Six academics at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie were recognised at the 2018 World Teachers’ Day Awards on Friday 26 October 2018.The ceremony held in Port Macquarie honoured the teaching work and the impact of educators on students across the Mid North Coast.The six CSU academics awarded were:Ms Kym Barry, lecturer in medical radiation science in the School of Dentistry and Health SciencesMr Phillip Ebbs, senior lecturer in paramedicine in the School of Biomedical SciencesDr Natalia Bilton, lecturer in human anatomy and physiology in the School of Biomedical SciencesDr Prue Gonzalez, lecturer in environmental practice in the School of Environmental SciencesMs Samantha Burbidge in the School of Biomedical SciencesAssociate Professor in interpretation and ecotourism Rosemary Black in the School of Environmental SciencesAward winner Mr Phillip Ebbs said the awards demonstrated the excellent work of the academic team at the University.“We have a great team here in Port Macquarie who not only deliver great results, but they also take the time to recognise and encourage their peers,” Mr Ebbs said.Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Industry) and Acting Head of Campus Professor Heather Cavanagh congratulated the award winners.“This recognition demonstrates the positive impact Charles Sturt University is having on the Mid North Coast and our strengthening ties to the community,” Professor Cavanagh said.Now in its thirteenth year, the World Teachers’ Day Awards presented by the Australian College of Educators recognise teachers and teaching across the professional range from early childhood learning through to university lecturers and programs.World Teachers’ Day is celebrated in Australia on the last Friday of October, but on other dates in other countries.Photo credit (left to right): Ms Kym Barry, Mr Phillip Ebbs, Dr Natalia Bilton, and Dr Prue Gonzalez.

* CSU names Lahey Constructions to build Stage Two in Port Macquarie* Strong community support and student enrolment growth assures future higher education demand in region* $40 million project completion due by mid-2020Charles Sturt University (CSU) today announced that Lahey Constructions has been awarded the construction contract of Stage Two of the state-of-the-art campus in Port Macquarie.This development follows the official opening of the campus in 2016 which has been widely supported by Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast region and has attracted significant numbers of international and out-of-region students.CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said the University was excited to announce the expansion of the campus and to award it to a Mid North Coast construction firm.“Our student numbers and forecasts show the current facility will be nearing capacity by the end of next year, which gives us the confidence the expansion is both needed and will be welcomed,” Professor Vann said.“Charles Sturt University is also pleased to support a local firm which will lead the design finalisation, programming cost management, and delivery of the $40 million project.”Executive Director of the CSU Division of Facilities Management Mr Stephen Butt said Lahey Constructions’ tender was impressive, and the firm has a strong reputation.“Lahey impressed the University with its key values and hands-on approach,” Mr Butt said.“The alignment between the two organisations to work to deliver a second stage reflective of the form and ethos of the initial development is very strong.“Lahey is well known within the Mid North Coast region and have a number of their key team members residing in the region who have delivered local projects. They bring a ‘one team’ approach, working with the client in a collaborative partnership in order to achieve the best possible outcome."Mr Butt said CSU expected the expanded campus will be operational by the start of second semester 2020.Lahey Constructions Executive Director Mr Phil Lahey said the firm had experience successfully delivering tertiary education projects in regional and isolated locations.“Lahey Constructions brings experience in tertiary education projects and has successfully delivered these in both regional and isolated locations across Australia and takes pride in defect-free handovers to our clients,” Mr Lahey said.“We are also committed to sharing our knowledge, life experiences and expertise with the next generation, making sure there is a sustainable future for the construction industry. We have committed to employing two Charles Sturt University postgraduates in cadet roles for the duration of this project.”The new development will support an additional 1800 students over the existing 1000 at CSU in Port Macquarie.The Stage Two development flows from the existing campus via a link way across the adjacent reserve and is intended to be used by students, staff, and the wider community.The new development will include additional learning and teaching spaces (flat floored and tiered), a laboratory, breakout and meeting spaces, student kitchen and facilities, a space for small events, and additional car parking.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) with the Comboyne Community Association and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will launch the Comboyne Cookbook on Monday 15 October to highlight the town’s local food treasures.The cookbook, designed by four CSU third-year graphic design students – Ms Abby Artuso, Mr Thomas Brown, Ms Beka Dennis and Ms Mel Streater – features local Comboyne businesses, famous local recipes, and some well-known personalities.Lecturer in graphic design in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries Ms Willhemina Wahlin said the book was a perfect example of the University working with the community.“The book celebrates the close partnerships Charles Sturt University and our students built up with the Comboyne community while they worked on the book, and also the close ties of the University with the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council,” Ms Wahlin said.Ms Wahlin explained that the students were involved from the beginning of the Comboyne Cookbook’s production to the final result.“The book really demonstrates the diversity of talent the students have,” Ms Wahlin said. They styled the food, took amazingly rich photographs, created the illustrations, and undertook the layout of the entire 174 pages. It was a huge effort and they have done an outstanding job.Ms Wahlin added this type of collaborative work with community provides a unique experience for students on all aspects of project management, and is a very valuable addition to their graduating portfolios.“There are a lot of soft skills that designers need in addition to the processes of design, and one of the most important of these is building good client relationships.,” Ms Wahlin said.“Designers work in a wide range of organisations, both within the creative industries and beyond, so it’s important that they are prepared for a range of employment options.”The Comboyne Cookbook is part of the region’s Port Macquarie Bicentennial, and is a project funded and supported by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.The community are invited to attend the launch that will be held at the Comboyne Showgrounds in Comboyne and will be attended by the Mayor, Councillor Peta Pinson, as well as students and Ms Wahlin.“These events are a great opportunity for students to meet the community and foster potential career opportunities ahead of their graduation,” Ms Wahlin said.Student Ms Mel Streater said that she is excited to see the book in its physical form and celebrate its success with the community.“We’re all very proud to be part of the book’s launch,” Ms Streater said.The Comboyne Cookbook is available from the Comboyne Community Centre (phone: 6550 4289) retailing at $50. For those attending the event, limited copies of the book will available or orders can be placed for delivery in early November.Following the event, students will hold another networking and engagement opportunity when they hold the graduate exhibition, ‘Metamorphosis’, at CSU in Port Macquarie on Friday 7 December from 6pm.

* CSU in Port Macquarie will host free public lecture by artist Dr Beric Henderson * Public lecture on Thursday 11 October will discuss how creative expression can contribute to a balanced life * Event aligns with Port Macquarie-Hasting’s Council 2018–2021 draft cultural plan to empower and enrich the communityCharles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie will next week host a free public lecture by Australian artist Dr Beric Henderson about the various forms of creativity and how creative expression contributes to a balanced life. This CSU Exploration Series public lecture will see Dr Henderson reflect on his decades of experience, on the roles of visualisation, obsession, and experimentation in the creation of new scientific theorems and unique artworks. The University’s acting Head of Campus in Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh said the topic of this discussion, ‘The Role of Creativity in Science, Art and Daily Life’, resonates with both the current and future cultural landscape of Port Macquarie. “The region is starting to see a burgeoning appetite for culture through the various artistic talents, local galleries, theatres, exhibitions and events available,” Professor Cavanagh said. “Dr Henderson is internationally recognised for his work as a Senior Research Fellow and group leader in the field of protein trafficking and cancer. He has an impressive CV, which includes previously heading up the Gene of Expression Laboratory at the Westmead Institute for Cancer Research, and pursuing postdoctoral studies, training and work overseas in world-leading research institutes in Switzerland and in Cambridge, England.   “Leaving his esteemed science career behind to eventually reside in Port Macquarie to follow his passion for art has lent itself well for this Exploration Series public lecture,” Professor Cavanagh said. “To have someone of Dr Henderson’s calibre give up his time and draw on his own unique experiences around the similarities and differences in creative approaches, between scientists and artists to realise their ideas, will no doubt fuel more creative discussion throughout the community.” The event also aligns with Port Macquarie-Hasting’s Council 2018–2021 draft cultural plan, which has been designed to empower and enrich the community through experiences that celebrate the diverse art and culture in the region. Event details:CSU Exploration Series: The Role of Creativity in Science, Art and Daily Life by Beric HendersonTime and date: 6.pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 11 OctoberLocation: Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie, Room 2048, 7 Major Innes RdCost: FREERegistrations will be required by Wednesday 10 October

* CSU community day to promote Port Macquarie’s rich history and diverse region * CSU in Port Macquarie welcomes local Council’s Bicentenary Quick Grant * CSU will host the free community day on Saturday 13 October As part of Port Macquarie’s bicentenary, Charles Sturt University (CSU) will host a free community day on Saturday 13 October as a result of their success in receiving a Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Bicentenary Quick Grant. To commemorate this milestone and to help the community come together, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council offered a number of Quick Grants to offset the costs associated with small projects in relation to commemorations of its bicentennial year. The CSU application received a Quick Grant to support its proposed Bicentennial Commemoration Community Day. Acting Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh said that the day encourages locals to come and enjoy what the CSU community has to offer through plenty of family-friendly activities, live music, food and art. “It will be a great opportunity to not only showcase the University to Port Macquarie residents through a fun and social way but also a chance to enrich the community’s appreciation of our region’s historical ties, through Indigenous dance performances, bush tucker demonstrations, and Indigenous art,” Professor Cavanagh said. “We’ve been fortunate to gain the support of Council for this event through the Quick Grant, and we look forward to welcoming and sharing this day with the community.” Event details: CSU Port Macquarie Bicentennial Commemoration Community Day.Time and date: 11am to 2pm on Saturday 13 October Location: Charles Sturt University, car park 7, Major Innes Rd, Port Macquarie, NSW Cost: FREEMedia note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews.

Students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie have teamed up with Yesterday’s Jam to raise funds for their graduating exhibition that will be held in early December.The final year students of the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Design and Visual Arts) and the local venue Yesterday’s Jam (formerly the Latin Loafer) will be hosting a night of live music featuring Genes on 26 September starting at 6.30pm. The local band, made up of two brothers, have been featured on Triple J Unearthed.For $10, people will get a night of great music all the while supporting students who will use the funds to cover the set-up costs and promotion of the exhibition.CSU lecturer in graphic design Willhemina Wahlin said the graduating exhibition was an important bridge for students between their university and professional lives.“I’m really excited about this year’s exhibition because the students will have such a broad range of works, from skate decks to textile designs,” she explained. “It showcases the diversity of the work being produced and gives the students an opportunity to talk about their individual journeys with the public and industry.”Funds raised on the night will help students pay for printing and other opening night costs, most of which they raise themselves. “We are excited to team up with Yesterday’s Jam, not only because it is a great local venue, but it also reflects the connection and collaborations that happen in the growing Port Macquarie arts and creative community,” Ms Wahlin said.CSU student Bek Dennis said the live music event and the graduating exhibition were an important way to connect to the community and the industry.“We’re really looking forward to exhibiting our work because it lets us celebrate what we have done with people in the industry as well as family and friends,” Ms Dennis said, adding these connections will open doors in the future.When asked about her future plans, Ms Dennis said she had already started building her branding portfolio as she had begun working with clients and also had ambition to create a magazine aimed at young people to share creativity.All tickets purchased will go in the draw for a double-pass to the 2018 Wildwood Festival.Yesterday’s Jam is at 74 Clarence St Port Macquarie.

* NSW Police recruits undertaking the online offering in the NSW policing degree can now complete their compulsory residential sessions in Port Macquarie.* First residential to be held at CSU in Port Macquarie on Friday 14 September.* NSW Police Force now coming to the candidates to attract more country recruits.Policing students undertaking the Associate Degree in Policing Practice offered online by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Police are getting the opportunity to undertake their compulsory residential sessions on the NSW Mid North Coast.Students in the online option of the Associate Degree will start their first residential school at CSU in Port Macquarie on Friday 14 September.While the first session of the course is offered full time at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn, NSW, students seeking to enter the NSW Police Force can choose to study Session One online while they continue work in the community. Those studying online must also attend residential ‘phases’ to complete the course requirements for the first session.Commander of the NSW Police Academy, Chief Superintendent Rod Smith, said until now the residential phases were all conducted at the Police Academy.“We have created more opportunities for people to join the NSW Police Force and have developed a program that will allow the residential phases to be conducted remotely,” said Chief Superintendent Smith.A total of 35 students have enrolled in the online course to start their journey to become a NSW Police Officer, the largest online group since 2014. After completing the first session, the students will study full time at the Goulburn academy for 16 weeks.“It is encouraging to see people from the Coast take up the offer and commence their study to become a police officer,” Chief Superintendent Smith said.“The offering of residential phases at Port Macquarie minimises the time spent away from home, allowing them to continue to work while completing the first part of the course.”Executive Dean of the CSU Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Professor Tracey Green, said the University worked closely with NSW Police Force on this initiative.“Charles Sturt University is delighted to facilitate this ADPP offering at our campus at Port Macquarie.“We wholeheartedly support the initiative of NSW Police to make a policing career more accessible to people living in regional NSW,” Professor Green said.The NSW Police Recruitment Branch are also taking the entry assessments to the country. Testing has been conducted at Kempsey, Bathurst and Dubbo to date, with more sites scheduled throughout the remainder of the year. Applicants receive physical capacity and psychometric testing as well as face-to-face interviews.“In the past, applicants were required to travel to Sydney to take part in these tests. In an attempt to attract more country recruits and streamline the process, we are now coming to the candidates,” Chief Superintendent Smith said.The NSW Police Academy currently has 730 policing students studying full time on the Associate Degree of Policing Practice at Goulburn, with a further 55 studying for the Associate Degree online.

* CSU students invited to participate with emergency services in training exercise at North Haven Beach near Laurieton on the Mid North Coast * Real-world experience helps students to develop skills and perspectives Students in the paramedicine and outdoor recreation (ecotourism) programs at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie participated in an interagency simulated training exercise at North Haven Beach near Laurieton on Sunday 2 September.Participants had to access, stabilise, and extricate seven patients from the scene of a simulated helicopter crash. The simulated patients were located in the water, on the beach, and in the surrounding heathland.Senior lecturer in paramedicine in the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Port Macquarie Mr Phillip Ebbs said, “It is a privilege for the paramedicine and outdoor recreation students to have been invited to participate in this emergency training exercise with the North Haven Surf Life Saving Club and with State Emergency Service units from Camden Haven and Wauchope.“It is imperative that we provide our students with real-world experiences such as this to develop their skills and perspectives, and to learn how various emergency response agencies interact and cooperate.”Dr Prue Gonzalez, lecturer in environmental practice in the School of Environmental Sciences at CSU in Port Macquarie, said, “We appreciate the invitation by other agencies to participate, because our paramedicine and outdoor recreation and ecotourism students have similar needs to practice risk assessments and first aid in outdoor environments.”Mr Ebbs and Dr Gonzalez attended the exercise to observe and provide feedback to students.The emergency training exercise commenced at 10am on Sunday 2 September at North Haven Beach, near Laurieton.

* CSU CUP small grants available for Mid North Coast region arts and culture projects * Applications close Friday 24 August * Previous recipients include the Henry Lawson Festival of Arts in Grenfell, Uranquinty Preschool, the Wagga City Rugby Male Choir, Canowindra Arts Inc, Cudal Public School P and C Association, the Rotary Club of Orange Inc, and the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre * The grants help the community to encourage participation in arts and cultureThe next round of 2018 Charles Sturt University (CSU) Community-University Partnership (CUP) grants for arts and cultural activities are available for applications.Individuals and community groups across the University’s regions covered by its campuses in Port Macquarie, Dubbo, Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga, Orange, and Wagga Wagga are invited to apply.Associate Professor Laura Dan, Director Knowledge Exchange and Engagement at CSU, said, “The University provides up to $20,000 worth of CUP grants across its regional footprint, and I encourage individuals and groups with projects or initiatives that meet the criteria to apply.”Applications close on Friday 24 August, and the CUP grants application form is here:https://about.csu.edu.au/community/grants/arts-and-culturePrevious 2017 CSU CUP arts and culture grant recipients from across the CSU regional footprint include:The Rotary Club of Orange Inc received a $1,000 CSU CUP arts and culture grant to stage 17 poetry workshops in 10 primary schools across the Orange region from17 to 27 October 2017.The Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) used its $1,000 grant to bring professional writers to speak at the Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival, and keep the festival free and therefore accessible for the community.The Henry Lawson Festival of Arts in Grenfell organises national competitions and exhibitions in the literary, visual and performing arts, and celebrates and promotes the winners. As in 2016, the CSU Cup grant was used to help stage and judge the 2017 Verse and Short Story Competition.Mount Austin High School in Wagga Wagga used its grant to help fund students to go to Sydney for rehearsals for State Dance and the Schools Spectacular. The grant assisted the students with accommodation and food while in Sydney for rehearsals and performances.Uranquinty Preschool’s project explored the music of other cultures with three- to five- year-old children. The grant was used to invite musical artists to the preschool to engage the children in music and dance with instruments that included a didgeridoo, and African drums. Instruments, CDs and cultural costumes were also purchased to support this project.The Wagga City Rugby Male Choir, in conjunction with the South Wagga Public School used the CSU CUP grant to contribute to the availability of sound and amplification equipment to assist student band members to engage with learning and future musical education.The Canowindra Arts Inc CSU CUP grant funded an art course for young artists in Canowindra to develop students’ personal skills in specific art mediums and styles, and facilitated their practical knowledge and application of art.Cudal Public School Parents and Citizens Association received a $1,000 grant to create stronger ties within the small community by staging a school and community theatrical production. The funds were used to cover costs associated with the project, including sound and microphones for students to use during the play and the creation of props and costumes.