Participants from Charles Sturt University (CSU) recently returned from a three-day OzGreen YouthLead workshop in Sydney. Thanks to sponsorship from CSU Green, one student and one trainee attended the conference “to gain leadership training and learn more about eco-social projects that forge pathways to sustainable futures,” said CSU Green manager Mr William Adlong. Ms Lucy Denniss-Arnold, a trainee at CSU, attended the workshop and was impressed with the calibre of young people who also took part. “Never have I been in the presence of a more compassionate, kind, welcoming group of people. They made the workshop a joy.” Ms Denniss-Arnold found the course inspiring and moving. Mr Adlong said that CSU Green may look to continue offering the sponsorship in future years. “It engages participants deeply with sustainability issues and builds commitment to take actions that make a difference.”

Students on the NSW North Coast can look forward to increased options and opportunities in higher education when TAFE NSW North Coast Institute and Charles Sturt University (CSU) sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding in Port Macquarie on Friday 23 July. CSU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ross Chambers said the arrangement focuses on academic collaboration, including integrated programs that combine TAFE and university qualifications. “The agreement will increase the number and range of formal study pathways and articulation arrangements between the two institutions, which will allow students to complete a university degree without moving away from home,” he said. Institute Director for TAFE NSW North Coast Institute, Ms Elizabeth McGregor said that the MOU would support Commonwealth Government initiatives aimed at developing a more highly qualified population in regional Australia. “The local Education and Skills Forum is developing a collaborative approach to expand tertiary education on the North Coast, and TAFE NSW North Coast Institute and other forum members welcome Charles Sturt University’s decision to join us in these efforts,” she said.

If you think the leader of the Labor party is working tirelessly prior to the election this Saturday, try being her comic double, Julia Spillard. Having perfected Prime Minister Gillard’s voice, facial expressions and hand gestures, the character actor, comic and Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduate, Ms Gabby Millgate, is winning votes throughout the country as she visits various locations on her busy schedule. Ms Millgate, a graduate of CSU’s Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media), has been seen in movies such as Muriel’s Wedding and thriller Feed, on television, radio, theatre and has also worked as a script writer. She is thought of as one of Australia’s most versatile and resourceful actors. “Charles Sturt University’s Theatre/Media degree gives students the tools they need to succeed in any medium of the arts,” says senior lecturer in the School of Communication and Creative Industries, Dr Gerard Boland. “Gabby is a perfect example of how our graduates use their skills to construct meaningful careers in the media, events and live entertainment industries.” Ms Millgate’s character, Julia Spillard, could be seeing a lot more work, if the election is won by the Labor party this weekend, which makes you wonder how Ms Millgate will vote.

The importance of engaging students in their first year of higher education is the focus of a forum at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga this week that has attracted staff from across the institution. The experience of first year undergraduate students has been identified as a priority for the University as part of the new Transition Project, which supports a Federal government priority to increase participation in tertiary education. “We want to increase the participation of students from various backgrounds including Indigenous students and those from rural and regional Australia,” Transition Project Director Ms Liz Smith said. “We must ensure that our students are successful and autonomous adult learners by the start of their second year of study.” The Student Engagement Forum started today, Monday 20 September and continues until 12.30pm on Tuesday 21 September at the Convention Centre at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

The Sturt Desert Pea, which is the Charles Sturt University (CSU) floral emblem, is alive and thriving. “Remarkable photos of the Sturt Desert Pea were captured recently at White Cliffs by Mr Jacob Philip, son of a fellow educator, Ms Julie Philip, from western NSW,” said Dr John Harper, senior lecturer in plant science at the CSU School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences. “The desert has not bloomed like this for many years. It is a clear sign that the drought has finally broken.” The native plant, known as Swainsona formosa, takes pride of place on the CSU Arms reflecting the University's reputation as a national institution. The Pea was named after the explorer Charles Sturt for his exploration of inland Australia. The Aboriginal name for the pea is Ngooringa. It is based on a story about a girl who fell in love with someone from another tribe and, as a consequence, she became ill and died. Her spirit came back as the beautiful desert flower.

An international authority on the impact of water scarcity on root growth will visit Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga from Monday 27 to Thursday 30 September. Professor Bob Sharp from the University of Missouri in the USA has been invited to the city by Strategic Research Professor at CSU, Len Wade. “Professor Sharp and I are collaborating on an international project examining drought avoidance root traits,” Professor Wade said. “This work is significant given the need for food security and the limits on arable land available for agricultural production.” While at CSU, Professor Sharp will take part in The EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation’s seminar series at 3.00pm on Wednesday 29 September. His seminar, Root growth under water deficit: physiological complexity and coordination, will appeal to a diverse audience with interests in crop or pasture improvement under drought, and implications for improved management in rain-fed systems. Read more about the free EH Graham Centre seminar here.

National and international water experts have discussed emerging issues and policies for sustainable management of water resources and food security at a seminar at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga today, Tuesday 21 September. The International Centre of Water for Food Security (IC Water) at CSU hosted the seminar which investigated the future of water resources in Australia and across the world. As part of the Centre’s monthly seminar series, Associate Professor Joachim Ribbe, the head of the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences at the University of Southern Queensland, spoke at the seminar, titled Rainfall in a Variable and Changing Climate, to encourage discussion about water management. Representatives from IC Water, CSU, and irrigation companies attended the seminar.

Final year physiotherapy student at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga, Ms Ellie O’Kane, has streaked away to comfortably win the 10 000 metre event on the athletics track at the Australian University Games currently underway in Perth. CSU student support officer, Mr Nick Granger, said Ms O’Kane finished nearly a lap ahead of her nearest rival, and “is really looking forward to repeating her winning performance in the 5 000 metre race on Thursday 30 September. She would love to win the long-distance double, but expects stiffer.” Over 40 CSU students are participating in the annual event, which draws competitors from 41 universities across Australia.

The significant and historic role that the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College played in the development of Charles Sturt University (CSU) will be honoured with a special naming ceremony in the city on Wednesday 22 September. A new student residential block at CSU will be named in honour of the College and the ongoing role played by the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ Alumni Association through the Charles Sturt Foundation. The student residence will be named ‘The WATAL’,  an acronym for Wagga Alumni Teachers’ Association Lodge, by the University’s Chancellor, Mr Lawrie Willett, AO, at a ceremony from 2.30pm at building 381, near car park 19,  CSU in Wagga Wagga. Ten representatives of the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ Alumni Association will be joined by members of the University’s governing body, the CSU Council. The Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College educated men and women from 1947 to 1972 when it was replaced by the Riverina College of Advanced Education.