Archive
Can fish and hydro-electric plants co-exist?
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003How native freshwater fish are affected by hydro-electric turbines for electricity on major rivers is a global concern. A fish researcher, who studies the ecology of migratory fish in the Lower Mekong River Basin in South-East Asia, is visiting southern NSW to investigate how Australian native fish can live with similar plants on major dams in the southern Murray-Darling Basin. Dr Phousavanh Phouvin, from the National University of Laos in Laos Peoples Democratic Republic, is currently on a three-month study tour in Australia, investigating aspects of hydro plant design that cause fish injuries and deaths. Dr Phouvin will present results from his findings at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury from 12noon on Thursday 15 November. He has worked mainly at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre as a Crawford Fund Fellow.
Scholarships support Port Macquarie students
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003
Prospective students searching for financial support for their studies at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie in 2013 can apply now for scholarships. Campus Director for CSU in Port Macquarie, Dr Muyesser Durur, said the University is committed to encouraging students to participate in higher education on the NSW Mid North Coast. “Charles Sturt University has established a range of scholarships specifically available for its students in Port Macquarie that can assist with tuition fees, living expenses and learning materials,” Dr Durur said. The scholarships include:- CSU Port Macquarie Excellence Scholarships for students based on evidence of community leadership and citizenship as well as high academic results at school or TAFE;
- CSU Port Macquarie Equity Scholarships for students studying at CSU in Port Macquarie or a distance education course administered from Port Macquarie;
- The CSU TAFE to University scholarship program for TAFE students; and,
- The CSU Pathway and Partnership scholarship program for students in a CSU Pathway, articulated or integrated program with CSU and a TAFE institute.
Accounting, business, creative industries, paramedic, health sciences, justice studies and social work courses will be offered on the Port Macquarie campus to start in February 2013.
CSU and TAFE to sign agreement in Port Macquarie
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003
Senior executives from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and North Coast TAFE (NCTAFE) will sign a Heads of Agreement at CSU in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 27 November to formalise the existing relationship between the organisations. CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Garry Marchant, said both organisations share a commitment to improving participation and success of students in higher learning and supporting the skills needs of the region. “Charles Sturt University wants to help build sustainable regional institutions and communities. Our collaboration with North Coast TAFE to build effective pathways to higher education for residents on the Mid North Coast builds on our organisations’ individual strengths and provides real opportunities for the region to prosper,” Professor Marchant said. “The development of educational pathways is a proven approach to improving higher education participation and attainment. Our partnership with North Coast TAFE sits alongside relationships we have with a number of TAFE institutions in regional Australia. Each partnership is different, but they all reflect the commitment of each organisation to improving success in higher learning.” The Institute Director for North Coast TAFE, Ms Elizabeth McGregor, applauded the value of the partnership for existing and prospective students, saying that the signing of the agreement was another important milestone in increasing higher education options and access for the Mid North Coast communities. “We at North Coast TAFE believe that educational partnerships and collaboration like this are essential in delivering prosperity and sustainability to the region,” Ms McGregor said.
Partnership to boost regional science
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003
A partnership between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has taken a step forward with today’s signing of a memorandum of understanding that could lead to the construction of a food, soil and water research centre. Council will contribute the land component of the project and be responsible for the day-to-day operation and staffing of the research centre. The new centre will enable CSU to focus on laboratory-based teaching and research while supporting the Mid North Coast Education and Skills Strategy. CSU’s Head of Campus in Port Macquarie, Professor Ross Chambers, has congratulated Council on its vision for regionally-based science. “Science education and research are essential for the sustainability and strength of regional communities,” he said. “This will encourage local people to take up careers in science and ensure that science engages with regional needs.” Professor Chambers added that CSU especially welcomed the focus on food, soil and water. “Science has a major role to play in meeting the challenges of food security, quality and bio-safety, and in ensuring the quality and sustainability of regional industries and regional environments.” Federal government education funding of around $4.3 million dollars will now be sought to help make the project a reality.
Wagga triathlon back at CSU
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003
Charles Sturt University (CSU) will once again host the Wagga Triathlon Club ‘Come and Tri’ Triathlon. CSU has hosted the popular event in Wagga Wagga for the past two years and in January 2013, the tradition continues. Race day is Sunday 20 January and the course includes Pine Gully Road, Valder Way and Nathan Cobb Drive, as well as the pool complex at CSU in Wagga Wagga. Runners will compete in some of the most beautiful surroundings with lemon scented gum trees and gentle undulating hills providing a very scenic and competitive course. Manager of Operations and Maintenance at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Mr Terry O’Meara, said, “We are pleased that the triathlon will once again be held at Charles Sturt University. We have completed a considerable amount of work on the campus and it is great to be able to share facilities with the wider community.” Race director, Ms Trudi Beck, said, “We are thankful that Charles Sturt University has allowed the Wagga Triathlon Club to use their facilities again.” A race briefing will be held 15 minutes prior to the start at 8am.
Can blood pressure in feet indicate heart disease?
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003
A Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher is looking for Border residents to help her find out whether measuring blood pressure in a person’s feet is a good indicator of heart disease. Ms Kelsey Cook, an Honours student in podiatry at the CSU School of Community Health, is looking for people from Albury-Wodonga aged between 33 and 55 years to take part in the research, which involves having a free check of blood pressure in your feet as well as a free blood test to screen for cholesterol and other signs of heart disease. “We are investigating the relationship between the risk factors for heart disease and their effect on blood flow to the lower legs and feet,” Ms Cook said. “If blood pressure in the foot is related to heart disease this could have important implications for the early detection of heart disease, which is particularly important for people living in rural and remote communities,” Ms Cook said. This will be the first research project to be based in the new Community Engagement and Wellness Centre (CEW) at CSU in Albury-Wodonga. To be involved in the study please contact the CEW on (02) 6051 9299.
Pathway Program leads to CSU
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003
School leavers whose Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) was not as high as they had hoped have been told they don’t have to give up their university aspirations, with Charles Sturt University (CSU) continuing its Pathway Program in 2013. The program, a partnership between CSU and TAFE, runs for one year full-time and provides entry options for students who applied to CSU but were unsuccessful, or who need further preparation. Pathway coordinator Ms Sandra Fisher said the program offered multiple benefits. “Upon completion, students receive a Diploma of General Studies from Charles Sturt University and the Certificate IV in Further Education, or Tertiary Preparation Certificate from TAFE,” she said. “They are also guaranteed entry into a range of CSU degrees and may receive credit for some subjects.” The program is offered face-to-face at CSU in Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga, and this year will be offered at CSU in Dubbo as a blended distance education option.Experiencing science at CSU
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003A series of science and technology activities will be held at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga over the next three days as part of the annual program, The Science Experience. Eighteen Riverina students from Years 9, 10 and 11 will engage with CSU scientists and researchers from 9.15am on Wednesday 16 January until 3pm on Friday 18 January in the fields of computing science, agriculture, chemistry, biology, oral health, and allied health. The students will work in CSU facilities such as the nursing laboratory, the new National Life Sciences Hub, computer laboratory, and oral health laboratory. A catered lunch will also be held for the students and their parents from 1.30pm on Friday 18 January, to be followed by an information session about the variety of careers available in the sciences. The Science Experience is hosted by the CSU Faculty of Science, and is part of a national program held at more than 37 universities and tertiary institutions. Read more about the program here.
Registrar GPs start in regional NSW
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003
Twenty five general practitioner (GP) registrars commenced their training in regional NSW through Beyond Medical Education (BME), based at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst, on Monday 21 January. The registrars are fully qualified doctors who are undertaking specialist training to become GPs. BME’s Chief Operating Officer, Ms Megan Armstrong, said, “The GP registrars are undertaking the Australian General Practice Training program through Beyond Medical Education. They commenced their training in general practice yesterday under the supervision and support of the local medical practices and Beyond Medical Education, and they are committed to the area for at least two years. The start of term is always an exciting and busy time for Beyond Medical Education as all the registrars, medical educators and administration staff come together for the first workshop of the year”. The registrars are from diverse cultural backgrounds (Australia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Burma), and, in NSW, will be living and working in Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, Cowra, Lithgow, Mudgee, Oberon, Wellington, Wallerawang and Broken Hill.
CSU social work graduate awarded
Wednesday, 1 Jan 2003
A Charles Sturt University (CSU) social work graduate from far west NSW has been awarded the annual Lila Kirilik Social Action Prize for 2012 for a professional development and quality assurance project which aimed to improve the delivery of out-of-home-care services to NSW children and families in the far west. Bachelor of Social Work graduate Ms Sherree Tester conducted an audit of the program in addition to researching, writing, delivering and evaluating an education package for the out-of- home-care staff for one of her university subjects. “The Out-Of-Home-Care Quality Improvement Project aims to enhance the culture in the Out-Of-Home-Care (OOHC) team environment,” Ms Tester said. “I collected data about the working relationships of the team with carers, children in care and their families. This gives a baseline snapshot of the functioning of the OOHC team, including identifying areas of strengths and areas for further development.” As part of Ms Tester’s prize, the University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences will donate $500 to Lifeline Broken Hill. Employed by NSW Family and Community Services, Ms Tester studied for her social work degree by distance education, and graduated during a ceremony at CSU in Wagga Wagga in December 2012.