* CSU free event will examine social and environmental challenges facing rural Australia * Opportunity to meet new book Rusted Off author Ms Gabrielle Chan in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 22 November * Event hosted by leading researcher at CSU Three Rivers University Department of Rural HealthThree Rivers University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will host a free event on Thursday 22 November to examine the momentous social and environmental challenges that rural Australia is weathering.Senior Principal Research Fellow at Three Rivers UDRH Professor Deborah Warr (pictured), a sociologist, will host the public conversation with journalist and author Ms Gabrielle Chan about her new book, Rusted Off – Why country Australia is fed up (Vintage 2018).The public is invited to Cache – Store of Food, at 220 Baylis St, Wagga Wagga (5.30pm for a 6pm start) to hear Ms Chan explore the issues implied in the book’s subtitle, Why country Australia is fed up, with the examination expertly guided by Professor Warr.The conversation will continue with drinks and canapes, and copies of Rusted Off – Why country Australia is fed up will be available for purchase.While the event is free, please register online at Eventbrite for catering purposes: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-critical-conversations-series-meet-the-author-gabrielle-chan-tickets-51950968746Professor Warr is a sociologist who has recently resettled in Wagga Wagga from Melbourne where she worked at the University of Melbourne and was awarded a series of prestigious research fellowships.These included an ARC Future Fellowship (2013-17) which supports researchers to conduct research addressing areas of critical national importance. Her research focused on understanding the kinds of social infrastructure that promoted health and wellbeing in settings of locational disadvantage.Professor Warr has collaborated with epidemiologists to explore relationships between place and health and the social determinants of health, and with artists to explore the potential of art in promoting social and cultural exclusion. She has published widely on issues related to health, place-based stigma, arts practice, research ethics, and the potential of collaborative and engaged research. She relishes the new challenges presented in her role as the Senior Principal Research Fellow at Three Rivers UDRH at CSU.To find out more about Three Rivers UDRH go to https://science.csu.edu.au/UDRH

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga is turning unused food left behind by students into meals for the vulnerable with its annual Move Out Cook Up event held on 13 November 2018.Toby Perry, CSU Healthy Eating, Entertainment and Retail Services (CHEERS) coordinator, said when students move out of the University accommodation at the end of the year unused food is often left behind, creating an opportunity that they were putting to good use.“The Charles Sturt University Department of Residence Life in Wagga Wagga was collecting dry goods and sending them to charity for several years, but in 2016 the CHEERS catering team expanded on the idea by using the frozen or perishable foods left behind to create a variety of frozen TV style dinners to be given to a food bank,” Mr Perry said.Mr Perry said the food bank selected was OzHarvest, an organisation that distributes quality excess food to over 1300 charities nationally.“In the first year the event was held the CHEERS team supplied 222 meals, this grew to 348 the following year.“This year we’ve already exceeded our target by preparing 503 meals,” Mr Perry said.With the departure of students the catering kitchen falls quiet and Mr Perry said the Move Out Cook Up is a way to use their time to do something good for the community.“We also like to use it as a fun challenge between the chefs, to see who can make up the most varieties of meals from the many boxes of ingredients,” Mr Perry said.Mr Perry said the Move Out Cook Up brings together various areas of CSU and is a positive experience for everyone who gets involved.“The University reduces food waste going to landfill, we get people across departments collaborating with a common purpose,  our students are pleased to know that what they don’t want to take home is being used for people who need it and a lot of the work is already done for Oz Harvest, who only have to pick up all those finished meals from one spot and distribute them,” Mr Perry said.Mr Perry added it was satisfying way to work with and engage with the local community.“The event shows Charles Sturt University is living out its values and is having a positive impact on the lives of local and regional people, beyond just being a venue for higher education,” Mr Perry said.Photo credit: CSU CHEERS working with OzHarvest Riverina volunteers.

Fish expert and celebrity television host Dr Zeb Hogan (pictured left) will deliver a public lecture on Wednesday 12 December during the international Fish Passage 2018 conference to be held in Albury between 10 and 14 December 2018.The lecture is part of the week-long Fish Passage 2018 conference, which will be hosted by the Charles Sturt University (CSU).Institute for Land, Water and Society, and NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).The meeting gathers experts from around the world to discuss the latest technologies to help migrating fish such as the iconic Murray cod to negotiate dam walls and barrages and reach important breeding grounds.The conference co-chair, Dr Lee Baumgartner, is recognised throughout Australia and South East Asia for his work in adapting fish passages to the needs of native fish and the local people who depend on these fisheries for food and recreation.“A number of significant issues are affecting native fish populations in rivers in the Riverina, including the blocking of migration routes by dams and weirs,” Dr Baumgartner said.“This conference will focus on how we can help our native species avoid or overcome some of these issues using smart technologies such as fishways, also known as or fish ladders.The conference will also showcase innovative technologies used to monitor fish migrations like radio tags, acoustic tags, microchips and the “Salmon Cannon” from Whoosh Innovation. All will be on display during the conference and at the public lecture by Dr Hogan.“Dr Hogan has long advocated for maintaining fish migration routes, which are essential for spawning and feeding. He is supporting our cause by showing off some of Australia’s megafish such as the Murray cod which have previously featured on his National Geographic show, Monster Fish,” Dr Baumgartner said, pictured left.“Dr Hogan has caught megafish across the globe. He will take the audience on a journey on the importance of big fish and how migrations are essential for their long term survival.“Entry is free and open to the public, and families are especially welcome. It will be a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with all things fish.”Tickets to hear about Dr Zeb’s amazing adventures with big fish are now available from the Albury Entertainment Centre, which will host the free lecture between 7 and 9 pm. A ticket will be required to gain entry and the event will open to the public from 6pm.In addition to Dr Hogan, attendees will be able to view the scientific poster display and chat with exhibitors on a range of innovations related to fish.Book here to attend the free Zeb Hogan lecture.

* CSU in Wagga Wagga in collaboration with the City of Sydney and Sydney School of Entrepreneurship will co-host international chef-entrepreneur Mark Brand * Event on Tuesday 30 October is part of the City of Sydney’s Visiting Entrepreneur Program and Spark Festival* The program focus will be on social impact, entrepreneurship, inclusive design and building better communitiesCharles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga together with The City of Sydney and Sydney School of Entrepreneurship will next week co-host international entrepreneur Mark Brand (pictured).Mr Brand will deliver a keynote address focusing on social impact and entrepreneurship, inclusive design, diversity and inclusivity within business startups, and building better communities through inclusive economic growth. The sold-out event, to be held at Food I Am on the Nu-Lemeah property just outside Wagga Wagga, is part of the City of Sydney’s Visiting Entrepreneur Program and part of Spark Festival. It will see Mr Brand reflect on his journey as a chef-entrepreneur to a Professor of Innovation and how discovering his guiding principles led him from helping one man to creating businesses built around those who struggle. CSU’s Research Partnerships Manager Ms Annette Davies said that the event is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs, producers and members of the community to network and listen to one of the world’s most recognised entrepreneurs. “Mark Brand is one of North America’s foremost social entrepreneurs,” Ms Davies said. “He is internationally recognised for his eleven businesses and his unique form of leadership which encompasses good in every step.“Attendees will gain insight into his innovative efforts and systems design, which deliver a unique balance between business and purpose.” Guests will also hear stories from Mr Brand about his projects such as Save On Meats and The Token Program, a cashless system which has fed over 100,000 people in need. To learn more about Mark Brand, watch the NowThis video here.

* CSU in Wagga Wagga to host Distinguished Professor of Biology * The free event on Tuesday 30 October will provide early career researchers, staff and students withinsight on how science can impact global policy * Visit comes at a topical time with the recently released IPCC report from the United NationsThe Charles Sturt University (CSU) Postdoctoral Society (PdCSU) will next week host Distinguished Professor of Biology Lesley Hughes (pictured) in Wagga Wagga to speak with young and early career researchers (ECRs) and students about how to make their mark in research and science. PdCSU’s central aim is to support ECRs at CSU and to enhance research culture with the University. As part of this aim, the Society identifies influential people in science, politics and society and invites them to speak to staff and students.The PdCSU committee invited Professor Hughes to address the Postdoctoral Society and University staff and students due to her notoriety as an advocate for diversity and gender equity in science, for supporting ECRs, and for her impact as an influential scientist.Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Adam Frew said that Professor Hughes will highlight some valuable lessons she has learnt from her career path, and attendees will gain a unique insight into how science can impact global policy.“Professor Hughes was a former lead author on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently released report.  She is also a councillor with the Climate Council of Australia and a director for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),” Dr Frew said. “Attendees will hear about Professor Hughes’s own research as an ecologist, how she became involved in climate change and environmental advocacy, and in policy development.” The upcoming visit from Professor Hughes not only demonstrates her support for students and researchers at CSU, but more broadly looks to enhance the quality of life in the long-term for people in Australia.All CSU staff and postgraduate students are encouraged to attend. Event details: PdCSU presents Distinguished Professor Lesley Hughes Time and date: 2pm on Tuesday 30 OctoberLocation: Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, building 229, room 182.Video conference rooms have also been booked across some of CSU’s other campuses Cost: FREE

In their final activity at Charles Sturt University (CSU), fourth year students will explore the possibilities of their new careers as occupational therapists in a two day conference starting Wednesday 24 October at CSU in Albury-Wodonga.The CSU students will present papers on contemporary practice issues relevant to the provision of occupational therapy services to regional, rural and remote communities with a specific focus on Indigenous Australian people.In her final year of the occupational therapy course, student Ms Gemma Wall hailed the conference initiative as an excellent way to showcase how far the students had progressed after four years of university study.“During my course I learned much about the importance of culturally competent care and the impact this can have on improving health outcomes when working with culturally diverse clients such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Wall said.In her conference presentation, Ms Wall is considering how to successfully implement a culturally sensitive self-management program for stroke rehabilitation in an Indigenous Australian community.Ms Wall will draw from the Best Evidence for Stroke Therapy study being conducted at CSU in partnership with Albury Wodonga Health and Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.Fellow student Ms Rachel Ralph said the conference was particularly relevant as new national standards for cultural competency in occupational therapy become effective in January 2019.“The conference is important as it allows us to educate each other on how we can better our practice with Indigenous people,” Ms Ralph said.Discipline Lead of the occupational therapy program in the CSU School of Community Health, Dr Tracey Parnell, said the conference allowed students to demonstrate what they had learned from their studies, and the intellectual rigour they can offer to the health of regional, rural and Indigenous Australians.“The conference is the culmination of the four year course for these students. It provides an opportunity for them to show the breadth and depth of their knowledge in various areas of contemporary practice.”“This year we also challenged the students to examine their chosen topic in relation to Indigenous Australians.”Dr Parnell will welcome participants and students to the conference from 8.30 am on Wednesday 24 October at Room 101, Building 667 at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Broomfield Court, Thurgoona.The 26 student presentations include:* Addressing Indigenous health inequality and the role of occupational health in ‘closing the gap’;* Ageing in place in Indigenous Australian communities;* The mental health implication of leaving the land;* Challenges in accessing stroke rehabilitation in rural and remote areas; and* Chronic pain and its impact on mental health.The conference will be closed after 2pm on Thursday 25 October by the Head of the School of Community Health, Associate Professor Michael Curtin. The event coincides with national Occupational Therapy Week.

* Mr Neal Molineaux CSU staff member elected national president of Apex Australia.* Mr Molineaux said the community mindedness and skills taught at Apex Australia are brought to CSU.* Mr Molineaux and Apex Australia raised $16,000 in recent months to support farmers experiencing drought.A Charles Sturt University (CSU) staff member has been elected national president of Apex Australia.Mr Neal Molineaux, a project manager in CSU’s Division of Facilities Management, said he is pleased to become national president of an association that does a lot of good, not only in local communities, but in communities all over Australia and across the seven countries it is established in.“It’s the work of these Apex Clubs that builds better communities,” Mr Molineaux said.“Apex has opened my world to something that you would not experience anywhere else.“It’s not all just about serving your community, but the lessons learnt, and through the opportunities Apex has provided me, I have been able to learn, develop new skills and gain the confidence I use daily in my current occupation.”Mr Molineaux has been around Apex throughout his childhood and in 1997 became a member of the South Wagga Apex Club where he held a number of administrative roles. Four years ago he took on the challenges of being a member of the Apex national board.This long history within Apex created many fond memories and friendships across Australia and other Apex countries. Mr Molineaux said it is these genuine friendships that have helped him raise over $16,000 in recent months to assist Australian farmers suffering from years of drought.Mr Molineaux describes Apex Australia as a vibrant and energetic volunteer service organisation focused on harnessing the ideas, ideals and intelligence of primarily younger Australians.“Although some clubs are open to people of all ages, most welcome members aged from 18 to 45,” he said. “We are an authentic Australian icon that is still going strong since it was established in 1931.“We have help younger Australians make a difference to their community, learn valuable skills, and make great friendships.“The Apex story is one of fun, fellowship and friendship. We offer you the opportunity to give others a fair go, practical help and positive role models to reach their own potential,” Mr Molineaux said.Photo credit: Neal Molineaux, project officer CSU Division of Facilities Management

The annual Town and Gown procession of academics, staff and students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and other Riverina educational institutions will grace the main street of Wagga Wagga on the afternoon of Tuesday 16 October.The parade of academics, teachers, researchers and students  will be joined by Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey, OAM, and the Kapooka Army Band  in recognition of education’s contribution to the Riverina.First held in 2005, the Town and Gown event was at first a precursor to upcoming CSU graduations, but it has since grown to reflect the educational institutions found in the Riverina.The procession will include representatives from the wide range of teaching, training, learning and research organisations that call Wagga Wagga home.CSU Manager of Community Relations and Acting Head of CSU in Wagga Wagga, Mr Aaron McDonnell said CSU strongly valued the contribution the University makes to the community.“Wagga Wagga is city of education and the Town and Gown procession highlights the importance of this sector to the local economy and the social and cultural fabric of the community,” he said.Mr McDonnell said that some people who have never been to university or attended a graduation ceremony may perceive the parade as somewhat of a novelty, seeing people dressed in academic robes, wearing trenchers (mortar boards), and bonnets and draped in coloured sashes and stoles harking back to medieval times.“The procession is a little different, but importantly it acknowledges the place of education and research in the life of Wagga Wagga, and allows the public the opportunity to encourage and thank those who teach and support those who are studying, no matter what institution they attend,” Mr McDonnell said.Starting at the corner of Morgan and Baylis Streets from 4.30pm on Tuesday 16 October the procession will make its way to the Civic Theatre precinct where a public reception will be held.“We hope that business owners and shoppers, parents and children will line the street to watch the procession and cheer on those who contribute to the education of so many in this city,” Mr McDonnell said.He added it was a perfect opportunity for the community to meet academics and researchers who make a significant contribution to the region.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) will host alumni and acclaimed rural writer Rachael Treasure on 4 October as part of its Exploration Series.Rachael Treasure will talk about 'Writing new stories for our soils and our souls' to encourage others in farming to adopt a restorative and regenerative approach to agriculture. Ms Treasure, who lives in Southern Tasmania with her two teenage sons and partner, have adopted this alternative approach to their property."I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to speak in the region given the recent attention on drought. I want to share my knowledge and my global network of farmers who are profiting and thriving by using principles of regenerative agriculture and holistic farming.As a story teller, it's a story that needs sharing to help alleviate our struggles with our environment and even with our own selves,” Ms Treasure said. CSU Manager of Community Relations Aaron McDonnell said the University was excited to be able to bring someone with Ms Treasure’s experience and knowledge to Wagga Wagga.“Ms Treasure is a trail-blazer who brings together science and philosophy and shares her vision for a regenerated rural Australia,” Mr McDonnell said.Mr McDonnell added Ms Treasure was an accomplished author with her most recent, Down the Dirt Roads listed for the 2017 Tasmanian Premier's Literary Prize for the Margaret Scott Award.Mr McDonnell said CSU’s Exploration Series were free public lectures to engage rural and regional communities by sparking debate about major issues facing the regions, the nation and the world.“In an agricultural region like Wagga Wagga, Ms Treasure is certain to spark debate about how we manage farm land and soils,” Mr McDonnell said.The Exploration Series talk will be held at Charles Sturt University, Wal Fife Theatre, Building 14, Room 209 from 5.30 to 7pm on 4 October with light refreshments provided.