The science of illicit drugs is the topic of the first Café Scientifique in Port Macquarie for 2015.Four Charles Sturt University (CSU) academics will present a range of perspectives on the topic, The Science of Illicit Drugs – A Humanistic Story and Debate from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday 19 August at Port Macquarie's Town Green Inn.The free event is being organised by the Mid North Coast Regional Science Hub during National Science Week.Hub member and CSU scientist Dr Nigel Urwin said, "We urge members of the public to come along and enjoy a coffee or a drink while listening to short and exciting presentations about how the illicit drugs work and the problems they cause."Café Scientifique is free and refreshments will be available to purchase from the venue.The CSU academics on the panel include senior lecturer in genetics Dr Urwin, lecturer in paramedics Ms Tania Johnston, senior lecturer in the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security Dr Greg Linsdell and senior lecturer in medical imaging Mr Johnathan Hewis.Mid North Coast Regional Science Hub is supported by CSU, NSW Trade and Investment and Inspiring Australia. See more about the Hub on Facebook here. The Hub will host additional events in November 2015 with Science on the Road in Kempsey and Taree.

 Paramedic students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) raised over $15 000 to purchase defibrillators for community groups at their annual Red and Blue Ball on Friday 7 August.The students who are studying the Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) at CSU in Port Macquarie organised the inaugural Blue and Red Ball which was attended by 420 guests including the Hon. Leslie Williams, MLA for Port Macquarie and Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Assistant Minister for Education.Professor Heather Cavanagh, Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie, said, "The ball was an opportunity to bring together the community, students and staff from Charles Sturt University and acknowledge the contribution of local emergency services, all in the name of a good cause."Organised and executed by three of our paramedic students, Ms Jess Genders, Mr Dane Rickman and Mr Daniel Steinbeck, the ball successfully raised over $15 000 which will go towards buying six defibrillators for local community groups in the Port Macquarie and Hastings region."One of the defibrillators was presented on the night to the Rotary Lodge, an accommodation service for patients undertaking cancer treatment and other care at Port Macquarie Base Hospital."The Red and Blue Ball was held at Panthers Port Macquarie this year, and will hopefully become an annual fundraising event.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie will host an information day – iDay – on Thursday 25 June for prospective students interested to find out more about available courses. CSU prospective student adviser Ms Bernadette Gammon said the iDay is a chance for anyone curious about studying at the University in Port Macquarie to talk to lecturers and students from all courses. "This will be an exciting day because the three information sessions – at 10am, 1pm, and 5pm – will include a presentation detailing the new campus for 2016 and details about four new courses to be offered for the first time in 2016," Ms Gammon said. "Representatives of our on-campus services and student bodies will be present, and as will representatives of the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) who will deliver a presentation in the middle of each session and answer questions." The new courses for 2016 include the Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism), the Bachelor of Communication (Advertising), the Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations). "The fourth course is the Diploma of General Studies which is a great course for those who didn't get an ATAR, or didn't achieve the ATAR they wanted," Ms Gammon said. "It is a pathway program that provides guaranteed entry to many Charles Sturt University bachelor degrees." Ms Gammon urged anyone interested to attend to complete registration for any of the session at https://www.csu.edu.au/contacts/iday-port-macquarie, or register on the day. "You can just attend on the day and register at the door," Ms Gammon said. "But registering prior to the event will save you time on the day, and help us know how many to expect." The iDay sessions at CSU, 27 Grant Street Port Macquarie, are on Thursday 25 June at 10am to 12pm, 1pm to 3pm, and 5pm to 7pm.

Ecotourism is a growing niche market in global travel and a free public lecture hosted by Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie on Wednesday 10 June will explore the concept of ecotourism and what it means for local communities.  Associate Professor Rosemary Black from CSU's School of Environmental Sciences will explain the principles underpinning ecotourism. "Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel and should follow specific principles," she said. "However, the jury is still out on whether ecotourism delivers all it promises to tourists, the environment, communities and the economy." As part of the lecture, Professor Black will share her recent experience studying ecotourism in Africa. The public lecture is part of CSU's Explorations Series and will be held from 5pm to 7pm at the Glasshouse Theatre meeting room on the corner of Clarence and Hay Streets in Port Macquarie. Tickets are available from the Glasshouse Box Office. Read more about Professor Black in CSU News here.

The Biggest Morning Tea co-hosted by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PM-HC) on Thursday 28 May raised $500 for the Cancer Council. More than 30 elderly local residents attended and a similar number of CSU students enjoyed the morning tea which was served by members of the Student Representative Council. CSU student liaison officer Ms Clara Koch said, "The co-hosted morning tea was a delightful event. The University encourages its staff and students to participate in community and charity events as a practical demonstration of its commitment to the health and welfare of our communities. The associated inaugural cup cake competition between the University and the Council to see whose personnel can bake the best cup cake was fun, despite Council winning first, second and third places. The University's cake bakers will strive to improve their cup cakes next year!" The judges for the competition's final tasting (pictured) were Head of Campus, Professor Heather Cavanagh, the Mayor, Councillor Peter Bessling, and the president of the Country Women's Association branch in Port Macquarie, Ms Alice Miller.

High-achieving students were presented with scholarships and prizes at a special ceremony at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 26 May. Four students received scholarships offered through the CSU Foundation, and nine students received prizes for outstanding performance in their respective studies in Schools in three CSU Faculties (Arts, Business, and Science). Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie, Professor Heather Cavanagh, welcomed the students their families and guests, and CSU academic leaders who made some of the presentations. These included CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann, the acting Executive Dean of the CSU Faculty of Arts, Professor Tracey Green, and the Associate Dean of the CSU Faculty of Science, Associate Professor Lyndall Angel. Professor Cavanagh said, "Charles Sturt University, and our donors, are committed to providing all students with the opportunity to access higher education and reach their full potential. It is important that we provide regional and low socio-economic students with the same opportunities as their counterparts elsewhere."

Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will co-host a Biggest Morning Tea fund-raiser for the Cancer Council on Thursday 28 May. Head of Campus of CSU in Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh said CSU staff and students are encouraged to participate in community and charity events. "We see this as an important part of the university's commitment to the health and welfare of our communities, and indeed all of Australia," Professor Cavanagh said. "However, this year's Biggest Morning Tea here has a twist. We will not only be joining with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to raise money for this great cause, but we will be competing with each other for who can bake the best cake. The Council have a battle on their hands!" CSU and Hastings Council will taste-test their cupcakes and submit their best for judging. The Mayor, Councillor Peter Bessling, Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Heather Cavanagh, and the president of the Country Women's Association branch in Port Macquarie, Ms Alice Miller, have agreed to be the judges for the competition's final tasting. As well as staff and students, elderly residents from the local area will be invited to visit CSU to make a gold coin donation for a 'cuppa and cake'.

After 14 years as a paramedic in NSW, Mr Phillip Ebbs has a wealth of experience that he's keen to share in his new role with Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie.  Before taking up the role of senior lecturer in paramedicine, Mr Ebbs worked as a paramedic and manager across Sydney and regional NSW, attaining the rank of Superintendent and recently spending 12 months as an Acting Assistant Commissioner. He has been a member of NSW Ambulance Incident Management Teams for a number of operations, including the Lindt Cafe siege and the recent Hunter storms. Mr Ebbs said he's looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of his new role on the Mid-North Coast. "As part of the School of Biomedical Sciences I'll be supporting paramedics and managers in Australia and internationally as the profession meets new challenges associated with a changing scope of paramedic practice, new opportunities in health technology, national registration for paramedics, and increased requirements to work seamlessly with health and emergency service partners." Mr Ebbs assisted with the introduction of world leading stroke, mental health, cardiac, trauma and sub-acute care programs across regional NSW, particularly in the Hunter and Mid-North Coast.  He has also volunteered in Papua New Guinea, and has flown as a paramedic on helicopters in New Zealand during a paramedic exchange program.

Four paramedic students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie will have their heads shaved to raise money for charity on Tuesday 5 May. Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedics) students Mr Dane Rickwood, Ms Erika Williamson, Ms Taylor Mclean, and Ms Gemma Tobler will have their heads shaved to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. The head-shave will be at 1.30pm Tuesday 5 May at Student Central in CSU at Grant Street, Port Macquarie. There will also be a bake sale at the event to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. Donations can be made here.