CSU in Albury-Wodonga will host satellite event for All About Women festival on Sunday 10 MarchAll About Women provides a vital platform for women's voices

* 2019 ‘Songlines and Shared Journeys’ survey program opportunities* Capable individuals invited to join scientific desert expeditions* Expeditions are structured and supported to explore desert ecology

* CSU to provide resource and professional development support to local leadership initiative – Wagga School Leaders Program * The Program focuses on nurturing Wagga Wagga’s future leaders * CSU AgriTech Incubator in Wagga Wagga will host the Program launch and Module One of the Program on Thursday 21 February Charles Sturt University (CSU) representatives will attend the official launch of the 2019 Committee 4 Wagga (C4W) School Leaders Program - a community initiative designed to nurture aspiring local leaders, and build a network of young Wagga Ambassadors. The Wagga School Leaders Program (WSLP), which has been running since 2016 is an example of the C4W’s core objective to develop and expand a leadership base, while enabling the local community to initiate and effect positive change. CSU Strategic Adviser Regional Development the Hon. Fiona Nash, will be presenting at the 2019 official launch on Thursday and said that the Program offers fantastic professional development opportunities to the next generation of regional leaders. “Being involved in an initiative like this that nurtures our young leaders, demonstrates the strength of our regional communities and encourages us to think progressively about our future challenges, shows how important we believe it is for Charles Sturt University to invest in growing stronger regions,” Ms Nash said. “We sometimes forget that a third of our nation is made up of people living outside of capital cities so it’s crucial that we support initiatives that foster the capability and leadership needed to assure strong regional growth into the future.” The Program schedule for 2019 is made up of seven different modules that cover topics on leadership, health, well-being and more broadly, the environment of the local community and what it means to be a Wagga Ambassador. Students selected by the participating Wagga Wagga high schools, will attend six single-day sessions across the course in the first half of the school year, with each of the seven modules of the curriculum designed to achieve different learning outcomes.The Program engages students in a series of challenging exercises including workshops, lectures, regional industry excursions, physical activities and mentoring sessions to develop their capacity to become successful leaders and community representatives.C4W Chair, Michael Quirk will provide the official overview and launch of the program on Thursday. Mr Quirk said that it has been fundamental to have the CSU AgriTech Incubator as a resource to facilitate the students learning experience.“Participation in the School Leaders Program should assist participants to analyse their strengths and areas for development; enable them to set personal and vocational goals; and, develop their self-awareness and self-confidence to ensure those goals are achieved,” Mr Quirk said. “The C4W recognises the importance of community leaders taking responsibility for the development of our city’s future leaders.  We are extremely thankful to the sponsors and supporters involved, and for CSU and C4W it is an excellent opportunity to showcase our burgeoning community relationship.” The program for 2019 will be delivered by C4W Program Consultant, Chris Fitzpatrick and Lisa Simpson, supported by C4W Executive Assistant Michelle Ford. For more information on WSLP visit http://www.committee4wagga.com.au/wslp-2/

* Riverina Year 12 students will have experienced 21 years of whizzes, fizzes and bangs when they participate in this year’s HSC Chemistry Days at CSU* Students from far-flung high schools gather to complete parts of their Chemistry course that they cannot do in their school* Students will visit CSU’s world-class facilities and learn about course and career optionsFinal year students from far-flung high schools will gather in Wagga Wagga next week to complete parts of their Chemistry course for the Higher School Certificate (HSC).About 220 Year 12 students from 20 NSW high schools will travel up to 450 kilometres to Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga to undertake a series of experiments and practice their skills on equipment that is not available in their own schools.While visiting the campus, they will also experience the CSU facilities and staff, and live a slice of University life.“We want to show students, and teachers, some of what we have to offer science students, particularly the world-class facilities and equipment, as well as courses and career opportunities,” said CSU chemistry lecturer and course director Dr Celia Barril.“This program has been running for 21 years in collaboration with the Eastern Riverina Science Teacher Association, with the aim of filling important requirements for Chemistry students in their HSC, while also promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, particularly chemistry.”Students will complete experiments on acidity and basicity of common household products, iron content of cereals, and water acidification during the week commencing Monday 18 February.“Students take part to short activities demonstrating chemistry concepts and their application in our modern world.“We will also discuss studies and career paths in chemistry and science in general. Everyone participates, the students and their teachers and CSU staff - it is a great program!,” Dr Barril said.

* Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) graduate Matt Champness to be presented with Agricultural Science Medal* Mr Champness is co-founder of a initiaitive to share stories of food and fibre production with consumers* Mr Champness has built strong links with industry to add to his study at CSU Promoting Australian food and fibre production is close to the heart of the 2018 Charles Sturt University (CSU) Agricultural Science medalist Mr Matt Champness.From Hamilton in western Victoria, Mr Champness (pictured) is the co-founder of ‘This is Aus Ag’, a grassroots initiaitive that aims to build trust between consumers and farmers by sharing stories through podcasts and social media.He said the project came from his participation in the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) 2030 Leadership Program.“Agriculture is quite vulnerable to social licence issues and I think if we can build trust people will understand that their food is safe and why we undertake certain practices to ensure we can continue to feed Australians and meet overseas markets,” said Mr Champness.“It’s a great time to be in agriculture, there’s a big focus on young people in agriculture, there is a lot of new technologies which is exciting, and although we are going through a tough season in the eastern states commodity prices are pretty good.”“The NFF has a target of growing Australian Farm gate output to $100 billion by 2030 and it makes you think what can I do to help our industry get there.”Mr Champness’ enthusiasm for primary production is evident in the impressive list of scholarship, training and leaderhsip programs he’s undertaken during his four years of study at CSU.Mr Champness attended the 2018 Crawford Fund Conference , took part in an exchange program to Texas Tech University in the United States, Syngenta connections Vietnam program, participated in the Agrihack and AWI tech eChallenge,  was awarded an AgriFutres Australia Horizon Scholarship and is an Australian Rural Leadership Foundation graduate.“It’s really important to get out there and meet with people in the industry to stay up-to-date and have a good understanding of what’s happening now and where we are headed in the future,” Mr Champness said.Mr Champness Honours research was supported by a scholarship from the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation and investigated the use of salt supplementation to increase live weight gain of lambs grazing lucerne.He will be awarded a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) and the Agricultural Science Medal in a graducation ceremony at CSU in Wagga Wagga at 2pm on Monday 10 December.After graduation Mr Champness plans to volunteer in Lao PDR as a weeds agronomist in rice, part of a project to improve weed management in rice production to boost agricultural capacity in the developing country. This project is supported by the Crawford Fund and Australian Volunteers Program. Listen to the 'This is Aus Ag' podcast here: https://www.thisisausag.com/podcast.html

* PhD uncovers new information on non-prescribed gluten avoidance * The research shows a complex relationship between bodily symptoms and psychology * It’s hoped the research will provide infromation for medical professionals A Charles Sturt University (CSU) PhD graduate hopes her research will provide doctors with insight on why people without a diagnosed condition choose to avoid gluten in their diets.Dr Kyah Hester (pictured) from the Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional Grains will be awarded her PhD during a ceremony at CSU in Wagga Wagga on Monday 10 December 2018.Dr Hester’s PhD titled ‘Gluten avoidance – trendy food fad, or insight into complex psycho-physiological interactions?’ helps to identify the drivers of non-prescribed gluten avoidance.“Up to 20 per cent of the population is estimated to take part in gluten avoidance behaviours, far exceeding the number of people with gluten-related disorders such as coeliac disease,” Dr Hester said.“My research involved an in-depth study of non-prescribed gluten avoiders to measure participants’ perceptions, determinants of food choice, interpersonal experiences relating to their diets and a wide range of psychological variables, including personality traits.”“This research is the first to establish clear and distinct symptomology relating to non-gluten foods, indicating that this population is more accurately characterised by their response to all foods, not just gluten alone.”Gluten avoiders also exhibited distinct personality features that are likely to manipulate their attention to and interpretation of internal sensations. These findings are particularly important for health practitioners to consider both in the diagnosis and treatment phase of these individuals.”Research supervisor, Professor Anthony Saliba from the CSU School of Psychology said the research points to an underlying mechanism that is an interaction between food consumption and psychology.“This is further evidence that different people need to consume different foods, there is no ‘one size fits all’ advice you can give people on what to eat.“Avoiding gluten does not reduce symptoms, suggesting that further research is needed on the causes of these uncomfortable symptoms that some people experience. We will be continuing this work by looking into whether Psychological treatment might assist.“This work has been vital to show that people who avoid gluten are not currently being supported and given the seriousness of the symptoms and prevalence, continuing work in this area is a priority,” Professor Saliba said.

* Thousands to visit Wagga Wagga for six CSU 2018 graduation ceremonies on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 December * Nearly 800 graduates from 15 Schools in three CSU Faculties to be celebratedCharles Sturt University (CSU) will host six graduation ceremonies in Wagga Wagga on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 December.These are part of the wider graduation season during December across all main campuses as well as in Parramatta (for School of Theology) and the two CSU Study Centres in Sydney and Melbourne.The season starts on Monday 10 December in Wagga Wagga, and concludes in Albury-Wodonga on Wednesday 19 December.Approximately 795 students will graduate across all ceremonies at CSU in Wagga Wagga, and thousands of family members and friends will celebrate the achievements of the students.Acting Head of Campus at CSU in Wagga Wagga Mr Aaron McDonnell said, “Nearly 800 graduates will receive their testamurs from the University in Wagga Wagga this year, and we congratulate our graduating professionals on the successful completion of their studies.“Sometimes we can get caught up with the busy-ness of the end of the year, so it’s wonderful to be able to stop and take the time to reflect and congratulate the many students who are graduating, and celebrate their achievements.“Anyone who has completed a long-term project or achieved a long-awaited goal will understand the sheer joy and excitement of a graduates at the moment they shake the hand of the Vice-Chancellor and receive their hard earned testamur.“The testamur our graduates will receive at the graduation ceremonies is their key to future success. Not only is it an important marker in their lives, an achievement they should be proud of, but it will unlock new opportunities for them. For some it will mean a new career, others it will mean they are one of many CSU graduates who will earn the highest paying salary of any graduate in the nation.”The schedule of graduations at CSU in Wagga Wagga is:Monday 10 December:Wagga Wagga at Joyes Hall at CSU9.30am - 207 graduates in the Faculty of Science; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, School of Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Community Health, School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health.2pm - 126 graduates in the Faculty of Science; School of Biomedical Sciences, and School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health, School of Environmental Sciences, School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, General Science.6pm - 114 graduates in the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences; School of Computing and Mathematics, School of Accounting and Finance, School of Management and Marketing, School of Psychology, School of Policing Studies, the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, the Centre for Law and Justice, and the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security.Tuesday 11 December:Wagga Wagga at Joyes Hall at CSU9.30am - 137 graduates in the Faculty of Arts and Education; School of Indigenous Australian Studies, School of Information Studies, School of Teacher Education, and School of Education.2pm - 90 graduates in the Faculty of Science; School of Animal and Veterinary Science.6pm - 121 graduates in the Faculty of Arts and Education; School of Communication and Creative Industries, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Division of Student Learning, and the Academic Success Unit.

* CSU tour and book launch commence 3.20pm Tuesday 27 November * History of Village Way cottages recognisedCharles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will reflect on the history of 18 accommodation cottages (pictured) for staff and students on Village Way on campus at an event on Tuesday 27 November.The event includes a self-guided tour and the launch of Clothesline Full of Nappies, a book by Mrs Sherry Morris of photos and stories from past students and staff that reflect on life in the cottages along Village Way.CSU Division of Facilities Management (DFM) Executive Director Mr Stephen Butt said the event and book acknowledged the significance of the cottages.“The event and book Clothesline Full of Nappies reflect the history of the cottages and that they hold sensitive and significant memories for many members of the University community,” Mr Butt said.Mr Butt also said the University recognised the history of the cottages and the preservation of the memories attached to them was important to the future of CSU.The event will commence from 3.20pm with people invited to walk through the cottages and will be followed by the unveiling of an interactive sign, book launch and speeches.The Cottages will be opened for 30 minutes, with the formal proceedings to commence at 4pm at building 230 (The Deck Bar). Guests are invited to drive from Village Way and park in car park 75.Media are welcome to attend the event and interview staff and guests at 4.35pm. The event ends at 5pm.

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) Indigenous Access Program is assisting more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders into tertiary education.The five-day program that will be held at CSU in Wagga Wagga from 19 to 23 November includes a range of activities aimed at building confidence and providing students with practical steps they can take to get into their chosen course.CSU Indigenous Programs Officer Leslie Lyons said the Indigenous Access Program provided a successful transition to university.“Students who complete the Indigenous Access Program achieve a 75 percent progress rate compared to 68 percent for those who don’t,” Ms Lyons said.Ms Lyons added the majority of students who complete the program were more confident they would succeed at university.In describing the program, Ms Lyons said the students are given assessments against their preferred course to understand their strengths and what needed to be improved.“Students are either offered a placement or are given an alternative pathway into their chosen program,” Ms Lyons said.CSU Manager of Indigenous Student Centres Blake Dunn said the program provided Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the support and access to the University’s Indigenous study resources to help them succeed.“The Indigenous Access Program provides an entry pathway for our students into university studies. It demonstrates the support that is accessible throughout their university life and connects them with the full range of services we offer Indigenous students,” said Mr Dunn.The Indigenous Access Program is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school-leavers or mature-aged wanting to gain access to CSU.CSU is currently taking further bookings for our February program being held from the 4th to the 8th of February 2019. Applications can be completed online via the Indigenous Access Program website.