

"For her Theo Barker Memorial Lecture, Rachael will draw on examples from Bathurst's history to illustrate how this can happen and will reflect on her present work-in-progress script which will premiere next year in the annual season of the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC). Young local actors will read from this script during the lecture."

In a departure from the usual venue at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst, the 2017 lecture, titled 'The Ghosts of the Past are Very Present in Bathurst', will be presented at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) on 18 August.

From its inception in 2005, the Theo Barker Memorial Lecture has been co-hosted by the Bathurst District Historical Society and CSU, with BMEC joining on this occasion as a co-host.

Manager of BMEC Mr Stephen Champion said, "We're delighted that BMEC can collaborate with the University and the Bathurst District Historical Society on this occasion to present a dynamic public lecture by Ms Coopes featuring talented young local performers.

"Rachael is an exceptionally gifted and perceptive writer as evidenced by the awards and nominations received for Sugarland. Our commission, The Climbing Tree, is based on the processes that lead to that work and the current draft is powerful and compelling.The theme is engaging and invites the audience to reflect on Bathurst's history and how it shapes us all as local residents."

The venue for this free public lecture is the City Hall at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, William Street, Bathurst, at 6pm for a 6.30pm start on Friday 18 August. Light refreshments will be served before the start of the lecture.

Award success for CSU in Port Macquarie

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie has gained significant recognition in NSW Mid North Coast after winning three awards last weekend at the region's business awards.

The campus won Business Excellence Awards as 'Employer of Choice' and for 'Excellence in Sustainability', while also achieving a Local Industry Award in the 'Community and Education Services' section.

"Charles Sturt University is proud to have won these awards as a recent newcomer to the region," said acting Head of CSU in Port Macquarie, Mr Greg Linsdell

"We have drawn on our long, proud history of providing quality higher education in regional NSW and brought the best elements of this to Port Macquarie.

"The awards recognise these qualities of sound employment prospects, sustainability and outstanding service to our local communities, which we will continue to develop for the 'public good' of Port Macquarie and the wider North Coast region.

"Indeed, these awards reflect the essence of our institution encapsulated in 'Yindyamarra Winhanganha', a Wiradjuri phrase meaning, 'the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in'."

Research visit supports preschools in Forbes and region

Early childhood education researchers from Charles Sturt University (CSU) visited Forbes Preschool recently to share reflections on research completed last year.

Dr Tamara Cumming, Dr Audrey Wang and Ms Jenny Dwyer from the CSU School of Teacher Education in Bathurst visited Forbes Preschool on Friday 28 July. They were accompanied by two educators from Live Better Community Services (previously Care West) preschools in Orange who also participated in the research with preschools in Forbes and Dubbo.

Dr Cumming explained that the 2016 research explored the preschool experience of children in disadvantaged communities, and tracked their progress towards school readiness.

"Working closely with early childhood educators as research partners over the course of the year allowed for rich insights and testing at multiple times," Dr Cumming said.

"The findings of the report made visible the changes in children's development, as well the complexities of working with communities where families experience disadvantage, and of non-Indigenous educators working with Indigenous communities.

"Friday's visit allowed us to continue our engagement with educators from the preschools, and to support the participating educators to reflect and discuss their experiences and the findings between themselves.

"As well as discussing the implications of the report's findings, we planned for future research together, with the support of the University and industry partners."

The researchers presented an orange tree to the preschool to thank the educators and children for being part of the 2016 research project.

The CSU researchers who worked on the 2016 project were Dr Audrey Wang, Dr Tamara Cumming, Dr Libbey Murray, Ms Jenny Dwyer and Professor Linda Harrison.

Alumni global champs return to present Master Class

Two marketing communications graduates who are now high profile industry executives with global success will return to Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst next week to present a Master Class.

CSU alumni Mr Chris Colter (pictured left), now Strategy Director of UM in Sydney and a global Gold winner at Cannes Young Lions in 2015, and Ms Charlotte Berry (pictured below), now UM's Strategy Executive and global Silver winner at Cannes Young Lions in 2017, will present the Master Class to advertising and public relations students on Monday 7 August.

Ms Anne Llewellynn, lecturer in advertising in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst, said, "This is an wonderful opportunity for our students to learn from people who educated at Charles Sturt University and have gone on to compete successfully on the global stage against industry representatives from around the world.

"Both were also IAA 'Big Idea' National Champions as members of CSU Kajulu student marketing communications teams, Chris in 2010 and Charlotte in 2015.

"Their Master Class will provide great background and insights to assist current advertising and public relations students to develop their recommendations for clients."

The Master Class will cover an overview of the current media landscape, principles of modern connection planning, finding the perfect insight, creative connection strategies for owned, shared and earned as well as paid media, and relevant case studies.

The Master Class on 7 August follows other recent Master Classes by industry leaders for CSU students.

Ms Louise Ferguson (Senior Account Director, Octagon) and Mr Ethan McLean (Head of Creative at Milkmoney) presented a Master Class on Wednesday 19 July. Octagon is a worldwide leader in brand engagement and specialises in creating dynamic brand engagement campaigns for its clients, across sports, lifestyle and entertainment. Milkmoney is a content creation company, creating engaging and compelling stories.

On Monday 31 July Ms Jane Mathews, Director of Membership and Professional Development with The Communications Council presented a Master Class. Her focus was on Account Management, a job which took her around the world. She also presented details of the highly sought after Communications Council 2018 Graduate Program for advertising and public relations graduates.