* 67 CSU graduates at annual graduation ceremony  in Dubbo on Thursday 13 December * Ceremony to be held at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre * Graduates prepared for career opportunities in rural and regional Australia to support local communitiesCharles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo will this week celebrate the achievements of its graduating students at its annual graduation ceremony. Sixty-seven students will graduate at this Thursday’s graduation at 9.30am at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre. The graduation is expected to attract more than 270 guests. Students and guests will be welcomed by CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Germov and Aboriginal Elder Aunty Margaret Walker, who will provide the Welcome to Country. The occasional address will be delivered by CSU Alumni, Midwifery Consultant for the Local Health District and recent recipient of a NSW Premiers Award for individual excellence, Tammy O’Connor. Head of Campus at CSU in Dubbo Ms Cathy Maginnis (pictured) said that Thursday’s graduation will be an opportunity for students to be recognised for their efforts and share it with family, friends and those who have supported them throughout their studies. “Charles Sturt University prides itself on delivering quality higher education to produce industry-ready professionals for careers in rural and regional Australia,” Ms Maginnis said. “The fact that our graduates from the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health are highly sought after by employers, with a graduate employment rate ranking among the highest in the nation, is a credit to these student’s hard work.”CSU in Dubbo has positioned itself as a leader in rural NSW health and has been recognised with the external accreditation renewed for the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery and the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health). The CSU School of Teacher Education in Dubbo has enjoyed rewarding and ongoing relationships with schools and other educational institutions in the community. While the Bachelor of Social Work offered on-campus in Dubbo and online, continues to grow, with an increasingly valued reputation in the local area. Ms Maginnis said the Dubbo campus has made quality higher-education accessible to those in rural areas, providing a wonderful mix of course offerings online and on campus. “We are so lucky to have such fantastic facilities and strong relationships in Dubbo and beyond. These relationships are instrumental in assisting our graduates on their career path and in supporting local communities,” Ms Maginnis said. Students from all faculties from CSU in Dubbo will be acknowledged this Thursday, with Mr Thomas Nelson and Ms Grace Gower from Dubbo College Senior Campus as Yeomen Bedell, and Mr Geoff Wise who will be the Esquire Bedell. The CSU in Dubbo graduation ceremony starts at 9.30am Thursday 13 December at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre in Darling Street, Dubbo.