* CSU nominated and a finalists in two categories: * Outstanding Employer of Choice (HR) * Childcare, Education and Training (Learning and Teaching area)Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie is a finalists in two categories of the 2018 Holiday Coast Credit Union Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards this weekend.Being a finalist in the Outstanding Employer of Choice (HR) category reflects staff morale and the campus at CSU in Port Macquarie.As a finalist in the Childcare, Education and Training (Learning and Teaching area) category, CSU’s contribution to being a thought leader in the Port Macquarie community is acknowledged.CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann (pictured) said, “The University is proud to be associated with the Port Macquarie Business Chamber and we’re humbled to have been announced as a finalist.“Being recognised alongside other high achieving businesses and organisations, both in the area of learning and teaching and as an outstanding employer of choice, is testament to the wonderful staff and students who study and work at our campus in Port Macquarie and across our entire footprint.“Well done and congratulations to all finalists, and thank you to the Port Macquarie business and wider community for their continued support and faith in our institution.” More information can be found here: https://portchamber.com.au/event/gala-awards-night-2018/The winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner at Port Macquarie Panthers on Saturday 28 July.

* CSU in Port Macquarie has opened its nominations for the 2018 Charles Sturt University NAIDOC Awards * The NAIDOC theme this year is Because Of Her We Can * The awards celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and the active and significant roles they play across the Port Macquarie region Charles Sturt University (CSU) is proud to recognise Indigenous women, as part of the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week theme this year, Because of Her We Can.Acting Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie Mr Peter Fraser said, “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have kept the oldest continuing culture on the planet strong, and the women have been strong partners with their men in maintaining this cultural connection through generations”.A lunchtime launch was held at CSU in Port Macquarie today at the Indigenous Student Centre. The nominations close on Wednesday 25 July with a ceremony to be held in August.“Charles Sturt University is so proud to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community members,” Mr Fraser said.“Charles Sturt University encourages everyone to nominate Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander women they know who are influencing and shaping our community.“As pillars of our society, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played and continue to play, active and significant roles at all levels of our community. Charles Sturt University is delighted and proud to be supporting these women.”Nomination forms can be found here.

* Around 200 high school students expected for MyDay at CSU in Port M on Tuesday 19 June * Free MyDay event is a great start to preparation for universitySenior high school students from across NSW will attend a MyDay at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 19 June to explore a range of courses and future study options.CSU prospective student adviser Ms Melinda Negus said, “With around 175 students currently registered, we can expect about 200 students plus parents to attend the MyDay.“The students who have registered come from a very broad area as well as our own region, from a range of schools from Moruya and Griffith to Armidale and Coffs Harbour.“The students who attend MyDay can learn about the courses we offer at Charles Sturt University as well as general information about university and study. This free event is a great start to university preparation.“Parents are also welcome to attend most sessions to learn more about courses and study at Charles Sturt University.”Courses to be explored by the students include accounting and business, graphic design, environmental science and outdoor recreation, criminal justice, law and policing, exercise and sports science, occupational therapy, paramedicine, physiotherapy, psychology, social work, and teaching and education.

* CSU to boost ABC stargazing world record attempt on Wednesday 23 May * CSU will host ‘Star Parties’ in Port Macquarie, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga * Aiming to beat previous 2015 world record of 7,960 stargazers in 37 locationsCharles Sturt University (CSU) will host three ‘Star Parties’ as part of the ABC’s Stargazing Live Guinness World Record Attempt for ‘Most People Stargazing Across Multiple Venues’ on Wednesday evening 23 May.CSU will host events in Port Macquarie, Bathurst, and Wagga Wagga.Acting Head of Campus of CSU in Port Macquarie Mr Peter Fraser said, “Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie is delighted to host a Star Party as part of the ABC’s Live National Guinness World Record Attempt, for the ‘Most People Stargazing Across Multiple Venues'.“This will be a family-friendly fun event, and is a great way to show off our facilities in Port Macquarie. Everybody is welcome to come along and take part in this world record attempt.“This event is open to the community and free to attend, but you must register.”In Port Macquarie: 7pm to 10pm at CSU in the outdoor amphitheatre and half basketball court.To register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/charles-sturt-university-port-macquarie-star-party-tickets-45577452387In Port Macquarie guests can enjoy a barbeque near the fire and hot drinks for gold coin donations, which go toward Port Macquarie’s Observatory. Guest speaker, astronomer Mr David Reneke will introduce the event and provide some insight into stargazing. Campus tours will also be available on the night. Participants can purchase a small telescope upon registration for $6.50, or bring your own.In Port Macquarie, at approximately 7.45pm guests who are participating in the world record attempt will move to the half basketball court to stargaze for ten minutes. All participants in the record attempt must have a telescope or binoculars. The live cross with the ABC will be aired in the Indigenous Centre.More information can be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2314806898533047/

* CSU Port Macquarie Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) 2nd year student received a prestigious Rural Fire Service Award. * Brigade unit awarded a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation in recognition of outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties. A Charles Sturt University (CSU) 2nd year Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) student Ms Karma Reeves has received a Rural Fire Service award as part of a team that rescued a trapped man last year.On Tuesday 7 February 2017 the Pacific Palms Rural Fire Service (RFS) were the first to arrive on the scene where a man was trapped under a small excavator, which had overturned in a shallow dam at Charlotte Bay on the NSW Mid North Coast.The man was pinned by the machine, and managed to keep his mouth and nose above the water. He’d been trapped for several hours and was struggling to maintain his position.The crew were unable to extract the victim so instead set up pumps to try and reduce the dam water level to provide relief for the victim and support the rescue effort.The NSW Fire and Rescue units from Forster arrived and worked closely with the RFS to rescue the victim.Ms Reeves said given the muddy base of the dam and the awkward position of the victim it took 40 minutes to rescue the victim.“It was a great honour to receive the award with my fellow crew members. It was a difficult and challenging rescue, but seeing everyone work together and having a successful rescue was great,” Ms Reeves said.Ms Reeves has been an RFS volunteer for the past two years.“I love being involved in the community and it’s a great experience and exposure for my studies to become a paramedic,” Ms Reeves said.The Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit) is an award that recognises outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties.The Certificate of Commendation was awarded to the unit last week for service beyond the scope and responsibility normally expected of a unit in their assigned duties.

> CSU launches its $100,000 Community-University Partnerships grants program for 2018. > Up to $20,000 available across five different categories to support our regions.> Launch at CSU in Port Macquarie today. Online applications here. > Grants for projects across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous and discretionary grants for community initiatives. Grant money totalling $100,000 is now on offer from Charles Sturt University (CSU) for local communities following the launch of the 2018 Community-University Partnerships (CUP) grant program.Acting Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie Mr Peter Fraser said, “The University is offering $100,000 in grants as an investment in the development of our regions.“Members of our local community on the NSW Mid North Coast are encouraged to apply for the funding to support their local community groups and activities.“There’s funding from hundreds of dollars, up to a maximum amount of $20,000 in each grant category,” Mr Fraser said.CUP grants are across five separate categories across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous, as well as discretionary grants to support small community initiatives.Launching in Port Macquarie today, CSU also welcomed successful recipients from last year’s program to congratulate them on their success and for them to share with the community how they spent the grant they received.Among the groups to receive funding in last year’s CUP grant program was the Nautilus Senior College in Port Macquarie. They used funding from the CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program to purchase a set of African djembes for the purpose of providing drumbeat workshops to engage students.Ms Deb Tougher, from Nautilus Senior College said, “The CUP grant application process was very easy and the results were fast. It’s great that Charles Sturt University is offering grants to community projects to assist in breaking down educational barriers.”“Given that winter is just around the corner, we’ve opened the 2018 grant program with the Rural and Regional Sports Development round first and the other grant programs will open in a rolling fashion throughout the year.“Charles Sturt University wants to build higher education aspiration and awareness particularly among young people in rural and regional communities,” Mr Fraser said.BackgroundGrants are available from five different categories. The CUP Head of Campus Small Grants Program, CUP Rural and Regional Arts and Culture Program, CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program, CUP Rural and Regional Indigenous Community Engagement Program and CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program.Online applications are now open for the 2018 CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program, with the other programs to follow. Further information, application packs and program guidelines can be found here.

A signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart will speak about its meaning for all Australians at a public talk at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie on Monday 26 March.The Uluru Statement from the Heart came from a historic and unprecedented gathering at Uluru of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from around the country. The gathering was the culmination of 13 regional dialogues.Mr Thomas Mayor, a Torres Strait Islander who is one of the signatories of the Uluru Statement, will speak at CSU about the journey to Uluru, and why the aspirations of the Statement are so vitally important.Uluru Statement supporter and lecturer in social work and human services in the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ms Lava Kohaupt, said the Uluru Statement and people’s understanding of it can show the way forward in mending relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australia.“To repair these relations, both groups need to acknowledge our joint past and through Constitutional recognition provide a voice to First Nations people,” Ms Kohaupt said.Ms Kohaupt believes the Uluru Statement is a formal step forward in this process for all Australians.“Australia is the only developed nation that has not formally recognised its First Nations people,” Ms Kohaupt said.“The Uluru statement provides a direction in this process by seeking ‘constitutional reforms to empower’ Aboriginal people and enable them to take a rightful place in their ‘own country’.“This is also a rare opportunity to see the original Statement that will one day be celebrated as the spark of hope that led to Australia’s Makarrata, ‘the coming together after a struggle’.”This event is presented in partnership with the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council and CSU.Mr Thomas Mayor will speak about the Uluru Statement from the Heart from 6.30pm on Monday 26 March in room 2062, at CSU at 7 Major Innes Road Port Macquarie.

It’s time for ceremony, wide eyes and nervous feet as nearly 600 students are welcomed to their new educational adventure at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie during Orientation Week, commencing Monday 19 February.CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said, “The start of the new academic year at the University is always an exciting time, particularly with the arrival of new students on campus for Orientation Week activities, followed by the return of continuing students.“I welcome all new students, whether they are studying on campus or online.“Charles Sturt University is committed to providing the best possible student experience, and sharing the University’s values so students become graduates who are insightful, inclusive, inspiring and who make a positive impact in their communities and professional disciplines.”Orientation Week activities at CSU in Port Macquarie include:- Commencement Ceremony: a formal academic procession commences a formal welcome to new students and their parents to CSU. Commencing starting 10am on Monday 19 February at CSU in Port Macquarie, Major Innes Rd, Port Macquarie;- Market Day: a ‘show’ day for local businesses and services for new students at CSU. To be held between 11am and 2pm on Monday 19 February in the main courtyard in CSU in Port Macquarie, Major Innes Rd, Port Macquarie;- Enrolment and course information day: on Wednesday 21 February to engage new students in the ‘business’ part of Orientation Week, starting 10am at CSU in Port Macquarie, Major Innes Rd, Port Macquarie;- Beach activities: from 3pm to 6.15pm on Wednesday 21 February, beach walk from Towns to Flynns Beach, then beach games and learning to surf (surfing starts at 5.15pm) at Flynns Beach, Port Macquarie.- Activity Day: on Thursday 22 February to welcome new students studying with the School of Environmental Sciences, with paddle board session to be held from 11am to 3pm (best time 11am to 12.30pm) near the boatshed at Settlement Point, Port Macquarie.Across the University, 2 785 new students will study on campus in 2018. They join the more than 40 000 students who study at CSU, of which 21 per cent are international students from 120 countries studying on campus in Australia and overseas through partners or online.Session One classes for students studying on campus commence on Monday 26 February.

The annual University Roadshow will commence the first leg of a tour of schools on the Lower Mid North Coast on Monday 12 February.The University Roadshow is a collaboration between Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University and the University of New England. It will provide high school students with information on life as a university student, what they can do to prepare, and outline what paths they can take in order to pursue their dream career.The Roadshow will visit three school locations per day from Kempsey down to Bulahdelah and inland to Gloucester and Wingham, as part of a three-week tour to visit thousands of senior high school students at approximately 100 schools in NSW.Ms Bernadette Gammon, a prospective student adviser with Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie, encourages all senior students to attend the University Roadshow She says it is normal for Year 12 students to feel overwhelmed by the university processes.“The University Roadshow has visited schools in regional and rural NSW for over 15 years,” Ms Gammon said.“Many of the students we speak with are still undecided about where and what they would like to study, which is completely OK. We are there to help out in any way we can.“The University Roadshow gives students a chance to start thinking about life after school and allows them to speak with representatives from each of our three universities.“By joining forces on the Roadshow, the three universities are able to provide students with a wide range of options, and reduce the amount of time students need to be away from the classroom.“We aim to give school students information early so that they can make the most of the opportunities throughout the year. The Roadshow covers topics such as the courses, accommodation options, career paths, right through to pathways into university study; the University Roadshow covers it all.”