Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) decision to establish a campus in Port Macquarie has been welcomed by the Birpai Local Area Land Council, which praised the University’s commitment to the local Aboriginal community. Campus Director of CSU in Port Macquarie, Dr Muyesser Durur, said evidence suggests that Aboriginal people are more likely to attend a university if they can do so within country rather than having to move away from their home and family. “The University is committed to creating an environment that will create opportunities for all sectors of the community. One of our core gaols for the region is to build students’ capacity to contribute to their community and society,” she said. Uncle Bill O’Brien, Chairperson of the Birpai Land Council, has been heartened by how CSU has embraced the local Aboriginal community from the start. “Charles Sturt University has consulted with and listened to the local Aboriginal community on every step of its journey to establish a permanent tertiary education presence in Port Macquarie. I am excited that Charles Sturt University is also developing and constructing an Aboriginal study centre on the new campus, which will enhance the prospect of success of Aboriginal students,” he said.