Blood donations received during the Charles Sturt University (CSU) inter-campus blood donation challenge will help save 654 lives.The CSU inter-campus blood donation drive ran from 1 March to 1 July 2018 and involved all six CSU main campuses.Mr John Feist from the Australian Red Cross Blood Service said over the four-month period 925 donations were made by University staff and students.“At Charles Sturt University in Bathurst alone we received 218 donations making it the second highest number across the University’s six campuses,” Mr Feist said.Returning to CSU in Bathurst, the Red Cross mobile blood unit will take blood donations over three days.CSU in Bathurst appointment times: Monday 13 August from 9.15am to 3.45pm.Tuesday 14 August from 9.15am to 1.30pmWednesday 15 August from 9.15am to 3.45pmMr Feist said winter is a particularly challenging time with over 1,000 appointments cancelled each week.“Cold and flu season causes many to cancel their appointments, so we need as many fit and healthy people to step up and donate,” Mr Feist said.CSU in Bathurst student liaison officer Mr Scott Hatch said the inter-campus blood donation challenge had become an annual event that helped connect the University with the community.“To participate in the challenge, staff and students should register as a member of the ‘CSU Bathurst’ Red25 group,” Mr Hatch said.“To book an appointment students can call 13 1495 or go to www.donateblood.com.au. If they can’t make the visit on campus, the mobile unit is in Bathurst every month at the McDonald’s car park on Durham Street,” Mr Hatch said.

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) Foundation Scholarship presentation ceremony will be held in Bathurst on Friday 10 August for students who attend the University in Bathurst and Orange.Director of CSU Advancement Ms Sarah Ansell said the University would award $1.3 million in scholarships to 300 students across the five scholarship ceremonies held in July and August.The scholarships will be awarded to students studying in Bathurst and Orange across education, health, science, the arts, and criminal justice, reflecting the University’s diverse student community.Ms Ansell said the scholarships were not only an investment in students but also in regional communities by providing the education and training needed to ensure strong and sustainable communities.“Scholarships provide access and opportunity for our students, ensuring they receive an education which will in turn allow them to bring knowledge, skills and social capital back to their own communities,” Ms Ansell said.Ms Ansell noted that the scholarship ceremonies were also a way for the University to recognise the significance of the donors.“Their scholarships are vital in alleviating some of the barriers to higher education and ensuring students can concentrate on their studies and enjoy an enriching student experience,” Ms Ansell said.The scholarship presentation ceremony will be at 11.30am on Friday 10 August  at the CD Blake Auditorium (building 1220) at CSU in Bathurst . The ceremony will award scholarships to students attending the University in Bathurst and Orange.

* Film explores refugee experience and hope in Australia * CSU and Bathurst Refugee Support Group co-host important screening * Leading Australian documentary filmmaker to host Q&A sessionThe next Explorations Series free public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Thursday 16 August will feature the screening of the documentary film Hope Road by renowned Australian filmmaker Tom Zubrycki.Hope Road will be co-presented and hosted by CSU with the Bathurst Refugee Support Group.The director of the film Mr Tom Zubrycki will be attending the event and hosting the question and answer session at the end.Hope Road follows an ambitious project undertaken by a Sudanese refugee, Mr Zacharia Machiek, one of the original ‘Lost Boys’, who now lives in Sydney.Zac’s dream is to build a much needed school back in his home village in the new nation of South Sudan. He enlists the backing of an eager, but inexperienced, group of supporters in Australia who organise and join him on a 42-day charity walk to raise funds for the venture.Will this strategy raise the funds they need? Thwarted by escalating conflict back in South Sudan, and shocked by a broken relationship, Zac has to draw on all his resources to keep his dream alive.Hope Road lifts the veil on what life can be like for refugees like Zac caught between two worlds as they re-establish their lives in Australia, but at the same time feel an acute obligation to their homeland.Mr Brian Mowbray, Chairperson of the Bathurst Refugee Support Group, said, “The Bathurst Refugee Support Group would like to thank Charles Sturt University for hosting this event.“It’s great that we are able to partner with the University to deliver this important cultural and community event.“We look forward to this event in Bathurst, and it’s a real honour that such a significant Australian filmmaker as Tom Zubrycki is able to join us for the evening on Thursday 16 August.”The Explorations Series free public lecture and film screening with Q&A session is from 6pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 16 August in room 223, building 1292, at CSU in Bathurst.For catering purposes please register with registration button at the bottom of the CSU Events Page: http://news.csu.edu.au/events/bathurst/explorations-series-film-screening-of-hope-road-by-tom-zubryckiThe official Hope Road webpage is http://hoperoad.com.au/The Explorations Series is part of the University’s community engagement program and aims to engage our rural and regional communities in discussion and debate about major issues facing our regions, the nation, and the world.

* CSU CUP small grants available for Bathurst region arts and culture projects * Applications close Friday 24 AugustThe next round of 2018 Charles Sturt University (CSU) Community-University Partnership (CUP) grants for arts and cultural activities are available for applications.Individuals and community groups across the University’s regions covered by its campuses in Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga, and Port Macquarie are invited to apply.Associate Professor Laura Dan, Director Knowledge Exchange and Engagement at CSU, said, “The University provides up to $20,000 worth of CUP grants across its regional footprint, and I encourage individuals and groups with projects or initiatives that meet the criteria to apply.”Applications close on Friday 24 August, and the CUP grants application form is here:https://about.csu.edu.au/community/grants/arts-and-culturePrevious arts and culture CUP grant recipient Ms Kylie Shead from the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) said, “With the support of CSU Community-University Partnership grants we have been able bring professional writers to speak at the Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival, and at the same time keep the festival free and therefore accessible for the community”.

* Weekend event to help CSU students learn first-hand about entrepreneurship * Participants will get feedback on their business idea * Entrepreneurship becoming a critical career skill for students in all disciplinesDo you have a business idea, or have you ever thought about being an entrepreneur?How do you know if your business ideas can make a real difference?CenWest Innovate at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst is working with the Upstairs Startup Hub to present a Student Startup Weekend in Bathurst on Friday evening 3 August and Saturday 4 August. Professor of Entrepreneurship in the CSU School of Management and Marketing, Professor Morgan Miles, said, “The upcoming Student Startup Weekend organised jointly by the Upstairs Startup Hub (Bathurst) and CenWest Innovate and the CSU School of Management and Marketing in Bathurst is a ‘must go’ event for all students at the University who have interest in startups, entrepreneurship, and innovation.“Entrepreneurship is becoming a critical career skill for students across all university disciplines, and employers are increasingly seeking new staff who have entrepreneurial skills.“This Startup Weekend is designed to develop these important capabilities.”Weekend Overview:Friday night, participants meet at Rafters Bar at CSU from 5pm to 8pm for individuals to pitch their business idea, and join a team while socialising.On Saturday morning participants will meet at CSU Engineering (building 1305) at 8.30am to commence workshops on Lean Canvas, idea testing, and finally pitching. Participants will be able to get feedback on their business idea and learn first-hand about entrepreneurship.The feedback is provided by the workshop team led by Mr James Triggs, Expert-in-Residence at the Upstairs Startup Hub in Bathurst.To book a place at the Student Startup Weekend, send an email to kassidy@upstairs.org.au, and mark ‘going’ on this event on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/285147458709364/

* CSU Bathurst presented nine 2018 Charles Sturt University NAIDOC Awards * The National NAIDOC theme this year is Because Of Her We Can * Today we celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and the active and significant roles they play across the Bathurst region Charles Sturt University (CSU) is proud to recognise women as part of the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week. The theme this year is Because of Her We Can.Acting Head of Campus at CSU in Bathurst Mr Peter Fraser said, “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have kept the oldest continuing culture on the planet strong, and the women have been strong partners with their men in maintaining this cultural connection through generations”.Nine women from the Bathurst region were presented with CSU NAIDOC week awards at a ceremony on campus today. Past and present CSU staff and students and community members attended the presentation.Wiradyuri Elder and former CSU staff member Werribee Leanna Carr-Smith works tirelessly as a community advocate and educator. Werribee is an outstanding leader and has been responsible for embedding Wiradyuri content and wisdom into the local education sector, including language programs and cultural orientation immersions.Dindima Gloria Rogers or ‘Aunty Gloria’, has been involved in the education and teaching of Wiradyuri culture and language. She also regularly conducts Welcome to Country in the Bathurst Wiradyuri area. She has been involved with CSU and the wider Bathurst community in a cultural advisory capacity for many years, giving her time and insight to many projects and initiatives.Aunty Jill(Gunhimudha which means ‘mother to many’) is a local Elder who has fostered many, many children, not just Aboriginal children, over the last 20 plus years.Aunty Jill has worked for her community behind the scenes for over 30 years in this area.  She holds Traditional Knowledge of Wiradyuri Country and is an accepted Wiradyuri Elder.  Aunty Jill has been one of the Elders keeping Councils and other community leaders accountable to their community and is a fierce community advocate.Tracey Gale is a proud Wiradjuri woman who, through her personal values and strong work ethic, has made a positive impact in the local community. During her previous employment at CSU Tracey travelled the country gathering and collating research into businesses run by local Indigenous people and through this role gathered information in order to apply this knowledge at a local community level.  Tracey is a wealth of knowledge on how successful businesses are run and imparts this knowledge to local businesses to ensure future success.Mrs Wyn Allen played   an instrumental role in setting up Wammarra in the early 1980’s when CSU was called Mitchell College of Advanced Education. She was the head of Wammarra for four years. She then moved to Canberra as a member of the House of Representatives Committee On Aboriginal Affairs. Later, she returned to Bathurst to work with the NSW Department of Fair Trading.  Mrs Allen has now retired and teaches Wiradyuri language at CSU.Ms Maureen Bates-McKay is a lawyer with legal aid and has demonstrated outstanding leadership in increasing access to justice in the Central West. Maureen works passionately for social justice and the community.Ms Annette Gainsford has demonstrated outstanding leadership through the development of CSU Bachelor of Laws. The course is internationally unique in building the Indigenous cultural competence of its graduates.Ms Gainsford led the development of Indigenous cultural competence of her colleagues within the CSU Centre for Law and Justice and contributed nationally to scholarships that recognise the place of Indigenous knowledge, cultures and histories within higher education.Ms Julie Bennett has been nominated by her CSU students for showing them tremendous support. She is a mentor and an advocate who is always there for her students. They say, “Because of her, we can”.Ms Jayarna Kay, a CSU student support officer at Wammarra Student Centre at CSU in Bathurst,was nominated via a specially produced video. The video said Ms Kay is a strong, confident and independent Aboriginal woman and is always empowering all females in all parts of her life, from work to her captaincy of the Orange Women’s Tigers AFL team.Last year Jayarma was instrumental in developing CSU’s first Indigenous student conference in Dubbo, which included several workshops on leadership, which helped Indigenous students to excel in their studies and took on feedback to improve services for Indigenous students across CSU. The video nomination was also shown during the ceremony.“Today we have celebrated just a few of the women who contribute, that work in a variety of ways, and are influencing and shaping our community,” Mr Fraser said.“We also acknowledge that there are many, many more local women that should be recognised, in addition to those whose stories we shared today.”“Charles Sturt University is so proud to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community members.“It was delightful and an honour to be able to acknowledge and present awards to all these fabulous women who are making an impact across our communities.”Today’s event started with a smoking ceremony and also featured a talented local Aboriginal youth dance troupe.

* CSU exercise research program in Bathurst seeks participants aged 50+ * Program supports long-term active and healthy lifestyles * 22 per cent of Australian population will be aged 65 years and over by 2056 * CSU gym in Bathurst open to community membersThe Active Living Longer (ALLong) program at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst seeks men and women aged 50 years and over to participate in its ongoing wellbeing and exercise research.Dr Eevon Stott (pictured), adjunct research fellow in the CSU School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health in Bathurst, said the (ALLong) program aims to help adults aged 50 years and over to pursue long-term active lifestyle through applied science, education, and technology.“The broad aim of Active Living Longer is to empower the community to get healthier, and we have started with group exercise sessions at the gym at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst as a safe and supportive environment,” Dr Stott said.“Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare project that 22 per cent of the population will be aged 65 years and over by 2056. ALLong aims to assist this group to remain independent for longer.“One of the exciting elements of this program for me is being able to test over time if a wellbeing program can not only assist with obvious improvements in physical ability, but if it can also affect mental or cognitive performance positively in older people. This is all about improving the overall quality of life as we age.”There are three elements to the ALLong program:Group Exercise Sessions: Guided by an exercise scientist and modified for each person to suit to their capabilities.Research: Participants in the Group Exercise Sessions can opt to participate in research comprising physical, physiological, balance, and wellbeing measures.Education: Since physical function is only a part of the equation of active and healthy ageing, the ALLong program will expand its offerings to include workshops covering topics about nutrition, and cognitive and mental health.Participants pay a small fee to attend, and the funds generated go towards maintaining sustainability of the sessions. Those who opt in for the research component will be able to use their results from the research to track their own progress over time.“My current participants paid for an eight-session pass to the group exercise sessions, but already two have ‘graduated’ to joining the gym,” Dr Stott said.“In time we will offer Tai Chi classes at a cost of a gold coin donation, and an ‘Exercise 101’ theory and practical course.“Further on, Active Living Longer hopes to collaborate with nutritionists to deliver workshops about eating for older adults, and I also plan to have an annual calendar of events to coincide with existing public awareness campaigns such as Seniors’ Week, Falls Prevention Week, and so on.”“The research is longitudinal, and I take a set of measurements to provide to participants so their results motivate them to remain accountable to themselves as much as possible. The aim is to get them to repeat the measurement process every six months.”Gym supervisor CSU in Bathurst, Mr Stephen Howell, commended the ALLong program saying, “It’s fantastic to see more and more people using this great facility. The gym staff have done a lot of work to improve the environment, plus we have purchased a lot more new equipment. The new extended opening hours have really hit a great note with our community patrons, and we can’t wait to get more members.”ALLong begins in Bathurst, but the model will be expanded to include other Charles Sturt University campuses and regional communities in time.For more information or to enrol in the ALLong program contact Dr Eevon Stott on 0408 721 752 or email estott@csu.edu.au

* Leading entrepreneurship educator to speak at CSU in Bathurst * Dynamic speaker re the importance of entrepreneurship in economic developmentA leading entrepreneurship academic from Finland will deliver an ‘in conversation’ presentation at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Thursday 28 June.Professor of Entrepreneurship at CSU and academic lead on the CenWest Innovate Next Stage Growth Program, Professor Morgan Miles, said the free presentation by Professor Peter Kelly will examine the question ‘How do successful entrepreneurs operate?’Professor Kelly is Professor of Practice, High-growth Entrepreneurship (pictured left), at Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland, and will share his insight of how high performing entrepreneurs operate for success.“I first met Peter in Stockholm over 15 years ago,” Professor Miles said. “He was the most dynamic speaker I had ever heard on the topic of the importance of entrepreneurship in economic development, and since then he has only become better.“He has been based in Finland since 1998, and has been the driving force behind entrepreneurship education at the Helsinki School of Creative Entrepreneurship at Aalto University, an initiative that involved all the Schools and the largest private donor to Aalto University. “Before becoming Finland’s first Professor of Practice in High Growth Entrepreneurship, Professor Kelly spent a year as Professor of Practice at the School of Art and Design where he developed a rapid opportunity prototyping course to explore the intersection between the disciplines of design and entrepreneurship.”Professor Miles (pictured left) said the CSU School of Management and Marketing, CenWest Innovate, and the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship have cooperated to make this event possible.“We are grateful that our partnership with Sydney School of Entrepreneurship has resulted in significant learning and teaching events such as this,” Professor Miles said. “Peter will make two presentations on 28 June, one to faculty at the University who are interested in research and teaching entrepreneurship, and a second to the public as a CenWest Innovate public event.”The ‘in conversation’ public presentation by Professor Kelly is from 6pm to 7pm on Thursday 28 June at CSU Engineering (building 1305), Village Drive, CSU in Bathurst.To attend this free event please register for catering purposes: https://www.facebook.com/events/172871420054430/Learn more about Professor Peter Kelly here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDrNI_IgzVc

* 200 high school students expected for MyDay at CSU Bathurst on Friday 15 June * Free MyDay event is a great start to preparation for universitySenior high school students from across NSW will attend a MyDay at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Friday 15 June to explore a range of courses and future study options.CSU prospective student adviser Mr Ben Rodwell said, “With around 175 students currently registered, we can expect about 200 students plus parents to attend the MyDay.“The students who have registered come from a very broad area as well as our own region, from a range of schools from Gunnedah and Hay to Moruya and Sydney.“The students who attend MyDay can learn about the courses we offer at Charles Sturt University as well as general information about university and study. This free event is a great start to university preparation.“Parents are also welcome to attend most sessions to learn more about courses and study at Charles Sturt University.”Courses to be explored by the students include accounting, arts, business, communication and creative industries, computer science and information technology, criminal justice, law and policing, exercise and sports science, nursing, paramedicine, teaching and education, engineering and general studies (science).