While most spend their holidays relaxing, a group of Charles Sturt University (CSU) students has been learning how to generate positive environmental change. Six CSU students are taking part in the Green Steps  training and internship program. The program aims to bridge the gap between study and work, by equipping young leaders with the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle sustainability issues. CSU environmental science and management student Ms Karina Maloney took part in the training program held in Wagga Wagga from Monday 4 to Friday 8 April. “I wanted to broaden my understanding of environmental issues and gain practical skills to take into the workplace,” she said. The training will be put into practice during internships between April and October. During this period students will work with an organisation to reduce its environmental footprint. CSU is the first regional university to host the Green Steps program following its introduction by Monash University in 2000.

A Charles Sturt University (CSU) vet is warning horse owners to protect their animals from mosquitoes in light of a suspected outbreak of viral neurological disease across three states. More than 135 cases have been reported in horses in NSW and 16 of those have died or been put down. Senior Lecturer in equine medicine with the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences,  Dr Kris Hughes, said eight cases have been investigated by staff at the Veterinary Clinical Centre at CSU in Wagga Wagga over recent months. He says Industry & Investment NSW is testing samples from affected horses to determine the exact cause of the condition but it is believed to be a mosquito borne virus. “Affected horses can demonstrate an exaggerated and weak limb movement, lack of coordination, muscle tremors, exaggerated response to stimuli including touch and sound, facial paralysis and behavioural changes,” he said. Dr Hughes recommends rugging, fly veils and using licensed insect repellant treatments along with removing stagnant water where horses are housed to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

There is high praise for the professionalism of one pharmacy graduate from Charles Sturt University (CSU). The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) – NSW Branch has named graduate Ms Sally Whiting as the 2010 NSW Intern of the Year. Ms Whiting received the honour during the Society’s 2011 March Weekend Conference held in Sydney on Saturday 26 March. Ms Whiting was awarded her Bachelor of Pharmacy Class 1 Honours  at CSU in Orange in 2010. She completed her 12 month internship, which is required for national registration, at Rozanna’s MediAdvice Pharmacy in Mudgee. Ms Whiting is now employed as a pharmacist at Blooms the Chemist in Orange. In a statement, the PSA said Ms Whiting “quickly established an enviable reputation for her passion in her chosen career which was demonstrated by her compassionate manner, exceptional knowledge and customer service skills”. She was also praised for her proactive management of patient medication and for “assisting them in helping to achieve their quality of life, confidently embracing the expanding role of the pharmacist in providing professional patient-focused services.” In congratulating Ms Whiting, Program Leader of Pharmacy at CSU, Mr George K John said, “It is students and future leaders like Sally that Charles Sturt University and the pharmacy profession are proud of, and would like to have engaging with the community”.

One of the loudest applause during the recent graduation ceremonies at Charles Sturt University (CSU) was saved for lecturer Mr Bruce Gater from the Faculty of Arts at CSU in Wagga Wagga. He was awarded a Master of Visual and Performing Arts on Thursday 31 March by the Chancellor Mr Lawrence Willett, AO. A lecturer for the past nine years, Mr Gater received his postgraduate degree in front of about 30 of his former students in the Bachelor Arts (Television Production) course. Other academics from the Faculty of Arts in Wagga Wagga to be awarded postgraduate degrees on Thursday 31 March were: Dr Karen Bell with a Doctor of Philosophy; Associate Professor Jennifer McKinnon with a Doctor of Philosophy; Mr Damian Candusso with a Master of Arts Practice with Distinction; and Ms Kim Hardwick with a Master of Arts Practice. During an inspirational occasional address, Macau-based General Stage Manager of the world’s largest aquatic show, The House of Dancing Water, Ms Anna Robb reminded the graduates of their fortune and urged them to take risks. Click here to read the speech.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is taking a closer look at garbage as part of an annual environmental scorecard tracking resource use and greenhouse gas emissions from the institution. The scorecard is produced by CSU Green , and this year’s features more information about waste at the University. The report found almost 16 000 cubic metres of waste was produced in 2010 and more than 75 per cent went into landfill. Acting Manager of CSU Green, Mr Edward Maher, says in the past waste was viewed simply as a cost for the organisation. “A lot of hard work has gone into understanding more about where the waste is coming from and what types of materials it contains,” Mr Maher said. “From here there is real scope to implement avoidance, reuse and recycling initiatives that will ultimately result in less waste to landfill.”   CSU has set a target for 2014 to recover 70 per cent of its solid waste rather than send it to landfill. The environmental scorecard also shows that despite construction of new facilities, CSU’s greenhouse gas emissions are steady and water consumption is nearly half that used in 2006.

A leading Australian theologian and academic at Charles Sturt University (CSU) has been awarded an honorary doctorate by another national university. Reverend Professor James Haire, AM, KSJ, who is Professor of Theology at CSU and executive director of the CSU Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACC&C) , received the Doctor of the University from the Australian Catholic University in Sydney at its recent graduation ceremony. The citation for the honorary degree noted that Reverend Professor Haire is one of the world’s leading scholars and promoters of interfaith dialogue. It concludes, ‘Australia is indebted to James for his work in encouraging understanding between not only the Christian churches, but between people of different faiths’. Reverend Professor Haire also delivered the occasional address to graduates, and spoke of the need for them to be compassionate and generous in their personal and professional lives. “My experience is that, on balance, unless there is obvious evil, it is worth taking the risk to be generous. If you are generous, you give and you expect trust, and it is trust that is both the Christian way, and in any case makes life worth living,” he said.

With children counting down the days until Easter, Charles Sturt University (CSU) Dental and Oral Health Clinic  dentist Dr Ying Shi Chang asks parents to remember the importance of children’s teeth. “Everyone loves indulging in some chocolate at Easter time,” says Dr Chang, “but it’s also a good time to book in a dental check-up for the family.” Dr Chang recommends parents make the most of the CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinic. “The Clinic is large, colourful and friendly so it’s perfect for young children. As well as professional dentists, third year Bachelor of Dental Science students are available to clean children’s teeth and teach the importance of regular brushing and flossing.” To book an appointment at the CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinic call 1300 278 642.

A philosophical play written and directed by two Charles Sturt University (CSU) acdemics will have a second performance on Thursday 28 April due to popular demand as part of the current Greek Festival in Sydney. The play, Wise After the Fact, is by Dr Edward Spence, and is directed by Mr Ray Harding, both lecturers at the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst. “Wise After the Fact examines the origins and development of Wisdom in ancient Greece, and juxtaposes this with the dilemmas confronting individuals and society in the present Age of Information,” Dr Spence said. “I also discuss philosophy with the audience, and the first performance (on 14 April) was so successful the festival organisers invited us to return.”

Three months working with traumatised children in a developing country has given a Charles Sturt University (CSU) social work graduate a new perspective on life. Ms Rhonda Emonson, from Albury, will be among the first four graduates of the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying). As part of her postgraduate studies at CSU, Ms Emonson worked with orphans on the island of Negros Occidental, west of the Philippines. “We’ve all heard about communities that survive without sewerage, electricity, shelter, and on a cup of rice a day,” she said. “To live in these circumstances is heartbreaking yet inspirational.” She said the international work placement has been a highlight of her studies. “It’s created a yearning to work with those who have so few resources and struggle to survive from day to day as a result of poverty and lack of infrastructure,” she said. The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) allows students with a prior degree to gain professional accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers. Read more about the six graduation ceremonies at CSU in Wagga Wagga from Wednesday 30 March to Friday 1 April 2011.