A Charles Sturt University (CSU) historian has contributed to the development of a new heritage trail on the theme of early surveyors as part of the continuing story of Bathurst.Dr Robin McLachlan, adjunct senior lecturer in the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences, is the researcher and writer for new signage to accompany a banner flag for the heritage trail which is being developed by Bathurst Regional Council with the Institution of Surveyors NSW Incorporated, and NSW Land and Property Information.The Macquarie's Meridian banner flag and accompanying interpretation sign will be unveiled at 12pm Wednesday 30 November by the Mayor of Bathurst, Councillor Gary Rush, and Dr McLachlan."The Macquarie Meridian banner flag offers a visual reminder of Bathurst's connection with Governor Macquarie's plan in 1815 for a town on this site," Dr McLachlan said."It underscores Bathurst's claim of being a Macquarie Town, as it was built on the site chosen in 1815 by Governor Macquarie and drew on his flag staff for the laying out of its blocks and streets in 1833."It also provides a visual connection between today's Bathurst and the first settlement, established in 1815, of which nothing remains to be seen."The accompanying interpretation sign also draws attention to the original form of the landscape, namely a broad ridge running from the river to Wahluu (Mount Panorama) which offered a well-drained site for a town."The flagpole, with the banner, sits alongside the survey line (the meridian) that runs from the site of Macquarie's 1815 flag staff, now the site of the Bathurst Bicentenary Flag Staff, through the centre of Bathurst town, as set out in 1833. The same flag staff site was used as the survey base point in 1833, which sees the meridian running exactly midway between William and George streets.​"Macquarie's Meridian is a significant feature in the story of Bathurst," Dr McLachlan said. "Bathurst has an amazing history and there are many stories yet to be found and shared. As an historian, I expect to be kept very busy for a very long time."

Charles Sturt University (CSU) will host a University Day event for high school students in Years 10 and 11 from across the central and far west at its campus in Bathurst on Thursday 17 November.Prospective student adviser Ms Melinda Negus said, "We will have approximately 230 students from eight schools visit the campus. Students will receive a taste of university life, with campus tours, study skills sessions and 'Preparing for University' workshops, as well as some activities and entertainment on the library lawn for students to enjoy during their breaks."These sessions and workshops will give students a great start in to their HSC study and beyond into university by learning study skills and strategies, as well as an introduction into how to research, compare and prepare for university during their final years of school. Bringing students to Charles Sturt University in Bathurst for these activities will give them an idea of what university will be like for them in the future."Students from schools in Gulgong, Cobar, Wellington, Dubbo, Molong, Mudgee, Denison College Bathurst High School and All Saints College Bathurst will attend CSU in Bathurst from 9.50am to 2.40pm.

The search is on to recruit about 100 women for a new Charles Sturt University (CSU) study comparing the effects of four different types of exercise on overall health and wellbeing.PhD student Mr Joshua Cooper from the University's School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health is seeking women aged between 55 and 70 years to participate in three exercise sessions a week for 16 weeks.The free training sessions will be conducted at the University gym in Bathurst to compare four different exercise groups: aerobic endurance exercise training (cycling), whole-body resistance exercise training (weights), and two differing doses of a combination of the endurance and resistance training exercise groups.Mr Cooper said, "I want to see if the women are able to get the same health benefits by doing 50 per cent resistance and 50 per cent endurance programs as by undertaking 100 per cent strength or endurance programs."So basically, do you get the same results for half the amount of work and time put in at the gym?"It is well documented that middle to older aged adults need both resistance training to offset the loss of muscle mass and endurance training for cardiorespiratory health and fitness."I want to promote a combination of both training styles in this age bracket and show via progressive and feasible exercise programs it can be integrated into everyday life and you can receive the associated health benefits from exercise."Women interested in participating in the study will need to undergo initial screenings from their general practitioner and a Bathurst cardiologist. To be eligible, women must have no current cardiovascular or metabolic disease, and currently participate in less than or equal to two exercise sessions per week. For further eligibility details, and anyone interested in the study, should contact Mr Cooper on telephone (02) 6338 6101, mobile 0416 626 300 or email jcooper@csu.edu.au.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) engineering students will develop their humanitarian engineering skills by working with Australia's least developed neighbours, Cambodia, thanks to a partnership between the federal government and international charity Engineers Without Borders.With financial support announced earlier this year through the  New Colombo Plan initiative, over $120,000 will be available over three years to support CSU engineering students to travel to and work in Cambodian communities. "This support will enable our students to apply skills and knowledge from their engineering studies to real-world situations in humanitarian engineering contexts," said coordinator of CSU's engineering course, Ms Andrea Goncher."It also reinforces important attributes we want our students to display: to be able to engage with people and communities, and to display social entrepreneurship."In addition, Engineers Without Borders will facilitate the program using their experience in managing volunteers and in-country partnerships in the Indo-Pacific regions."The initiative will be launched during an evening event hosted by CSU Global Manager, Dr Shevahn Telfser, on Wednesday 28 September at CSU in Bathurst.The support is part of $380,000 CSU is due to receive under the New Colombo Plan, which will be administered by CSU Global.In previous years, students from CSU courses such as dental science and oral health, agricultural science, physiotherapy, business studies, occupational therapy, speech pathology, environmental sciences, psychology and creative arts have taken part in overseas studies through CSU Global.

The two-week season of the student-led 2016 SPRUNG Festival at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst opens tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.The annual SPRUNG Festival is driven by and features the work of final-year theatre/media students in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries.Seven productions will feature over eight nights at two University venues; the Ponton Theatre and the Creative Hub.The Festival kicks off with an opening ceremony parade for the family from 6pm at the Ponton Theatre. The parade includes fire, drumming, characters from the shows and large-scale puppets.Lecturer in theatre/media, Mr Dan Aubin said, "I am amazed at the passion, creativity and effort of the students. The entire Festival is created and organised by them; from the shows to the design and marketing. All the productions are original. We are interested in creating the new."The stories they tell give us insight into their view of the world at this interesting time in history."The first week of the Festival showcases satirical theatre, The Bachelor Wants You!; a modern comedy mystery, The House of Eden; and a comedy play on women on TV, The Glory Days.Shows during the 2nd week include Clara Jane, a view of indigenous women in the 20th century through dance and dialog; a sci-fi comedy on relationships and death in The Glass House; Relax, a short film giving a modern take on perceptions versus reality; and The Shift, a farcical comedy on 'that time of the year'.A special feature of this year's event is the 'Women of theatre/media' forum from 10am on Friday 23 September. Theatre/media women graduates return to CSU in Bathurst for a panel discussion on the current climate and future of the theatre and performance industries.The SPRUNG Festival runs until Saturday 1 October, and online bookings are recommended.Program details and bookings can be made here.

The search is on for middle-aged men to take part in a new study at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst investigating the relationship between sleep, exercise and appetite.PhD student Ms Penelope Larsen from the University's School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health is heading up the new sleep and appetite study."Exercise is strongly believed to be a key promoter of sleep quality and quantity and a driver of energy intake and expenditure," said Ms Larsen."I am examining the effects of exercise, both low and high intensity on sleep quality and quantity and how that relates to appetite-related hormones and eating behaviour.The second part of my research will examine the impact of the timing of exercise that is morning or evening and its effect on hormones and eating behaviour."Ms Larsen said all volunteers need a medical clearance from a general practitioner prior to taking part and a pre-exercise medical health questionnaire would also need to be completed."Participants will need to attend the exercise laboratories at CSU in Bathurst for 5x 1.5 hours sessions which includes a baseline testing session and 4 acute exercise trials," said Ms Larsen.They will also be equipped with a take-home polysomnography (PSG) unit to record sleep quality and a diary to record sleep, diet and physical activity.To be eligible to apply, participants need to be:Men aged 35-60 years of ageExercising less than 150 minutes per weekNot been diagnosed with sleep apnoeaNot a current smoker, or a smoker who has quit in the past 12 monthsNot currently being treated for dental diseasesFree from current illnesses such as the fluNot on medication for appetite control or weight lessNo known medical conditions or medications that affect sleep quality and or quantityNot engaged in work or recreational activities that significantly alter sleep patterns such as shift workBe available during October and November 2016Ms Larsen said it is also important that participants know they can withdraw from the study for any reason at any time, without explanation.For further information on being involved in the study, contact Ms Larsen via email: plarsen@csu.edu.au or mobile 0423 911 625.

The new Centre for Law and Justice at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst will host meetings between a senior figure from the NSW courts, local law professionals and CSU students.On Wednesday 24 August, the Honourable Justice Margaret Beazley AO, President of the Court of Appeal of NSW, will meet with the Central West Law Society at an informal evening event hosted by CSU. Then on Thursday morning 25 August at 9am, the ground breaking judge will address students in the new law degree at CSU."Her Honour Justice Beazley has enjoyed a remarkable career in law, she is a real change-maker who is an inspiration to our students," said Associate Professor Alison Gerard, Director for the Centre for Law and Justice.Justice Beazley will address the students for one hour in Room 223, Building 1292 at CSU in Bathurst at 9am on Thursday 25 August before preparing to officially open the Centre and the new CSU laws degree at 11am.

Paramedicine students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) will test their skills in medical and trauma scenarios at a national competition in Melbourne this month.Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) students Ms Elizabeth Phillips and Mr James Collins have been selected to represent CSU at the Australian and New Zealand College of Paramedicine (ANZCP) University Challenge on Friday 19 August.The third-year students from CSU in Bathurst have been spending several hours per week practising for the undisclosed simulation challenge, involving manikins in two scenarios, an oral presentation on a professional topic, and a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation challenge.They'll compete against students from nine other Australian institutions for the title of ANZCP University Challenge Champions.Associate lecturer in pre-hospital care, Ms Amanda Hlushak, who will accompany the students to Melbourne, said, "This is the first time Charles Sturt University students have participated in this Challenge."It is a chance to showcase the students' skills and knowledge attained during the last three years, in a competition again the other universities.   "Over the past few weeks, I've been working with them to enhance their scenario management through leadership and communication."CSU offers the Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) through its School of Biomedical Sciences at Bathurst and Port Macquarie, as well as through CSU online.The ANZCP is a peak professional body representing paramedics in Australia and New Zealand.


Indigenous school students in Bathurst will attend a special leadership event at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst as part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day on Thursday 4 August.Approximately 42 Indigenous students from every school in Bathurst will attend the leadership day organised by the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) at the Wammarra Indigenous Student Centre (ground floor, building 1292) at CSU in Bathurst.Co-convenor of the event and lecturer with the CSU Centre for Law and Justice Ms Annette Gainsford (pictured) said, "This is an example of Charles Sturt University's commitment to and involvement in advancing Indigenous education in regional Australia. Elders, junior AECG members and their parents, teachers and University staff will attend the event."The day will start at 11am with a Welcome to Country and Yarning Circle with Elders. Discussions about Aboriginal cultural leadership with the Bathurst Wiradyuri will follow, then a barbeque lunch at Wammarra with informal yarning with Elders, junior AECG members, parents of the junior AECG members, teachers and CSU staff.