ILWS to host UN sustainable development goals workshop

* CSU researchers to explore how to advance sustainable development goals

* UNAA representative to speak at workshop in Albury-Wodonga on Thursday 18 October

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS) will host a one-day workshop in Albury-Wodonga on Thursday 18 October to explore ways to engage with and support the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Professor in Social Work and Human Services, Manohar Pawar (pictured), in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the ILWS, will lead the ‘Engaging with Sustainable Development Goals’ workshop.

Professor Pawar said that the special guest presenter at the workshop will be Ms Patricia Garcia, AO, National Program Manager for UN Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA).

“Ms Garcia will deliver a presentation about the current state of the sustainable development goals, and opportunities for networking, research and engagement in Australia,” Professor Pawar said.

“The ILWS’s work is closely linked to the 17 sustainable development goals.

“It is important to build awareness and capacity to significantly engage in the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

“At the workshop and thereafter, interdisciplinary scholars at Charles Sturt University will explore the potential ways they can engage with the sustainable development goals.”

The ILWS ‘Engaging with Sustainable Development Goals’ workshop will be held at the Gordon Beavan Building (building 673, level 4, room 410) at CSU in Albury-Wodonga from 9am to 4pm on Thursday 18 October.

Find out more about the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals here: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs

CSU ‘Walkability’ research in Albury

* CSU research aims to make Albury city more walkable for residents

* Volunteers aged 65+ needed to assist research

* Walking improves health and wellbeing and increases access to social and economic life

People aged over 65 and living in Albury have extra incentive to pound the city’s pavements in coming weeks with new research being run by Charles Sturt University (CSU).

Working in collaboration with Albury City Council, CSU researchers Dr Rachel Whitsed and Dr Ana Horta from the CSU Institute for Land, Water and Society are measuring the ‘walkability’ of the city, specifically for older people.

“Extensive research tells us that walking improves health and wellbeing and allows increased access to social and economic life,” said Dr Whitsed, the team’s lead researcher.

“Now we want your help to make Albury city more walkable for you.”

As part of the project, the researchers are seeking participants aged over 65 to wear a small global positioning system (GPS) device for two weeks.

“We will be able to use this GPS data to map and measure walkability of Albury through the eyes, and shoes, of older people.”

Albury City councillor and Lavington resident Councillor David Thurley is helping promote the project to fellow residents.

“Walking is an important part of my life as an older person,” Councillor Thurley said.

“Albury City is keen to find out who is using the city’s paths and where, and why they are using them – and why not.

“It would be great to get as many people aged over 65 years as possible to take part in this project, as this will help the Council to improve facilities for use by all our citizens, including our older residents.”

This project might also be of interest to the carers and relatives of people living in Albury who are aged over 65 years. Find more information on the project website.

In addition, any Albury resident can complete a ‘Have a Say’ survey form on walkability in the city, available on the AlburyCity website.

To participate in the project, contact Ms Kris Gibbs on 6051 9992, or email kgibbs@csu.edu.au.

The Walkability Project will be launched at CSU in Albury-Wodonga at 10am on Thursday 11 October.

The project is supported by AlburyCity and the NSW government.

CSU partners with community to produce the Comboyne Cookbook

Charles Sturt University (CSU) with the Comboyne Community Association and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will launch the Comboyne Cookbook on Monday 15 October to highlight the town’s local food treasures.

The cookbook, designed by four CSU third-year graphic design students – Ms Abby Artuso, Mr Thomas Brown, Ms Beka Dennis and Ms Mel Streater – features local Comboyne businesses, famous local recipes, and some well-known personalities.

Lecturer in graphic design in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries Ms Willhemina Wahlin said the book was a perfect example of the University working with the community.

“The book celebrates the close partnerships Charles Sturt University and our students built up with the Comboyne community while they worked on the book, and also the close ties of the University with the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council,” Ms Wahlin said.

Ms Wahlin explained that the students were involved from the beginning of the Comboyne Cookbook’s production to the final result.

“The book really demonstrates the diversity of talent the students have,” Ms Wahlin said. They styled the food, took amazingly rich photographs, created the illustrations, and undertook the layout of the entire 174 pages. It was a huge effort and they have done an outstanding job.

Ms Wahlin added this type of collaborative work with community provides a unique experience for students on all aspects of project management, and is a very valuable addition to their graduating portfolios.

“There are a lot of soft skills that designers need in addition to the processes of design, and one of the most important of these is building good client relationships.,” Ms Wahlin said.

“Designers work in a wide range of organisations, both within the creative industries and beyond, so it’s important that they are prepared for a range of employment options.”

The Comboyne Cookbook is part of the region’s Port Macquarie Bicentennial, and is a project funded and supported by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

The community are invited to attend the launch that will be held at the Comboyne Showgrounds in Comboyne and will be attended by the Mayor, Councillor Peta Pinson, as well as students and Ms Wahlin.

“These events are a great opportunity for students to meet the community and foster potential career opportunities ahead of their graduation,” Ms Wahlin said.

Student Ms Mel Streater said that she is excited to see the book in its physical form and celebrate its success with the community.

“We’re all very proud to be part of the book’s launch,” Ms Streater said.

The Comboyne Cookbook is available from the Comboyne Community Centre (phone: 6550 4289) retailing at $50. For those attending the event, limited copies of the book will available or orders can be placed for delivery in early November.

Following the event, students will hold another networking and engagement opportunity when they hold the graduate exhibition, ‘Metamorphosis’, at CSU in Port Macquarie on Friday 7 December from 6pm.

Mountain bike track to open at CSU in Albury-Wodonga

* New 1.7 kilometre cross-country mountain bike track to open at CSU in Albury-Wodonga on Thursday 11 October

* Track will increase links with and demonstrate the value of the campus to the Albury-Wodonga community

* An example of CSU amenities to improve physical activity options for students and wider communities

A new mountain bike track to be opened at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga on Thursday 11 October recognises the growing popularity of the sport and its health benefits for the local community.

The University has built a 1.7 kilometre cross-country mountain bike track on the campus, and includes a 500 metre-long skills loop.

The track will be officially opened on Thursday 11 October by the Head of Campus at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Dr Jennifer Munday; Executive Director of CSU Division of Student Services, Ms Jacqueline Clements; and Executive Director of the CSU Division of Facilities Management, Mr Stephen Butt.

The new facilities will be used by CSU students, particularly those attracted to the outdoor education, environmental science and health science courses offered at CSU in Albury-Wodonga.

Ms Hannah Gubb and Ms Chloe Grey will attend the opening on behalf of the students.

The facility is also open to the public, including local primary and public schools.

Mr Butt believes the trail is an excellent initiative that will increase links with and demonstrate the value of the campus to the Albury-Wodonga community.

“We have been given very positive feedback from local school-aged children and their parents who already ride the track, as well as by the University’s students and staff,” Mr Butt said.

“This project is a great example of how Charles Sturt University spends funds specifically targeted for amenities to improve physical activities for our students and the wider communities across all our campuses.”

The track, classified as ‘Easy’ by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, also incorporates optional ‘lines’ to the more technical trail features such as jumps, balance beams, and see-saws that are also available.

The track will be managed and maintained by the local CSU students, who will also measure the success of the facility.

CSU public lecture to highlight Port Macquarie’s evolving art, science and culture

* CSU in Port Macquarie will host free public lecture by artist Dr Beric Henderson

* Public lecture on Thursday 11 October will discuss how creative expression can contribute to a balanced life

* Event aligns with Port Macquarie-Hasting’s Council 2018–2021 draft cultural plan to empower and enrich the community

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie will next week host a free public lecture by Australian artist Dr Beric Henderson about the various forms of creativity and how creative expression contributes to a balanced life.

This CSU Exploration Series public lecture will see Dr Henderson reflect on his decades of experience, on the roles of visualisation, obsession, and experimentation in the creation of new scientific theorems and unique artworks.

The University’s acting Head of Campus in Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh said the topic of this discussion, ‘The Role of Creativity in Science, Art and Daily Life’, resonates with both the current and future cultural landscape of Port Macquarie.

“The region is starting to see a burgeoning appetite for culture through the various artistic talents, local galleries, theatres, exhibitions and events available,” Professor Cavanagh said.

“Dr Henderson is internationally recognised for his work as a Senior Research Fellow and group leader in the field of protein trafficking and cancer. He has an impressive CV, which includes previously heading up the Gene of Expression Laboratory at the Westmead Institute for Cancer Research, and pursuing postdoctoral studies, training and work overseas in world-leading research institutes in Switzerland and in Cambridge, England.  

“Leaving his esteemed science career behind to eventually reside in Port Macquarie to follow his passion for art has lent itself well for this Exploration Series public lecture,” Professor Cavanagh said.

“To have someone of Dr Henderson’s calibre give up his time and draw on his own unique experiences around the similarities and differences in creative approaches, between scientists and artists to realise their ideas, will no doubt fuel more creative discussion throughout the community.”

The event also aligns with Port Macquarie-Hasting’s Council 2018–2021 draft cultural plan, which has been designed to empower and enrich the community through experiences that celebrate the diverse art and culture in the region.

Event details:

CSU Exploration Series: The Role of Creativity in Science, Art and Daily Life by Beric Henderson

Time and date: 6.pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 11 October

Location: Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie, Room 2048, 7 Major Innes Rd

Cost: FREE

Registrations will be required by Wednesday 10 October

CSU in Port Macquarie to commemorate region’s bicentenary

* CSU community day to promote Port Macquarie’s rich history and diverse region

* CSU in Port Macquarie welcomes local Council’s Bicentenary Quick Grant

* CSU will host the free community day on Saturday 13 October

As part of Port Macquarie’s bicentenary, Charles Sturt University (CSU) will host a free community day on Saturday 13 October as a result of their success in receiving a Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Bicentenary Quick Grant.

To commemorate this milestone and to help the community come together, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council offered a number of Quick Grants to offset the costs associated with small projects in relation to commemorations of its bicentennial year.

The CSU application received a Quick Grant to support its proposed Bicentennial Commemoration Community Day.

Acting Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh said that the day encourages locals to come and enjoy what the CSU community has to offer through plenty of family-friendly activities, live music, food and art.

“It will be a great opportunity to not only showcase the University to Port Macquarie residents through a fun and social way but also a chance to enrich the community’s appreciation of our region’s historical ties, through Indigenous dance performances, bush tucker demonstrations, and Indigenous art,” Professor Cavanagh said.

“We’ve been fortunate to gain the support of Council for this event through the Quick Grant, and we look forward to welcoming and sharing this day with the community.”

Event details:
CSU Port Macquarie Bicentennial Commemoration Community Day.
Time and date: 11am to 2pm on Saturday 13 October
Location: Charles Sturt University, car park 7, Major Innes Rd, Port Macquarie, NSW
Cost: FREE

Media note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews.

CSU in Wagga Wagga recognises academic and community ties

The annual Town and Gown procession of academics, staff and students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and other Riverina educational institutions will grace the main street of Wagga Wagga on the afternoon of Tuesday 16 October.

The parade of academics, teachers, researchers and students  will be joined by Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey, OAM, and the Kapooka Army Band  in recognition of education’s contribution to the Riverina.

First held in 2005, the Town and Gown event was at first a precursor to upcoming CSU graduations, but it has since grown to reflect the educational institutions found in the Riverina.

The procession will include representatives from the wide range of teaching, training, learning and research organisations that call Wagga Wagga home.

CSU Manager of Community Relations and Acting Head of CSU in Wagga Wagga, Mr Aaron McDonnell said CSU strongly valued the contribution the University makes to the community.

“Wagga Wagga is city of education and the Town and Gown procession highlights the importance of this sector to the local economy and the social and cultural fabric of the community,” he said.

Mr McDonnell said that some people who have never been to university or attended a graduation ceremony may perceive the parade as somewhat of a novelty, seeing people dressed in academic robes, wearing trenchers (mortar boards), and bonnets and draped in coloured sashes and stoles harking back to medieval times.

“The procession is a little different, but importantly it acknowledges the place of education and research in the life of Wagga Wagga, and allows the public the opportunity to encourage and thank those who teach and support those who are studying, no matter what institution they attend,” Mr McDonnell said.

Starting at the corner of Morgan and Baylis Streets from 4.30pm on Tuesday 16 October the procession will make its way to the Civic Theatre precinct where a public reception will be held.

“We hope that business owners and shoppers, parents and children will line the street to watch the procession and cheer on those who contribute to the education of so many in this city,” Mr McDonnell said.

He added it was a perfect opportunity for the community to meet academics and researchers who make a significant contribution to the region.

Women in regional trades: have your say on the Border

• CSU researchers investigate shortage of women in trades in Border region
• Business and industry consultation in Albury-Wodonga on Friday 12 October
• A range of trades to be examined, and all welcome to contribute

CSU presents Exploration Series: Rachael Treasure

Charles Sturt University (CSU) will host alumni and acclaimed rural writer Rachael Treasure on 4 October as part of its Exploration Series.

Rachael Treasure will talk about 'Writing new stories for our soils and our souls' to encourage others in farming to adopt a restorative and regenerative approach to agriculture. Ms Treasure, who lives in Southern Tasmania with her two teenage sons and partner, have adopted this alternative approach to their property.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to speak in the region given the recent attention on drought. I want to share my knowledge and my global network of farmers who are profiting and thriving by using principles of regenerative agriculture and holistic farming.

As a story teller, it's a story that needs sharing to help alleviate our struggles with our environment and even with our own selves,” Ms Treasure said.

CSU Manager of Community Relations Aaron McDonnell said the University was excited to be able to bring someone with Ms Treasure’s experience and knowledge to Wagga Wagga.

“Ms Treasure is a trail-blazer who brings together science and philosophy and shares her vision for a regenerated rural Australia,” Mr McDonnell said.

Mr McDonnell added Ms Treasure was an accomplished author with her most recent, Down the Dirt Roads listed for the 2017 Tasmanian Premier's Literary Prize for the Margaret Scott Award.

Mr McDonnell said CSU’s Exploration Series were free public lectures to engage rural and regional communities by sparking debate about major issues facing the regions, the nation and the world.

“In an agricultural region like Wagga Wagga, Ms Treasure is certain to spark debate about how we manage farm land and soils,” Mr McDonnell said.

The Exploration Series talk will be held at Charles Sturt University, Wal Fife Theatre, Building 14, Room 209 from 5.30 to 7pm on 4 October with light refreshments provided.

CSU law expert to lead discussion with best-selling Australian author

* CSU’s Alison Gerard in-conversation with author Clementine Ford

* Event held at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) on Tuesday 2 October

* Clementine Ford authored best-selling book Fight Like a Girl and will discuss new book Boys Will Be Boys

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Director of the Centre for Law and Justice Associate Professor Alison Gerard (pictured) will next week be in-conversation in Bathurst with best-selling Australian author Clementine Ford about her new book Boys Will Be Boys.

Inspired by a question often posed by parents, Ms Ford, author of the ground-breaking feminist book Fight Like A Girl, wrote Boys Will Be Boys in an effort to educate parents and carers on how to raise their sons in a way that prevents them from subscribing to masculinity that is toxic to themselves and also contemptuous of women and girls.

Ahead of next Tuesday’s event, Professor Gerard said that this was an opportunity for the Bathurst community to gain important insights into gender stereotypes and how these assumptions about gender start at an early age. It is also a great opportunity to support the Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival in its events for 2019.

“Boys Will Be Boys is a personal account of parenting by Clementine Ford,” Professor Gerard said.

“It addresses the levels of sexual and gender-based violence across the Western world. Through conversation, we will cover topics around gender and violence and how to negotiate the complexities of social change in promoting gender and racial equality.

As a passionate feminist researcher and leader through her role as Director of the CSU Centre for Law and Justice, Professor Gerard said the event for her will resonate with her research on women’s lived experience and social change.

“My research has a social justice focus and aims to transform conflict through documenting and analysing the lived experience of people in the criminal justice system. My research has highlighted the agency of women in negotiating structural violence and its effects.”

The discussion items with Ms Ford for next week’s event will cover a very real and topical issue for young adults across regional communities in Australia.

CSU is leading the charge for cultural change around sexual assault and sexual harassment through the University’s pastoral care program, ‘Playing It Right’. More details about the program will be covered in next week’s discussion with Professor Alison Gerard.
Event organisers, Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival in association with BooksPlus and Local Stages, welcome all to attend.

Event details below:  
‘In Conversation with author Clementine Ford’ – a Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival event:
Time and date: 6.30pm Tuesday 2 October 2018
Location: Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, William Street, Bathurst.
Cost:$20 adults and $15 concession.
All tickets purchased will go towards supporting the Bathurst Writers and Readers Festival in 2019.