A trial project encouraging Charles Sturt University (CSU) staff to take personal responsibility for cutting their computer and monitor energy use has concluded with results showing energy use dropped by one-third. Meters were installed in the offices of volunteers from the School of Education at CSU in Wagga Wagga for two week periods earlier this year. In the first week of the trial, participants were instructed to use their computers ‘as per usual’. In the second week they made a conscious effort to use less energy by turning computers off at the power point at the end of each day and by switching off monitors when leaving the room for more than 10 minutes. “The project found that energy use in the second week fell by an average of 32 per cent,” said team member Ms Barbara Conlan. The amount of energy saved in the second week was 62 kilowatt-hours for the 30 volunteers, equivalent to an annual saving of approximately $470. “One of the aims of this project was to promote a cultural change within Charles Sturt University as well as to provide case studies for education students on ways to be environmentally sustainable in schools, workplaces and homes.”

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) Winery is still celebrating after being named one of the winners of a 2010 Inland Tourism Award. The winery took out the Wineries, Distilleries and Boutique Breweries Award during a ceremony held at the Temora Aviation Museum on Saturday 24 July. Established in 1977 at CSU in Wagga Wagga, the commercial winery produces premium varietal table wines. The Winery is tightly integrated with the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga and the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre.   “We are thrilled to be recognised for providing a great experience for visitors to Wagga Wagga and the Riverina,” winemaker Mr Andrew Drumm said. The CSU Winery has a number of awards to its name including 25 trophies and 95 gold medals.

When you’re buying trees to plant on National Tree Day, Sunday 1 August, it’s essential to ask some questions, says senior lecturer in the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences Dr Geoffrey Burrows. “When buying native plants, it’s important that seed used in propagation comes from the local area,” Dr Burrows says. “For example, the Yellow Box eucalypt occurs naturally from Queensland to Victoria, but if you collect seed from somewhere other than your region, it means you are introducing genes that wouldn’t normally find their way to that place. You’re actually genetically polluting the local landscape.” Dr Burrows suggests shopping at a nursery that specialises in native plants where they are more likely to gather seed from the local surroundings. “You just need to ask if the seed is local before you buy the plant - that way we can naturally increase native biodiversity within the local area on National Tree Day.”

Participants from Charles Sturt University (CSU) recently returned from a three-day OzGreen YouthLead workshop in Sydney. Thanks to sponsorship from CSU Green, one student and one trainee attended the conference “to gain leadership training and learn more about eco-social projects that forge pathways to sustainable futures,” said CSU Green manager Mr William Adlong. Ms Lucy Denniss-Arnold, a trainee at CSU, attended the workshop and was impressed with the calibre of young people who also took part. “Never have I been in the presence of a more compassionate, kind, welcoming group of people. They made the workshop a joy.” Ms Denniss-Arnold found the course inspiring and moving. Mr Adlong said that CSU Green may look to continue offering the sponsorship in future years. “It engages participants deeply with sustainability issues and builds commitment to take actions that make a difference.”

Students on the NSW North Coast can look forward to increased options and opportunities in higher education when TAFE NSW North Coast Institute and Charles Sturt University (CSU) sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding in Port Macquarie on Friday 23 July. CSU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ross Chambers said the arrangement focuses on academic collaboration, including integrated programs that combine TAFE and university qualifications. “The agreement will increase the number and range of formal study pathways and articulation arrangements between the two institutions, which will allow students to complete a university degree without moving away from home,” he said. Institute Director for TAFE NSW North Coast Institute, Ms Elizabeth McGregor said that the MOU would support Commonwealth Government initiatives aimed at developing a more highly qualified population in regional Australia. “The local Education and Skills Forum is developing a collaborative approach to expand tertiary education on the North Coast, and TAFE NSW North Coast Institute and other forum members welcome Charles Sturt University’s decision to join us in these efforts,” she said.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) has a diverse property portfolio across its regional locations, and one such property currently undergoing renovation at 126 William Street, Bathurst, was most recently a restaurant and function centre known as Lamplighters Restaurant. Before that it was the Galloping Grape bar and restaurant, and prior to that the AMP Society Building. “This is a landmark building in Bathurst and is on the University’s heritage register,” said Mr Keith Hogan, Director, Procurement and Risk Management, in the CSU Division of Facilities Management. “It is also distinguished on the Bathurst City Council Regional Local Environmental Plan as a significant historical building. Following an asset management review of the building in the first half of 2010, funds have been allocated to enable the start of repairs to the property. This work consists of restoration of the historic front facade, repainting internally and externally, separation of the upstairs offices with repairs to flooring and services, and a number of priority works to protect and enhance the property.” The Executive Director of the CSU Division of Facilities Management, Mr Steve Butt, said, “Charles Sturt University supports sustainability of its built environment with a view to reuse, and maintains its many heritage listed properties for the legacy of inland Australia.”

BATHURST NSW: Charles Sturt University (CSU) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Goulter, will formally announce plans to seek the support of the State and Federal governments to establish a new medical program in central west NSW based in Orange and Bathurst. “With a fully functioning, upgraded hospital in Bathurst and a new base hospital in Orange soon to open, the Central West is becoming the health hub of NSW,” said Professor Goulter. “Charles Sturt University is leading the way in growing the future rural medical workforce and this initiative exemplifies our commitment to the health of rural and regional Australia.” The announcement will be made at midday Wednesday 18 August at CSU in Bathurst.  Other speakers include: Chancellor Lawrie Willett, AO (former Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health; former Chairman, National Health and Medical Research Council; Chairman, Australian Hospital Care Limited) Emeritus Professor John Dwyer, AO (former Head of School and Clinical Dean, University of New South Wales Medical School; Clinical Program Director, Medicine and Oncology, Prince Henry/Prince of Wales Hospitals)  Mr Danny O’Connor, Chief Executive, Greater Western Area Health Service, NSW Health  Mr Gerard Martin, State Member for Bathurst  Clr Paul Toole, Mayor of Bathurst  Clr John Davis, Mayor of Orange

The Premier of NSW, the Hon. Ms Kristina Keneally, MP, will meet with the Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Ian Goulter, during her visit to Bathurst on Friday 20 August. Professor Goulter will discuss with Ms Keneally the University’s proposal announced on Wednesday 18 August for $90 million from the Federal Government to establish a medical school at CSU in Orange, as well as funding for an Integrated Primary Health Care Clinic at CSU in Bathurst. The University has indicated it intends to seek the support of the NSW Government to open additional clinical places for CSU medical students in NSW hospitals. While at CSU in Bathurst, the Premier will also inspect the University’s newly completed Dental and Oral Health Clinic. Ms Keneally will discuss with Professor Goulter and Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Nick Klomp, the University’s request for government support for the construction of Australia’s first national paramedic education centre in Bathurst. The centre would allow the University to significantly increase its student intake and provide students with access to world-leading paramedic education facilities. The meeting will be joined by the Mayor of Bathurst, Councillor Paul Toole, to discuss a planned Technology Park adjoining CSU and the Western Institute of TAFE in Bathurst.

If you think the leader of the Labor party is working tirelessly prior to the election this Saturday, try being her comic double, Julia Spillard. Having perfected Prime Minister Gillard’s voice, facial expressions and hand gestures, the character actor, comic and Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduate, Ms Gabby Millgate, is winning votes throughout the country as she visits various locations on her busy schedule. Ms Millgate, a graduate of CSU’s Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media), has been seen in movies such as Muriel’s Wedding and thriller Feed, on television, radio, theatre and has also worked as a script writer. She is thought of as one of Australia’s most versatile and resourceful actors. “Charles Sturt University’s Theatre/Media degree gives students the tools they need to succeed in any medium of the arts,” says senior lecturer in the School of Communication and Creative Industries, Dr Gerard Boland. “Gabby is a perfect example of how our graduates use their skills to construct meaningful careers in the media, events and live entertainment industries.” Ms Millgate’s character, Julia Spillard, could be seeing a lot more work, if the election is won by the Labor party this weekend, which makes you wonder how Ms Millgate will vote.