Event at CSU to build respect and safety in Port Macquarie

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is hosting the Building Respect and Safety event as an opportunity for students, staff and community to keep building a culture of respect.

The Building Respect and Safety event will take place at 4pm on Wednesday 21 September in Room 808.2047 at CSU in Port Macquarie and will include a free viewing of The Hunting Ground. This documentary film exposes the rates of sexual assault at American universities and provides a chance to discuss the issues of safety, respect and consent.

CSU Student Liaison Officer (Equity), Ms Cathy Woodhead said, "Students are invited to attend this event which will culminate in an open discussion on the issue, led by professionals from the local Port Macquarie Hastings community who respond to sexual assault.

"Charles Sturt University hopes to be one organisation taking the lead to prevent sexual violence in our community and we are hoping this screening and conversation will continue to strengthen the University as a place of respect and understanding."

Building Respect and Safety at CSU in Port Macquarie is part of the University's roll out of the Australia wide campaign Respect. Now. Always. which strives to prevent sexual assault and harassment in university communities.  

As well as the screening of The Hunting Ground and discussion of the issues of sexual assault and harassment, CSU will be providing guests with a pizza supper.

For students and staff members at CSU, a website has been developed to provide them with resources, information, the opportunity to get involved in the campaign, advice for how to help, and how to report and access support services www.csu.edu.au/respect.

CSU to help agribusiness in the Central West

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is offering agribusinesses in the Central West an opportunity to do business better and smarter when it comes to Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs) with China, Japan and Korea.

CSU's Centre for Customs and Excise Studies is holding an education and training workshop in Bathurst on Monday 31 October, 2016.

CSU Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator, Vocational Programs, Mr Brent Juratowitch said the Bathurst seminar follows successful workshops across regional Australia including in Wagga Wagga.

"The program concentrates on market opportunities, provides technical training on the regulatory requirements to enter each market and advises companies on how to best to manage their supply chains; so that maximum value is retained by producers," Mr Juratowitch said.

"We examine a range of topics including market selection, market trends, product classification, tariffs and duties, valuation, regulatory impediments, supply chain management and how to participate in Authorised Economic Operator schemes. This kind of information is vital for businesses wanting to operate in this environment."

The workshop is part of a six week program that also includes online business forums, mentoring and tailored advice. Once enrolled a participant can access an online platform containing FTA fact sheets, business guides and other materials. This enables them to review this material in their own time and can contact presenters with specific questions relating to their business.

The one-day program is subsidised by the Australian Government and supported by the Export Council of Australia. The full cost to participants is $100 which includes all the materials, workshop, business advice and mentoring. Enrol online in the FTA program at http://customscentre.com/north-asia-fta-agribusiness-workshops/

CSU hosts schools chess challenge

There will be chess moves aplenty when primary and secondary school students participate in the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Albury-Wodonga Schools Chess Challenge on Wednesday 2 November 2016.

CSU Division of Information Technology Business Analyst, Ms Marian Wolmarans said last year's event was very successful.

"Last year we had around 100 students on campus for the Chess Challenge with bishops, kings and queens outmanoeuvring each other and we are expecting similar numbers again this year," Mrs Wolmarans said.

"The event is sponsored by Charles Sturt University's Albury-Wodonga Head of Campus and we are proud to promote such a creative day for young minds."

The entry fees for participants are being covered thanks to a CSU Community-University Partnerships grant for education development.

Schools can register for the event at https://au.tornelo.com/tournaments/charles-sturt-university--1

Mrs Wolmarans said, "Chess Kids Australia will also be sending a representative for the day to facilitate the seven-round tournament. There are two categories, primary and secondary – and Charles Sturt University offers a trophy to the winning team, to take back to their school for display for the year."

The event can even be followed online here on the day as the rounds progress.

Students raise money in memory of CSU colleague

Charles Sturt University (CSU) students from the Port Macquarie will be participating in the nationwide Garage Sale Trail this Saturday 22 October 2016 to raise funds for the Jacob Berry Memorial Scholarship.

The group is raising funds in memory of their friend, 23-year-old CSU student Jacob Berry who tragically passed away in a bicycle accident whilst overseas this year.

Jacob had just graduated from the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Paramedic) and a $5 000 scholarship has now been established to honour his life. The scholarship will be available from 2017 to paramedicine students studying at CSU in Port Macquarie.

This weekend, CSU students will be helping to raise funds for the scholarship. They will be selling second hand goods as well as plenty of steak sandwiches. Local butchers, Meltique Beef have donated all the steaks and the local council as well as a two local churches are also involved.

Friends of Jacob's from CSU Jack Dowd and Ashley Hendry are among those who'll be helping this weekend.

Jacob's friends and family described him in a statement as, "A graduate, a much loved son, a brother and a great friend to so many who had the fortune to meet him. He loved surfing and being in the water and was a qualified dive master. He was also an aspiring musician and enjoyed the adventures that traveling gave him. His passing has left a void in the lives of all that knew him."

Berry Financial Services, Rydges and CSU have created the Jacob Berry Memorial Scholarship to enable Port Macquarie paramedicine students to realise their dreams.

The Port Macquarie contribution to the national Garage Sale Trail is taking place at CSU, 7 Major Innes Road from 9am – 1pm and a barbeque will be available as well as many pre-loved items.

Chinese partner universities to visit CSU in Port Macquarie

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is pleased to be hosting its China Joint Cooperation Program partners at CSU in Port Macquarie this week.

The meeting will be held to discuss the current and future plans for academic collaboration, exchange information and ideas, all whilst getting to know the Port Macquarie sites and scenery. Presidents and senior staff from four of CSU's university partners in China will attend the meeting.

The four university partners include Yunnan University of Finance and Economics (YUFE), Jilin University of Finance and Economics (JUFE), Tianjin University of Commerce and Yangzhou University.

CSU has worked in partnership with these universities in a Joint Cooperation Program approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, for over 17 years. During this time over 7,000 students have graduated from CSU's Bachelor of Business Studies.

Senior CSU staff who will be attending the meeting include CSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Vann; CSU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Development and Industry, Professor Mary Kelly, CSU Executive Dean, Faculty of Business Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Professor Tracey Green; and CSU Pro Vice Chancellor, International Education & Partnerships and Head of Campus, Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh.

The Chinese delegation members will be formally welcomed to Port Macquarie by Uncle Bill O'Brien and Mr Peter Besseling, Mayor of Port Macquarie Hastings Council on 10 November 2016.

Professor Heather Cavanagh said, "Hosting this meeting at Charles Sturt University's newest campus in Port Macquarie is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our world class facilities, and highlight the breadth of opportunities for international students to study with us and experience the beautiful lifestyle of the Mid North Coast.

"Our strategy for the campus in Port Macquarie is to grow both our domestic and international student numbers and we are well on target to achieve this.

"We are thrilled that our Joint Cooperation Program partners have sent very high level staff to this meeting, and we welcome the opportunity to further discuss our ambitious plans to enhance and expand our academic partnerships."

CSU women’s conference to inspire leadership

The highly regarded Charles Sturt University (CSU) Leadership Development for Women (LDW) conference is being held over two days on Monday 21 and Tuesday November 22 2016 in Wagga Wagga.

More than 80 women are expected to attend with this year's theme being 'Leading with Integrity'.

CSU LDW Steering Committee Chair Associate Professor Rosemary Black said the conference couldn't come at a more appropriate time.

"Issues of equity in universities cannot be seen in isolation from the changes in governance and operation of universities in the past three decades with all staff experiencing changes," Associate Professor Black said.

"The rapid changes towards an entrepreneurial climate and market orientation of universities that focuses on measurable and marketable consumer satisfaction, performance outcomes of students and staff and international rankings have brought changes in the nature of employment and employment conditions.

"If the UK experience is any indication it's likely that these new labour regimes will be highly gendered, seriously disadvantaging women in areas such as contracts, conditions, promotions and pay."

Associate Professor Black added that these changes and the changes to come in universities, mean that an ongoing focus on gender equity is needed as each new change brings fresh equity challenges.

"While there's no one policy change or magic bullet that can be nominated to 'fix' gender inequity, the work and initiatives of the Leadership Development for Women Committee such as the conference and the Leadership Development for Women Program are important and effective ways of supporting and developing leadership among all women within Charles Sturt University, as well encouraging a cultural change within the organisation."

Keynote speaker at the conference is Dr Leslie Cannold who is an educator and trainer in inspirational leadership, gender equity and respectful relationships.

Dr Cannold is an award-winning columnist and is often described as one of Australia's leading public thinkers.

She's been named alongside Professor Peter Singer, Professor Gustav Nossal and Inga Clendinnen as one of Australia's top 20 public intellectuals and was named by the Power Index as among the Top Ten most influential thinkers.

Other speakers include economist and Chair of Regional Development Australia - Riverina, Ms Diana Gibbs along with media commentator and comedian Ms George McEncroe who is the guest speaker at the conference dinner on Monday night.

Described by friends as "Geraldine Doogue meets Roseanne Barr", Ms McEncroe has had an interesting life journey from which she draws her viewpoints, including working for a War Crimes Tribunal, caring for teenage boys with muscular dystrophy, being a mother of four, and teaching English in Istanbul.

Over two days, conference delegates will examine how to build a network; establish stories in supporting and developing female staff; consider leading strategically in an ethical way and influencing with integrity.

CSU celebrates second graduation in Port Macquarie

The second cohort of Charles Sturt University (CSU) students from Port Macquarie will celebrate their graduation during ceremonies at The Glasshouse on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 December.

Highlights of the ceremonies include:

3pm Monday 19 December 2016

80 students from the Faculty of Arts and Education and the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Studies will be awarded a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Ms Anna Wilson and Ms Danae Weaver will both be awarded Bachelors of Social Work and will receive the Lila Kirilik Social Action Memorial Prize, awarded to students from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences for demonstrated merit in a professional field and achieving a social action outcome that benefits disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Mr Richard Rogers will be awarded a Bachelor of Social Science (Criminal Justice) and in 2017 will begin be studying the Associate Degree in Policing Practice at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn as a stepping stone to joining the NSW Police Force.

The occasional address will be delivered by Ms Kate Wood-Foye, Mid North Coast local, Area Director of Sales and Marketing for Rydges Group and regular columnist for Focus Magazine. Ms Wood-Foye is also the Co-Founder and Chair and Events Manager of the national youth leadership event 'Luminosity Youth Summit' which is held in Port Macquarie and provides young people the opportunity to be inspired and excel in their chosen careers through 'dangerous ideas' for success.

9:30am Tuesday 20 December 2016

80 students from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Studies will be awarded a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Lecturer at CSU's School of Biomedical Sciences, Dr Jennifer Cox will be awarded her PhD, Australian Nursing Students' Infection Control Knowledge and Perceptions: Exploring the Role of Microbiology Education and Clinical Placement Experiences. Infections acquired while in hospital are a major cause of patient death across the globe and Dr Cox's research has provided new insight into the role of microbiology education and the influence of clinical placement experience on nursing students' infection control practice. Read more about her research here.

Ms Hannah Stack will be awarded a Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic). Earlier this year Ms Stack was awarded the John Overton Award from peak professional body, the Australian and New Zealand College of Paramedicine (ANZCP). Read more on CSU News here.

Ms Erika Williamson and Mr Nathan Ross will also be awarded Bachelors of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) and in 2017 will both be travelling to London to take up positions with the London Ambulance Service.

Mrs Amanda Hammond will be awarded a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging). She has recently accepted a permanent position as a radiographer at Port Macquarie X-Ray.The occasional address will be delivered by Mr Stewart Dowrick, Chief Executive Officer of Mid North Coast Local Health District and Board Committee Member of Regional Development Australia – Mid North Coast.

Getting the buzz on pollinating insects in Albury

Charles Sturt University (CSU) scientists will be paying particular attention to birds and pollinating insects in Albury streets over the next few months.

The researchers will be conducting a survey of the native birds and insects that pollinate gardens to investigate the impact of urbanisation.

Ecologist from CSU's School of Environmental Sciences, Dr Dale Nimmo said, "As Albury is expanding and its population is increasing, it's important to understand how this impacts biodiversity, including those species that occur in the heart of the city."

The project, which will have CSU researchers walking Albury's streets in search of native birds and pollinators, is part of a wider study looking at the best way to grow regional cities while minimising the impact on biodiversity.

"To help protect biodiversity in cities as they expand, there are two options. 'Land sharing' happens when people are spread thinly in low-density 'leafy' suburbs, which allow species to occur within urban areas" Dr Nimmo said.

"On the other hand, 'Land sparing' dedicates some areas for high density housing and other parts for large-scale biodiversity conservation, such as nature reserves".

"We want to see if the best way to conserve our biodiversity is land sharing, land sparing or a combination of both."

The project will look at birds and pollinator insects as these two groups of animals can respond differently to urban environments.

Ecologist from CSU's Institute for Land Water and Society, Dr Manu Saunders said, "There've been very few studies done on pollinator insects in Australia's urban areas. But urban gardens can actually be great habitats for native bees and other pollinator insects, provided they have lots of different flowers and low pesticide use." 

The research has been funded by a CSU Sustainability Research Seed Grant, through CSU Green and the WH Gladstones Population and Environment Fund.

The bird and pollinator surveys will run from January until mid-2017

CSU hosts Indigenous staff conference

Indigenous staff from Charles Sturt University (CSU) will meet in Wagga Wagga this week for an annual conference to engage in professional development and networking.

Nguluway, the Wiradjuri for 'meeting with each other', will be held on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 October at the CSU Convention Centre.

With up to 30 staff expected to attend the conference from across the University, the event will start with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 12.45pm on Tuesday 17 October.

The conference will hear from the University's senior leadership team, with a question and answer session on Wednesday 18 October.

CSU's Indigenous Employment Coordinator Ms Catherine Maxwell said, "Staff attending the conference will give staff a great opportunity to talk directly with Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann and meet his team in a relaxed and comfortable space. 

"During Nguluway, Indigenous Australian staff come together and meet, some for the first time, to develop professional and personal relationships across campuses and work areas.

"The conference is an important annual event as it helps to create a sense of community and support within the University for Indigenous Australians, as well as providing relevant professional development specific to Charles Sturt University," Ms Maxwell said.

The full Nguluway conference program can be found here.

MBA students immersed in European business