More than 4 000 people will attend four Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduation ceremonies in Bathurst on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 December.Approximately 3 179 family and friends will join nearly 864 graduates at the four ceremonies which will this year be hosted at St Stanislaus College, Bathurst.Head of Campus Associate Professor Chika Anyanwu said, “We congratulate our graduating professionals with their friends and families on the successful completion of their studies.“Charles Sturt University takes pride in producing job-ready professionals who enter the workforce very insightful, making a positive impact, creating an inclusive society, and inspiring others.“More than 800 graduates including six PhDs, will receive their testamurs from the University in Bathurst this year. We invite you to come and share this important milestone with us.”Graduation highlights include the conferral of Emeritus Professorship to CSU psychology academic Professor Ben Bradley.PhD graduate Dr Suzanne Hopf (pictured) in the CSU School of Teacher Education has been praised by her examiners for her ‘seminal’ thesis ‘Supporting Fijian children’s communication’ about addressing speech disorders in Fijian children. One examiner said, “Ms Hopf has demonstrated how research and program development should be conducted in the majority of world cultures”. Another examiner said, “This research is not only important to Fiji, but is predicted to have far reaching implications for other countries, languages and for clinical applications. This thesis has the hallmark of innovative, critical thinking and exceeds the requirements of a doctoral thesis. … a gold standard on a doctoral level … In over 30 years of external examining (of PhD theses) this thesis stands out as one of the best that I have had the privilege of reading. It is suggested that this dissertation be recognised for its excellence at the university level.”9.30am Thursday 14 December – 193 graduates from the Faculty of Arts and Education, and 737 guests:School of Education, School of Teacher Education, School of Humanities and Social SciencesMs Maggie Walter will deliver the Occasional Address. CSU Medallist Ms Caroline Bateson will deliver the student Vote of Thanks.3pm Thursday 14 December – approximately 241 graduates from the Faculty of Arts and Education, and the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, and 850 guests:School of Communication and Creative Industries, School of Indigenous Australian Studies, School of Information Studies, the Division of Student Learning/Academic Success Unit, School of Accounting and Finance, School of Management and Marketing.Ms Bridget Ogilvie will deliver the Occasional Address. Ms Susie Hall will deliver the student Vote of Thanks.9.30am Friday 15 December – approximately 203 graduates from the Faculty of Business, Justice, and Behavioural Sciences, and the Faculty of Science, and 702 guests:School of Computing and Mathematics, School of Policing Studies, School of Psychology, the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, the Centre for Law and Justice, School of Exercise Science, Sport and Heath, School of Human Movement Studies.CSU psychology academic Professor Ben Bradley will receive the award of Emeritus Professor at this graduation ceremony.Dr Nicole Sugden will deliver the Occasional Address. Medal winner Ms Anissa Mouti will deliver the student Vote of Thanks.3pm Friday 15 December – approximately 227 graduates from the Faculty of Science, and 890 guests:School of Community Health, School of Biomedical Science, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, School of Environmental Science, School of Dentistry and Health Science, School of Agriculture and Wine Science, School of Animal and Veterinary Science.Ms Tiffany Grange will deliver the student Vote of Thanks.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst is hosting a Strong Moves Camp for Indigenous high school students from the Riverina, Mid North Coast, and the NSW Central West from Monday 20 to Friday 24 November.Future Moves program coordinator in the CSU Office of Students Mr Ben Morris (pictured) said, "Strong Moves is a mentoring program that engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through a series of activities designed to build and strengthen expectations that further study is a realistic goal."It will be a fun and exciting week for the students, with staff from multiple faculties running workshops with the students."Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from the NSW Riverina, Central West and Mid-North Coast regions will be staying on campus in Bathurst to experience university life first-hand. They will participate in a series of workshops aimed at building confidence, celebrating achievements, and discovering the wide variety of future educational options they have before them."Disciplines areas and courses the students will experience include psychology, policing, TV production, engineering, nursing, and physiotherapy.Schools attending include Mt Austin High School (Wagga Wagga), and from the Mid-North Coast; Hastings College West Port Campus (Port Macquarie), Melville High School (Kempsey), and Port Macquarie High School.From the central west, schools include Dennison College Bathurst and Kelso campuses, Orange High School, and Wellington High School.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) theatre/media students underpin a local production of William Shakespeare's As You Like It at Abercrombie House in Bathurst in November.The Bathurst Shakespeare Players have teamed up with Christopher and Xanthe Morgan from historic Abercrombie House to present six evening performances of one of the bard's funniest and most entertaining comedies.Director Ms Libby Daniewska said there are five theatre/media students and one academic staff member from the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in this year's production, and two students working backstage on set design, and sound and lighting."We've worked a lot over the years with Charles Sturt University students, staff and the theatre/ media department," Ms Daniewska said."We maintain a strong and good relationship with the University in various ways from a casting and production perspective, and it always strengthens each production."This year's CSU theatre/media student cast for As You Like It includes Ms Heather Edmonds, Ms Hannah Armstrong, Mr Artie Hotchkies, Mr Liam Jones, Ms Ally Moon, and lecturer Mr Brett van Heekeren.CSU helpers and crew include Ms Harriet Fahey (sound and lighting), Mr Josh Meyers (set design) who was a cast member in previous years, and former student Mr Dom Ingersole.Producer Mr Christopher Morgan said that tickets are selling fast for this year's production of Shakespeare in the garden which commenced its season last night at Abercrombie House."This is a wonderful production of As You Like It and I urge anyone seeking a great evening's entertainment in a delightful setting to come along," Mr Morgan said."Excellent pre-ordered picnic hampers are available for $35 for two or $25 for one, or bring your own, and BYO something nice to drink."We ask patrons to arrive from 6pm for the play to start at 7pm on the six dates."The six performances are Thursday 16, Friday 17, Saturday 18, Thursday 23, Friday 24, and Saturday 26 November.Tickets are available from StickyTickets, or by email to Abercrombie.House@bigpond.com, or phone the Morgans on 6331 4929.

Students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst recently joined with students from Western Sydney University (WSU) for a one-day rural health education collaboration.Associate lecturer in paramedicine in the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Bathurst Ms Amanda Hlushak (front row, third from left) said the inaugural education day consisted of a series of inter-professional clinical simulations. These involved health students from the nursing and paramedicine programs at CSU and medical students from WSU's Bathurst Rural Clinical School."The event saw students participating in rural-focused clinical simulations which allow them to work alongside fellow students from other disciplines to prepare them for future workplace practice," Ms Hlushak said."Allowing students to work together in this way, before they enter the workforce, is likely to improve future workplace relationships and, most importantly, improve patient care outcomes."Ms Hlushak explained that these types of collaborative education days are important initiatives in helping increase health professionals' knowledge of rural health issues, as well as helping to break down barriers that currently exist between health disciplines."Our aim is to continue to run these events, to provide our local students with a broader education experience, and to showcase Bathurst as an excellent regional educational provider in health," she said.The inaugural one-day inter-professional rural health education event was staged at CSU in Bathurst on Saturday 14 October.

In mid-November CenWest Innovate at Charles Sturt University (CSU) is offering cybersecurity workshops for small to medium sized enterprises in Dubbo, Orange, and Bathurst.Professor Mark Morrison from CSU's CenWest Innovate said, "Cyber security for small to medium enterprises (SMEs)' workshops will help businesses identify threats and prevent attacks.""CenWest Innovate is bringing together expert panellists Mr William Ulyate from cyber security advisors Content Security, and Dr Peter White an adjunct lecturer at the University and manager of research and development at the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation (DFSI) Spatial Services.""The experts will coach businesses on cyber security threats and mitigation, and businesses can discover what common cyber threats and attacks small and medium enterprises face, and what they can do to prevent them," Professor Morrison said.The experts will guide participants through: * business-focused cyber threats and issues * show participants how to start mitigating any cyber security issues in their own business * conduct their own risk assessment * apply the Australian Security Directorate's Essential 8 guidelines.The workshop schedule is:Dubbo - Tuesday 14 November at 7.00am for 7.30am to 10.00am at Charles Sturt University, Building 901 Room 121, Tony McGrane Place, Dubbo. Cost FREE - Book your ticket nowOrange - Tuesday 14 November at 5.30pm for 6.00pm to 8.30pm at the Hotel Canobolas, Summer St, Orange. Cost FREE - Book your ticket nowBathurst - Wednesday 15 November at 5.30pm for 6.00pm to 8.30pm at City Hall, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, William St, Bathurst. Cost FREE - Book your ticket now These events are proudly supported by Dubbo Regional Council, Dubbo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Orange City Council, and Bathurst Regional Council.CSU's delivery of these events is supported through the NSW Government's Boosting Business Innovation Program which is providing $18 million to the state's 11 universities and CSIRO – including $1.5 million to CSU – to help businesses innovate.Through the Boosting Business Innovation Program CSU has established CenWest Innovate in Bathurst, an AgriTech Incubator Hubin Wagga Wagga, and the Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship 'Pop-up' Innovation Hub to help businesses.

Three Charles Sturt University (CSU) theatre/media students are among nine NSW young artists selected to undertake professional development programs under Create NSW Young Regional Artist Scholarships.Each year the Create NSW Young Regional Artist Scholarship initiative rewards 25 artists aged 18 to 25 years across the state. The initiative coves all art forms – from dance, design, digital arts, history, Aboriginal arts, literature, music, theatre, screen and curatorial to the visual arts.Arts OutWest assisted the three successful theatre/media students in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst to write their applications.The selected nine artists from the first round this year span a diverse range of art forms including circus, music, film, theatre and the visual arts. Each will receive a $10 000 grant to support a self-directed program.Third-year student Mr Jesse Alston will develop a unique artistic theatre practice and a new body of work through the study of practical animation and professional mentorship from modern theatre practitioner Nel Kentish.Recent graduate Mr Ben Rodwell (pictured above) will develop a directing practice through a week-long directing course and combine with knowledge from working with international and nationally-based children's theatre companies to create a short development with the support and mentorship of regionally-based artists.Ms Johanna Williams will develop her skills as a playwright/dramaturge through internships and attendance at arts festivals and conferences, to develop new work that will involve creative development and mentorships in Bathurst.The scholarships will officially commence on Wednesday 1 November when the group convenes for a two-day professional development training workshop at Carriageworks in Eveleigh curated by Create NSW, before they each embark on their own chosen programs.During the workshop the students will receive expert advice, business management lessons and networking opportunities with a range of leading industry figures, visit arts organisations, and meet the NSW Minster for the Arts, the Hon. Mr Don Harwin, MLC.For information on how to apply for the next round of scholarships, visit www.create.nsw.gov.au or email arts.funding@create.nsw.gov.au

Academics at Charles Sturt University (CSU) and high school teachers at Denison College will launch The Hub project at the Kelso High School campus in Bathurst at 1pm on Wednesday 18 October.Sub Dean for Workplace Learning and Associate Head of the CSU School of Teacher Education in Bathurst Dr Matt Winslade said The Hub initiative aimed to provide CSU initial teacher education students with the most practical experience and perspectives on current and future classroom practice."This is all about bridging the theory-practice gap for our students" Dr Winslade said."We appreciate the opportunity to work so closely with teaching colleagues at the two campuses of Denison College in Bathurst, and aim to ensure an enhanced learning experience for our students."HT Teacher Mentor at Denison College Ms Jacqui Hood said, "By building a collaborative partnership between Charles Sturt University and Denison College, we are in a stronger position to be preparing our teachers of the future for success."The Hub launch will be held in the library at the Kelso High Campus, Boyd Street, Bathurst, at 1pm on Wednesday 18 October. CSU practicum students will be teaching a Year 8 class.CSU academics will speak about partnerships, stronger connections, process improvement, communications, change in course structures, best practice, reflection, improving graduate success. Senior Denison College educators will be available for interview, including the principal of Kelso High Mr Mick Sloan who will discuss the CSU Mentor Program. The principal of Bathurst High School Mr Ken Barwick who will discuss 'Great Teaching Inspired Learning' (GTIL), professional teaching standards, modules, professional learning, staffing schools, improving future teachers state-wide.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) has recognised the contributions of the Indigenous and wider community in Bathurst to its law, justice and policing degrees during a ceremony in September.During a presentation to staff, community members, and Indigenous Elders, the Head of the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security and the Centre for Law and Justice, Associate Professor Nick O'Brien, presented awards for excellence in teaching, research, leadership, community engagement, and impact at CSU in Bathurst.Representing local Elders, Uncle Brian Grant (pictured left) and also known as 'Maliyan' (Eagle) in Wiradjuri, accepted the awards from Professor O'Brien."I've been with this program for two years," Uncle Brian said."It's an opportunity to work with Charles Sturt University students who are going to work for NSW Police and NSW Department of Community Services (DOCS)."We give them an Aboriginal community perspective, while we can also let them know about how we function as a community."I have worked for the police force and for DOCS, so I have a good background. I think students like to get that insider information, that bit of foresight of what they are going to encounter later in their careers."Both the students and we Elders benefit through our community involvement, so from our point of view, we want to continue the program."The Bathurst Wiradjuri Elders received their Teaching Excellence Award for their leadership and delivery of content to courses in the University's Centre for Law and Justice in Bathurst.Centre Director, Associate Professor Alison Gerard, regards the awards as a practical demonstration of the University's commitment to forging links with the local community and in recognising the teaching expertise of Indigenous Elders."We wanted our students to learn from the Aboriginal Elders in our community, to provide them with the experience needed to work effectively within communities in their chosen professions," Professor Gerard said."Hearing directly from the Elders helps students understand the richness and resilience of Indigenous knowledge. This can only strengthen the Charles Sturt University law and criminal justice degrees."

Paramedicine students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in assessing and managing trauma patients during a practical exercise involving the State Emergency Service (SES) in Bathurst on Friday 29 September.The exercise, which runs from 11am to 1pm outside building 1455 on Ordnance Road, involves extricating several patients from a car following a simulated road traffic accident."This extrication exercise forms part of the simulated learning activities for first year paramedic students in fundamental subject in clinical practice," said CSU lecturer Ms Clare Sutton."This exercise provides an invaluable opportunity for the students to experience working alongside other emergency service operators as part of an interagency team."During the exercise, the students have to identify potential hazards on scene before assessing each of the casualties to determine which patients are a priority and then formulate an extraction plan based on those priorities.This information is conveyed to the SES Rescue team who will use various rescue techniques to extricate each of the patients according to individual clinical needs as identified by the student paramedics. "The exercise will give the students the opportunity to practice their skills of assessment and management when presented with multi-trauma casualties," Ms Sutton said."These will be vitally important skills for the students to master in preparation for their future role as a front line paramedic given the requirement to work collaboratively with colleagues from other emergency services in order to achieve the best outcome for the patient."We are very fortunate, in the paramedic team to have such a close working relationship with the local SES unit as this provides many fantastic opportunities for our students to experience working as part of an interagency team in high fidelity simulations."It's always a very popular day with the students as they all get a chance to experience some of the challenges involved with these type of incidents from both the paramedics' and patients' perspectives."The Bachelor of Paramedicine is available through the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Bathurst and Port Macquarie and CSU online.