The Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast region will field its first-ever team in the annual NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout competition to be held in Newcastle on the October long weekend. The Yapun Yapun team is made up of Mid North Coast residents and sponsored by Charles Sturt University (CSU) Indigenous Student Services. Indigenous Student Support Officer at CSU in Port Macquarie, Ms Helene Jones said the University is delighted to support the team in contesting the 43rd running of the competition. “This is a fantastic opportunity to support community  mentors to become leaders; highlighting the relationships between sports, community, family and education,” she said. “Through delivery of Higher Education courses and community engagement programs, Charles Sturt University looks for opportunities to promote social equality and the recognition of Aboriginals as leaders in our community. Charles Sturt University is committed to working with Indigenous people in our communities to close the gap and serve the local community.  As the first team from the area to compete in this competition, there is plenty of local interest and support." 

Two high-level meetings this week will help advance the development of Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie. The Structural Adjustment Fund (SAF) Governance Committee meeting is being held at CSU in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 23 October. This is a joint management committee of CSU and North Coast TAFE. The Vice-Chancellor and President of CSU, Professor Andrew Vann, will then attend the inaugural meeting of the local campus’ Regional Consultative Committee on Wednesday 24 October. “The convening of this Committee is an important step in the establishment of a new Charles Sturt University campus,” Professor Vann said. “Regional Consultative Committees provide the University with strategic advice on the needs and expectations of our communities, and provide a way for the University to communicate through its members to industry, employers, government and the community. It will be great to tap into the thinking of local community leaders about their vision for CSU in Port Macquarie.” Later in the week, the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Strategic Regional Leadership Conference, co-sponsored by CSU, will be held at The Glasshouse in Port Macquarie on Friday 26 October. Read more on CSU News here.

The expansion of courses available at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) newest campus in Port Macquarie in 2013 will be detailed at a special Information Day on Thursday 23 August.  Four information sessions will be held throughout the day at 27 Grant Street, Port Macquarie from 10am to 8pm. Open to the community, the event will highlight the four new CSU undergraduate degrees available for full-time study, on campus on the Mid North Coast. These include Bachelor degrees in business, paramedics, policing and medical imaging. Read more on course expansion at Port Macquarie on CSU News here. Campus Director in Port Macquarie Dr Muyesser Durur said,” These undergraduate degrees available from 2013 are in addition to the four courses now available in Port Macquarie in conjunction with North Coast TAFE including accounting, creative industries, social work, and health and rehabilitation science. Our lecturers will be on hand throughout the day to talk about our range of courses and where they can lead in terms of employment. Information about the academic and non-academic support available from Charles Sturt University for new students will also be available during the event.” You can register online for one of the four Information Day sessions here or telephone 1800 334 733. Information Day sessions on Thursday 23 August will be held from 10am to 11am; 11am to 12noon; 1pm to 2pm; and 6pm to 8pm.

Science at Charles Sturt University (CSU) and its innovations in teaching and research will be on show to the Mid-North Coast community on Monday 23 April in a presentation by the Dean of CSU’s Faculty of Science, Professor Nick Klomp. “The Faculty of Science is one of the largest and most diverse science faculties in Australasia, with around 9 000 students and hundreds of staff in seven schools across six campuses. We teach and conduct research in a variety of science and health disciplines from veterinary science to dentistry, nursing to environmental studies, forensic biotechnology to wine science, agriculture to allied health. I will also speak about CSU’s bid for a medical school,” said Professor Klomp, who is also a renowned science broadcaster. Teachers, students, industry representatives, and the general public will receive information about courses leading to science careers, current and future research collaborations, and professional training in the University’s multi-million dollar research and training facilities and clinics.

Members of the Port Macquarie community will gather for an Iftar dinner, hosted by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Affinity Intercultural Foundation, to mark the Islamic month of Ramadhan on Friday 12 July. ‘Iftar’ refers to the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the holy month, and is traditionally shared with friends, neighbours and relatives. Foundation executive director Mr Ahmet Keskin said Ramadhan was a significant time of the year for the Muslim community. “It's a time for reflection and sharing. Each year we see the Muslim community open their hearts and their homes to the general public, as they invite friends from all walks of their life to be around the dinner table. We look forward to breaking bread with our friends from the north coast of NSW," he said. CSU in Port Macquarie campus director Dr Muyesser Durur said the University was very happy to have the opportunity, in conjunction with the foundation, to host the dinner. “Part of the University’s role on the Mid North Coast is to encourage and support the sharing of ideas and ideals within and among the community,” she said.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is pleased to be hosting its China Joint Cooperation Program partners at CSU in Port Macquarie this week.The meeting will be held to discuss the current and future plans for academic collaboration, exchange information and ideas, all whilst getting to know the Port Macquarie sites and scenery. Presidents and senior staff from four of CSU's university partners in China will attend the meeting.The four university partners include Yunnan University of Finance and Economics (YUFE), Jilin University of Finance and Economics (JUFE), Tianjin University of Commerce and Yangzhou University.CSU has worked in partnership with these universities in a Joint Cooperation Program approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, for over 17 years. During this time over 7,000 students have graduated from CSU's Bachelor of Business Studies.Senior CSU staff who will be attending the meeting include CSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Vann; CSU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Development and Industry, Professor Mary Kelly, CSU Executive Dean, Faculty of Business Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Professor Tracey Green; and CSU Pro Vice Chancellor, International Education & Partnerships and Head of Campus, Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh.The Chinese delegation members will be formally welcomed to Port Macquarie by Uncle Bill O'Brien and Mr Peter Besseling, Mayor of Port Macquarie Hastings Council on 10 November 2016.Professor Heather Cavanagh said, "Hosting this meeting at Charles Sturt University's newest campus in Port Macquarie is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our world class facilities, and highlight the breadth of opportunities for international students to study with us and experience the beautiful lifestyle of the Mid North Coast."Our strategy for the campus in Port Macquarie is to grow both our domestic and international student numbers and we are well on target to achieve this."We are thrilled that our Joint Cooperation Program partners have sent very high level staff to this meeting, and we welcome the opportunity to further discuss our ambitious plans to enhance and expand our academic partnerships."

Charles Sturt University (CSU) students from the Port Macquarie will be participating in the nationwide Garage Sale Trail this Saturday 22 October 2016 to raise funds for the Jacob Berry Memorial Scholarship.The group is raising funds in memory of their friend, 23-year-old CSU student Jacob Berry who tragically passed away in a bicycle accident whilst overseas this year.Jacob had just graduated from the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Paramedic) and a $5 000 scholarship has now been established to honour his life. The scholarship will be available from 2017 to paramedicine students studying at CSU in Port Macquarie.This weekend, CSU students will be helping to raise funds for the scholarship. They will be selling second hand goods as well as plenty of steak sandwiches. Local butchers, Meltique Beef have donated all the steaks and the local council as well as a two local churches are also involved.Friends of Jacob's from CSU Jack Dowd and Ashley Hendry are among those who'll be helping this weekend.Jacob's friends and family described him in a statement as, "A graduate, a much loved son, a brother and a great friend to so many who had the fortune to meet him. He loved surfing and being in the water and was a qualified dive master. He was also an aspiring musician and enjoyed the adventures that traveling gave him. His passing has left a void in the lives of all that knew him."Berry Financial Services, Rydges and CSU have created the Jacob Berry Memorial Scholarship to enable Port Macquarie paramedicine students to realise their dreams.The Port Macquarie contribution to the national Garage Sale Trail is taking place at CSU, 7 Major Innes Road from 9am – 1pm and a barbeque will be available as well as many pre-loved items.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is hosting the Building Respect and Safety event as an opportunity for students, staff and community to keep building a culture of respect.The Building Respect and Safety event will take place at 4pm on Wednesday 21 September in Room 808.2047 at CSU in Port Macquarie and will include a free viewing of The Hunting Ground. This documentary film exposes the rates of sexual assault at American universities and provides a chance to discuss the issues of safety, respect and consent.CSU Student Liaison Officer (Equity), Ms Cathy Woodhead said, "Students are invited to attend this event which will culminate in an open discussion on the issue, led by professionals from the local Port Macquarie Hastings community who respond to sexual assault."Charles Sturt University hopes to be one organisation taking the lead to prevent sexual violence in our community and we are hoping this screening and conversation will continue to strengthen the University as a place of respect and understanding."Building Respect and Safety at CSU in Port Macquarie is part of the University's roll out of the Australia wide campaign Respect. Now. Always. which strives to prevent sexual assault and harassment in university communities.  As well as the screening of The Hunting Ground and discussion of the issues of sexual assault and harassment, CSU will be providing guests with a pizza supper.For students and staff members at CSU, a website has been developed to provide them with resources, information, the opportunity to get involved in the campaign, advice for how to help, and how to report and access support services www.csu.edu.au/respect.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is pleased to announce that it will welcome its first intake of international students at Port Macquarie in 2017.Vice-Chancellor of CSU Professor Andrew Vann is also pleased to announce 20 new scholarships which will be available to international students studying at CSU in Port Macquarie."I am excited to welcome international students to our new campus in the coastal city of Port Macquarie in New South Wales for 2017," Professor Vann said. "Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie offers students a world-class experience in state-of-the-art teaching facilities and innovative learning spaces, all alongside the opportunity to be part of a friendly and vibrant community of students and academics."The Vice-Chancellor's Port Macquarie International Scholarships are valued at $20,000 and $10,000, and are available to commencing full-time international students studying any CSU course delivered at Port Macquarie. Applications are open until 30 September 2016.Head of Campus for CSU in Port Macquarie and Pro-Vice Chancellor, International Education and Partnerships, Professor Heather Cavanagh, said welcoming international students to the campus would benefit both the University and the wider community."For international students an Australian study experience is not just about getting a qualification but also about immersing themselves into our lifestyle, culture and workforce in order to have a meaningful experience."We are thrilled that Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie will gain international students from next year as we've seen from our other campus cities the benefits that flow through to the community, including gaining new long-term residents who contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the region. And for the students we can't wait share with them the wonderful location, climate and lifestyle that is Port Macquarie, not to mention our new campus facilities."From Session 1 2017 CSU in Port Macquarie will have the following courses available to international students: accounting, advertising, business studies, criminal justice, clinical practice (paramedic), exercise and sports science, graphic design, medical radiation science, public relations, psychology, social science (psychology), outdoor recreation and ecotourism, and social work.