It was a true a celebration for one Wagga Wagga family during the graduation season at Charles Sturt University (CSU). Mrs Susan Moi was awarded a Bachelor of Social Science (Social Welfare) on Thursday 31 March. During the same ceremony, her daughter, Ms Yangi Moi, was awarded a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours Class 2 Division 1. In addition, Ms Moi received the Lila Kirilik Social Action Memorial Award for 2010.  The annual prize was awarded by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga to Ms Moi for demonstrating social justice in her workplace learning at Centrelink in 2010. During her placement with the agency, Ms Moi researched a framework for providing support during emergencies in rural Australia, such as bushfires, droughts or farm accidents. A Centrelink working party is now examining how to implement the framework. Ms Moi is a youth liaison worker at one of Wagga Wagga’s welfare agencies. “I enjoy working with young people and have a passion for helping people,” said Ms Moi. As her four children got older, Mrs Moi began her studies at the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute before completing her degree at CSU last year. She is now a domestic violence worker in Wagga Wagga.

The winner of the first Veterinary Science Medal at Charles Sturt University (CSU) has endorsed the veterinary science program. “The course, which began in 2005, has achieved what it set out to do,” said the recently graduated veterinarian, Dr Greg Dale. “That is, produce veterinarians who want to live and work in regional Australia to deliver veterinary services.” Dr Dale should know. “I grew up in Sydney and I have no desire to return to the big smoke. I have recently accepted a job at Kempsey in regional NSW. Members of the inaugural veterinary science class at Charles Sturt University secured jobs prior to their graduation last week and everyone is working in regional Australia. The highlights of the new program include its practical component. Not just working in clinics, but spending time on farms has broadened our experience, and given us a better understanding of animal production systems. I believe this has provided us with the grounding to offer relevant advice and practical solutions to producers.” Dr Dale also praised the new purpose-built facilities at CSU, including the Kay Hull Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Veterinary Clinical Centre.   

While most spend their holidays relaxing, a group of Charles Sturt University (CSU) students has been learning how to generate positive environmental change. Six CSU students are taking part in the Green Steps  training and internship program. The program aims to bridge the gap between study and work, by equipping young leaders with the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle sustainability issues. CSU environmental science and management student Ms Karina Maloney took part in the training program held in Wagga Wagga from Monday 4 to Friday 8 April. “I wanted to broaden my understanding of environmental issues and gain practical skills to take into the workplace,” she said. The training will be put into practice during internships between April and October. During this period students will work with an organisation to reduce its environmental footprint. CSU is the first regional university to host the Green Steps program following its introduction by Monash University in 2000.

There is high praise for the professionalism of one pharmacy graduate from Charles Sturt University (CSU). The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) – NSW Branch has named graduate Ms Sally Whiting as the 2010 NSW Intern of the Year. Ms Whiting received the honour during the Society’s 2011 March Weekend Conference held in Sydney on Saturday 26 March. Ms Whiting was awarded her Bachelor of Pharmacy Class 1 Honours  at CSU in Orange in 2010. She completed her 12 month internship, which is required for national registration, at Rozanna’s MediAdvice Pharmacy in Mudgee. Ms Whiting is now employed as a pharmacist at Blooms the Chemist in Orange. In a statement, the PSA said Ms Whiting “quickly established an enviable reputation for her passion in her chosen career which was demonstrated by her compassionate manner, exceptional knowledge and customer service skills”. She was also praised for her proactive management of patient medication and for “assisting them in helping to achieve their quality of life, confidently embracing the expanding role of the pharmacist in providing professional patient-focused services.” In congratulating Ms Whiting, Program Leader of Pharmacy at CSU, Mr George K John said, “It is students and future leaders like Sally that Charles Sturt University and the pharmacy profession are proud of, and would like to have engaging with the community”.