People living with disability are looking to higher education as a path to engaging with meaningful activity in their community, particularly in regional areas. But can our regional universities support these aspirations?Researchers from five universities including Charles Sturt University (CSU) are currently investigating the experiences of people with disability who aspire to complete a university course in regional Australia.The research team is now calling for people with disability in regional areas from Wangaratta in Victoria to Port Macquarie in NSW to share their experiences of higher education, particularly those:currently at high school in Years 10 and 11 and who are interested to go to university; and,mature aged people who  haven't been to university but are interested in study."We want to interview volunteers from regional communities to understand their perceptions of higher education. We are investigating the barriers for people with disability in undertaking a university course," said CSU researcher Dr Clare Wilding."The uptake of higher education by people with disability is lower in regional areas than for their city counterparts," Dr Wilding said."According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, people with disability are more likely to have lower levels of educational attainment. Furthermore, data from the bureau showed that there are more people aged 15 to 64 years living with disability in regional areas – around 18 per cent - than those living in major cities, which is 13 per cent. So we should see a higher proportion of students with disability from regional areas attending university.""However, only two per cent of people with disability living in Australia's regional or remote areas are currently studying in higher education, compared with four per cent in a major city."We want to find out why this pattern is happening, and how universities, governments and the community can address the problem," she said.As part of the project, the researchers have already surveyed and interviewed students with disability who are currently enrolled in regional universities."Through this research, we hope to improve access and participation in higher education by regional people with disability, particularly those from a low socio-economic background," Dr Wilding said.The upcoming round of interviews will be conducted using media to suit the volunteer participants: by telephone, instant messaging, Skype, email or face-to-face. People wishing to participate should contact Ms Kate Freire on (02) 6051 9355 or email kfreire@csu.edu.au.The researchers aim to complete and analyse the interviews before the end of 2017, and report final recommendations to the Federal Department of Education by the middle of 2018.

Strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship and business know-how is the aim of the one-week program to be run from next Monday 28 August in Dubbo by Charles Sturt University (CSU).The Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship Pop Up Hub project aims to strengthen Indigenous entrepreneurship in regional communities across NSW.The Dubbo hub is the first of four one-week programs to run in coming months.The program was developed by Associate Professor Michelle Evans to engage with and inspire Indigenous business people, as well as those thinking about going into business, by offering workshops, masterclasses, trade shows, networking events and opportunities for participants to pitch their business ideas.Professor Evans invites all Dubbo based businesses, and government agencies and non-government organisations wishing to work with Indigenous businesses, to various networking lunches and masterclasses being held between 1pm to 2pm from Monday 28 August to Thursday 1 September. Register here to attend these sessions.The first hub will be officially launched on Monday 28 August at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre."We have twelve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs teaching and presenting at the Walan Mayingu Dubbo program alongside professors from Charles Sturt University and executive educators," Professor Evans said.For further information and to register participation in the Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship Pop Up Hub, go to this site or the Walan Mayinygu Facebook site.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) will celebrate its 20 years in Dubbo with a special event on Tuesday 5 September.Head of Campus Ms Cathy Maginnis (pictured) said, "Charles Sturt University in Dubbo is celebrating having a presence in the local community for the past 20 years, and invites everyone to applaud this milestone with us."We welcome alumni, past and current staff and students, and community members to celebrate this occasion and share memories and our achievements."Ms Maginnis said that during the past 20 years CSU had contributed significantly to Dubbo and the NSW western region by enabling local students to study closer to home and to return to their communities to contribute expertise and professional services in rural and remote areas."Charles Sturt University plays a significant role providing a range of skilled professionals including nurses, teachers, and social workers in western NSW," she said."The recent addition of the dental clinic in Dubbo is also a testament to the practical contribution the University makes to the community."We have made a significant boost to Indigenous tertiary education, as well as the recognition of and support for Indigenous issues and awareness."As part of the event, a photo exhibit and past media articles will be displayed, and tours of facilities will be available. Staff and student guest speakers will share anecdotes and memories, while a professional photographer will be present on the night to capture the celebrations. There will also be opportunity to purchase CSU clothing and memorabilia."I invite community members and especially any alumni and others associated with the University, to come along to reminisce and share the fun," Ms Maginnis said.The CSU in Dubbo 20 year celebrations will be from 5 to 8pm on Tuesday 5 September at CSU, 8 Tony McGrane Place, Dubbo.Refreshments will be provided, and people are encouraged to send an RSVP here to assist with catering.

The environmental and strategic security that nuclear energy offers to Australia will be examined in a free public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo on Tuesday 15 August.This Explorations Series free public lecture, titled 'How our fear of nuclear energy is hurting the environment', will be presented by Mr Rob Parker (pictured), President of the Australian Nuclear Association.Head of Campus at CSU in Dubbo Ms Cathy Maginnis said, "Mr Parker will address the issues of harnessing nuclear energy in Australia, with experience gained during his recent visits to French and American nuclear facilities and to Fukushima in Japan."He will cover the historical achievements of nuclear energy in the 'laboratory of real life', and will delve into the economic benefits for a nuclear powered expansion of wealth as we deal with global warming."Because the use of nuclear energy is now being considered in the context of climate change imperatives, but is criticised by some as unsafe and too expensive, the acceptance of nuclear energy for many Australians will require an about-face on how they overcome the perceived clash of economic prosperity with the environmental impact."I am delighted that Charles Sturt University is able to present this truly important Explorations Series public lecture for all in Dubbo to take an interest in."The free public lecture is from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday 15 August at CSU in Dubbo, in building 902, room 202. The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session, and light refreshments.To attend this free public lecture please register here for catering purposes.Read on the event more here.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst will host its annual major event highlighting the Power of Engineering for young women interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as a future career.Located in the award-winning Engineering building and run by CSU Engineering, The Power of Engineering will welcome 250 female students from Years 8 to 10 in high schools across the NSW central west region this Thursday 10 and Friday 11 August.Lecturer in engineering, Dr Andrea Goncher, said the participants will see the opportunities that a career in engineering or science can offer over the two-day program."Last year's event was a runaway success, and we are looking forward to inspiring the next generation of women engineers for our region, Australia and the world," Dr Goncher said.The CSU engineering course has already been recognised globally, with one of its student teams winning the national Engineers Without Borders Challenge in 2016.In addition, CSU Engineering was also chosen this year by the renowned US-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology as the only Australian case study for a project highlighting the four most innovative courses in the world.The day-long program will provide real-world science and engineering problems for the students to solve while demonstrating the importance of collaborative work and human-centred design."One of the challenges of recruiting young women into engineering is helping them to see themselves as engineers," Dr Goncher said."By giving them real-world challenges to solve, and female engineer role models to guide them while they do so, we help these young women see that there is a future for them in a STEM career."The students are travelling from public and private high schools located in Blayney, Gilgandra, Mudgee, Orange and Oberon as well as Bathurst to take part in the program.

Strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship and business know-how is the aim of a one-week Charles Sturt University (CSU) program to run in August in Dubbo.Members of the Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship Pop Up Hub project are visiting Dubbo on Monday 26 June to meet with the local organising committee and begin final preparations for a series of business innovation workshops to run from Monday 28 August to Friday 1 September.Launched by Charles Sturt University (CSU) in partnership with the New South Wales Government and Indigenous Business Australia, the Walan Mayinygu Pop Up Hub project aims to strengthen Indigenous entrepreneurship in regional communities across NSW.The program was developed by Associate Professor Michelle Evans to engage with and inspire Indigenous business people, as well as those thinking about going into business, by offering workshops, masterclasses, trade shows, networking events and opportunities for participants to pitch their business ideas."We're excited to be in Dubbo on Monday meeting with a range of local stakeholders including Aboriginal business people," said Professor Evans, who is with CSU's Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences."We have twelve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs teaching and presenting at the Walan Mayingu Dubbo program alongside professors from Charles Sturt University and executive educators from Melbourne Business School and the University of NSW."In August, the Dubbo Pop Up Hub will begin with an official opening at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, followed by a networking lunch and masterclass presented by a selection of successful Indigenous entrepreneurs.Other activities to occur during the week include networking lunches as well as workshops for established businesses on legal issues, business management, and social media engagement.Hour-long masterclasses held each day will focus on topics such as thinking as an entrepreneur, creating value financially and non-financially, and market orientation.There is also a day-long Youth Innovation Program on Wednesday 30 August, while several keynote speaker will also address participants during the week.  "The Pop Up Hub will provide local people with a sense of what's available in term of business support. For some, it will pave the way for them to further develop their entrepreneurial interests and talents," said Mr Paul Schenk, Business Development Manager for the Western Office of Regional Development, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet."This is a great opportunity for local people, and I encourage them to get involved. Harnessing and developing the entrepreneurial energy and talents of the Indigenous business community has the benefit of improving the overall economy of the region."After the Dubbo event in August, Walan Mayinygu Pop Up Hubs will also take place in Albury, Port Macquarie and Lismore.For further information and to register participation in the Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship Pop Up Hub,go to this site or the Walan Mayinygu Facebook site.

The first art exhibition to hang in the revitalised Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo features wood carvings by Dubbo Aboriginal artist Mr Mal Morris.CSU campus development manager Mr Bart Sykes said the exhibition projects power and integrity."The works to be displayed represent stories and memories from Mr Morris's childhood, the river and bush around the Dubbo region," Mr Sykes said."The exhibits explore the personal nature of marking wood from Wiradjuri country using a deep 'V' sculpted groove. These works show the special connection between people and country, and Mr Morris finds deeper meanings discovered through tools, nature and belonging."The free exhibition runs from Monday 26 June to Friday 25 August at CSU in Dubbo, 8 Tony McGrane Place, with the official opening at 2pm on Saturday 1 July. The exhibition curator is Mr Jack Randell.Mr Morris (pictured) is a Wiradjuri man who lived in North Dubbo in 1950s and 1960s on the site of the current Aboriginal Aged Accommodation in Bemrose Lane. He attended North Dubbo Primary, then Dubbo High School for a brief period before gaining a trade certificate in fitting and turning.After many years working in local industries, he retired from full-time work and took a position at Lincoln School at Orana Juvenile Justice Centre. Working with Aboriginal youth at the Centre and helping them reconnect with culture and country, he rediscovered his passion for art. His art evolved from dot painting on canvass, to painting and burning didgeridoos, through to wood carvings.Mr Morris is very conscious of the significance of the traditional tree carvings of the Wiradjuri people, and in 2014 was involved in discussions with the Dubbo Aboriginal Working Party to ensure that he was supported by the local Aboriginal people in developing a culturally-safe style of carvings. This led to the completion of 'Totem Poles' at the Allira Preschool in Dubbo.Since then, he has further developed his passion for wood carvings, and enjoys carving his own stories of culture.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) has announced the successful applicants for Community-University Partnership (CUP) education grants for organisations in the Dubbo region.Head of Campus at CSU in Dubbo Ms Cathy Maginnis (pictured) said, "The Community-University Partnerships program is just one of the ways that the University demonstrates its motto, 'For the public good', and its ethos, 'yindyamarra winhanganha', meaning 'the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in'."The CUP grants aim to advance our mission by cultivating strong, relevant and collaborative partnerships with local communities, industry, government and employers."I congratulate the successful applicants in our region and wish them success with their projects."The CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program is a small grant program (generally between $500 and $1 000) aimed at assisting primary and secondary schools, and not-for-profit early childhood centres in the University's regions, acquire equipment or consumables that assist in facilitating students' learning and engagement in rural and regional areas. Successful applicants in this category each received $1 000, and they include:Wellington Primary School Parents and Citizens, to erect playground structures and create a sensory garden;Buninyong Public School, to provide migrant families with quality books to support English language learning;St John's Parish School, Dubbo, to add to mathematical resources in classrooms; andOrana Heights Public School - Early Intervention Support Class, Dubbo, to add to sensory, gross motor and fine motor equipment to increase student engagement and participation.

A leading academic in entrepreneurship at Charles Sturt University (CSU) believes small businesses should do considerable groundwork before they expand.CSU Professor of Entrepreneurship Professor Morgan Miles says that to grow, small business owners need a variety of new skills and information."They will need to identify opportunities and innovations, network and negotiate, target markets, develop effective selling strategies and communications, improve processes, gather financial intelligence, and prepare to manage larger teams," said Professor Miles, who is with the CSU Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences.Professor Miles will address these topics and more in the 'Next Stage Growth Program' to be presented by CSU's CenWest Innovate project based in Bathurst."Participants will be invited to think about the fundamentals of being an entrepreneur, as well as marketing and managing the growth process," he said."We will need to go back to basics to assess our core business strategies, mission and expected growth."In addition, we will conduct market research, develop marketing strategies and learn how to use digital and social media to build and manage customer relations."The six month program will cost $2 000 per business, with up to two participants per business. Scholarships are available.To apply to participate in or for details regarding the program, phone 02 6338 4503 or send an email. The first course is due to commence on Thursday 20 July at CSU in Bathurst.