* Researchers are looking for at least 40 participants to test if mindfulness practice can alleviate symptoms of PTSD* Each year 1.5 million Australians are diagnosed with symptoms of PTSD* Participants will undertake a one week home-based mindfulness program to determine the effect on PTSD symptomsA research team led by a Charles Sturt University medical researcher will assess the effectiveness of mindfulness practices such as breathing practices and self-compassion to alleviate the symptoms of a debilitating mental health issue.“Each year 1.5 million Australians are diagnosed with symptoms of PTSD, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder,” Said research team leader Associate Professor Herbert Jelinek.“Current approaches for treating symptoms of PTSD include cognitive-behavioural therapies and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, and stress-inoculation training which uses controlled breathing, muscle relaxation and positive self-talk.“Recently, mindful emotion labelling has demonstrated benefit for PTSD. Even brief mindfulness interventions over one week seem likely to foster improved wellbeing and reduced PTSD symptoms.“We want to put these claims to the test in a scientific trial.”Professor Jelinek is collaborating with Monash University researchers Mr Darius Rountree-Harrison and Dr Dominic Hosemans for the study, which is aiming for at least 40 participants aged over 18 years old, at least 20 of whom were diagnosed with PTSD in the past year and 20 without PTSD.Each participant will receive free mindfulness training in two one-hour sessions over the course of two consecutive weeks.Participants will learn simple skills that can be easily applied in daily life to help manage the symptoms of PTSD. They will also be in a draw to win a $150 Westmead shopping voucher.For more information on or to participate in the PTSD study, contact Herbert Jelinek on 0427 681 754 or email hjelinek@csu.edu.au, or Darius Rountree-Harrison on 0421 821 978 or email drou0001@student.monash.edu.

* CSU CUP small grants available for Wagga Wagga region arts and culture projects * Applications close Friday 24 August * Previous recipients include the Henry Lawson Festival of Arts in Grenfell, Mount Austin High School, Uranquinty Preschool, and the Wagga City Rugby Male Choir * The grants help the community to encourage participation in arts and cultureThe next round of 2018 Charles Sturt University (CSU) Community-University Partnership (CUP) grants for arts and cultural activities are available for applications.Individuals and community groups across the University’s regions covered by its campuses in Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Orange, and Port Macquarie are invited to apply.Acting Head of Campus at CSU in Wagga Wagga Mr Adam Browne said, “The University provides up to $20,000 worth of CUP grants across its regional footprint, and I encourage individuals and groups with projects or initiatives that meet the criteria to apply.”Applications close on Friday 24 August, and the CUP grants application form is here:https://about.csu.edu.au/community/grants/arts-and-cultureThese previous recipients each received a $1,000 CSU CUP arts and culture grant for their projects:The Henry Lawson Festival of Arts in Grenfell (pictured left, in 2016) organises national competitions and exhibitions in the literary, visual and performing arts, and celebrates and promotes the winners. As in 2016, the CSU Cup grant was used to help stage and judge the 2017 Verse and Short Story Competition.Mount Austin High School in Wagga Wagga used their grant to help fund students to go to Sydney for rehearsals for State Dance and the Schools Spectacular. These students are selected from over 3,000 participants state-wide. They studied professional dance under the instruction of Bangarra Dance Company teachers, and the grant assisted the students with accommodation and food while in Sydney for rehearsals and performances.Uranquinty Preschool’s project aimed to explore the music of other cultures with three- to five- year-old children. This included the music and instruments used by the Wiradjuri people, and music from Asia and Africa. This was a social activity that unites children and gives them the opportunity to express feelings and ideas. The grant was used to invite musical artists to the preschool to engage the children in music and dance with instruments that included a didgeridoo, and African drums.  Instruments, CDs and cultural costumes were also purchased to support this project.The Wagga City Rugby Male Choir, in conjunction with the South Wagga Public School, is developing a concert band which will provide accompaniment for the Choir when it performs. The CSU CUP grant to the Wagga City Rugby Male Choir contributed to the availability of sound and amplification equipment to assist student band members to engage with learning and future musical education.

* Dementia explored in two free films as part of Ageing Symposium in Wagga Wagga * An opportunity to learn more about dementia and to improve interaction with people who live with dementiaEncouraging people to think differently about how they interact with people with dementia is the focus of a free film night in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 8 August.The evening is part of the ‘Inspire Ageing in Rural Communities: Together we can make a difference’ Symposium hosted by Charles Sturt University (CSU) for the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG).Conference co-convenor and Associate Professor of Nursing Maree Bernoth (pictured left) in the CSU School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health said, “There are more than 425,000 Australians living with dementia. It’s the single greatest cause of disability in older Australians, with one in ten people aged over 65 living with dementia.“So the chances are that many of us know someone with dementia, have loved ones affected, or are caring for someone with dementia.“This free event is an opportunity for people to learn more about dementia and how we can improve how we interact with people who are living with this disease,” Professor Bernoth said.There’s no need to register to attend, and people are encouraged to be at the Forum 6 Cinema in Trail Street in Wagga Wagga for the screening at 6pm on Wednesday 8 August.Two films will be screened:* Head of the Health Law and Ageing Research Unit at Monash University, Professor Joseph Ibrahim will show his film, The Dignity of Risk, which challenges the popular ways of thinking about the rights of people diagnosed with dementia. After the film Professor Ibrahim will lead discussion about the content of the film.* Catholic Healthcare will show a film about arts and dementia called Together we can inspire and create.After the screening of the films there will be an opportunity for people to continue the discussion and network over pizza and soft drink.The evening is sponsored by a grant from Destination NSW.

* CSU in Wagga Wagga aims to plant 500 trees on Saturday 28 July * Tree planting increases biodiversity and connectivity of vegetation and riparian corridorsAs part of National Tree Planting Day Week, staff and students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will gather on Saturday 28 July to plant trees to expand and enhance the University’s biodiversity zones on the campus.National Tree Day on Sunday 29 July is Australia’s largest tree-planting and nature care event.CSU Green sustainability project officer Ms Kym Witney-Soanes said, “Every year, CSU Green coordinates revegetation works at each campus for CSU Tree Planting Day events. Revegetation works occur strategically across campuses in accordance with the biodiversity plans.”“On Saturday in Wagga Wagga we hope to plant approximately 350 locally indigenous seedlings on the University farm, extending biodiversity area E at the southern end of Houlaghans Creek.“If we have more time and volunteers, we plan to plant the remainder of the 150 seedlings at the offset Ashmont biodiversity zone.“These planting areas have been determined in consultation with relevant University personnel and CSU Green specialists.”The aims of CSU revegetation works are to:* increase biodiversity areas to reduce the loss of species and improve the ecosystem function;* increase the connectivity of between vegetation corridors across campuses (including the CSU farms at Wagga Wagga and Orange);* rehabilitate highly disturbed sites.To date CSU has planted 16,810 native trees, shrubs and grasses across its campuses.Intending participants for the two-hour tree planting event at CSU in Wagga Wagga should register on csugreen@csu.edu.au, and will meet at the front of Joyes Hall at 10am Saturday 28 July.Participants are encouraged to bring their own hat, gloves, sunscreen, and boots, and a barbecue lunch will be provided at 1pm at St Martin’s.A tree-planting day will also be held at CSU in Bathurst on Wednesday 8 August, and tree planting days have already been held at CSU in Albury-Wodonga (Wednesday 18 July) and Dubbo (Tuesday 24 July).

* CSU students raised over $4, 000 for local charity Riverina Bluebell* Riverina Bluebell refers people, particularly farmers and their families, concerned with their mental health to local services.Charles Sturt University (CSU) students in Wagga Wagga have demonstrated their community spirit when they donated over $4,000 today (Thursday 26 July) to local charity Riverina Bluebell.Ms Breanna Carr is the Head Resident of the Hampden Village ResLIFE Team at CSU in Wagga Wagga.The veterinary science student said she was very proud to be associated with such a positive initiative by the students getting together with the Wagga Wagga community.“The donation comes from the proceeds of Hampden Village Ball for our students held in May this year,” Ms Carr said.“Before the ball, we also approached local businesses for donations – not only did they give us prizes for a charity auction during the ball, but they donated over $1,500 cash for our designated charity, Riverina Bluebell. We were amazed at their generosity.“I am also proud of my team of student leaders who worked tirelessly on the event and raised the money for the charity.”Riverina Bluebell refers people, particularly farmers and their families, concerned with their mental health to local services able to attend to their needs.Representatives from Riverina Bluebell were presented with the student donation this morning at CSU in Wagga Wagga.Mr Nik Granger from the CSU Division of Student Services said that during 2017 CSU students donated $185,000 to charities, showing their commitment to helping those less fortunate in the community.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) students will be awarded Charles Sturt University Foundation Scholarships at a ceremony in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 26 July.Six students will be awarded scholarships, all of whom have demonstrated sound academic achievement, strong community and industry connections, and have set career goals.Director of CSU Advancement Ms Sarah Ansell said the scholarships made a significant difference to students and showed the generosity of individuals and businesses whose contributions make the scholarships possible.“Donors are people and organisations who are passionate about making a difference to Charles Sturt University students,” Ms Ansell said.Students to receive scholarships:HV McKay II scholarship – Ms Emily Walker, Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management: Going into her second year, Emily plans to work in the agricultural industry as a consultant as she believes the industry will be the future of the Australian economy.Carole and Stan Droder scholarship – Mr Ryan Malone, Bachelor of Agricultural Science: When he completes his degree Ryan plans to work with farmers to help them implement technology to reduce labour time.Agnes Tansey lifting the barriers refugee scholarship – Ms Zandile Mlilo: Zandile arrived in Australia as a refugee without any family members. As a refugee she is not eligible for HELP and so the scholarship will assist pay university fees to allow her to start a new life.Celia Beavan Gerontology Scholarship – Ms Abbie Melrose, Bachelor of Social Work: The care of a social worker during the last months of her grandfather’s life inspired Abbie to study social work.Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga Wollundry – Ms Lauren Bruce: Lauren plans to study a major in medical imaging, and on completion of her studies intends to return to rural towns to start up a medical practice.Rennylea – Future in Livestock – Mr Stephen Robinson: Stephen is optimistic about the future of the Australian livestock industry and plans to use his veterinary science studies to capture those opportunities and contribute to the industry.Donors in attendance: CO2 Australia represented by Mr Brad Holt;total value of scholarships $30,000.This is the first award of a new scholarship from CSU supporters CO2 Australia. C02 seeks to support prospective students from Indigenous backgrounds to access higher education opportunities, as well as support people who are in the early stages of their professional career to develop diverse, long-term careers in regional locations.Rennylea - The Future in Livestock Scholarship represented by Bryan and Lucinda Corrigan;value of scholarship $5,000. Lucinda Corrigan and Bryan Corrigan are great supporters of the CSU Agriculture course,and each year provide a scholarship to support the cattle industry.Alexandra Catherine Henderson Fund represented by Ms Lana Sweeney (peer of Alexandra) who will present the prize on her parents’ behalf; value of scholarships $2,000. When Alexandra Henderson lost her life in a farm accident in July 2017 she had just started her studies at CSU. Alexandra was a person who was determined to have a positive impact on the world, and by enabling other students to learn and do the work she wanted to do herself, her family will be able to enable her to fulfil her goals even though she will not be here to savour them. Bush Children’s Education Foundation represented by Mr Richard Dougan; value of scholarships $9,000. Dr Charles Huxtable, then serving with the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Broken Hill, initiated the establishment of the Bush Children’s Education Foundation in 1965. The Bush Children’s Education Foundation has been working with CSU over a number of years to assist students from rural backgrounds.The ceremony will be held at the Wagga Wagga Convention Centre Thursday 26 July from 4.30pm.

* CSU Wagga Wagga presented 11  2018 Charles Sturt University NAIDOC Awards * The NAIDOC theme this year is Because Of Her We Can * Today we celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and the active and significant roles they play across the Wagga Wagga region Charles Sturt University (CSU) is proud to be recognising women, as part of the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week theme this year, Because of Her We Can.Head of Campus at CSU in Wagga Wagga Ms Miriam Dayhew said, “For at least 65,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have been strong partners with their men in maintaining this cultural connection through generations.“Today we have celebrated just a few of the women who continue that work in a variety of ways, and are influencing and shaping our community.“We also acknowledge that there are many, many more local women that should be recognised, in addition to those whose stories we shared today,”Eleven wonderful women were given awards from the Wagga Wagga region including CSU staff, students and former students, and key community members.Dr Faye McMillan is an inspiration to all Indigenous women and mothers. She was the first registered Australian Aboriginal Pharmacist, and was a founding member of Indigenous Allied Health Australia. Dr McMillan sits on many allied health boards, and is the Director of the Djirruwang Program Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health).Ms Catherine Maxwell has led the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan at CSU and has shown outstanding leadership in working with stakeholders from within the University and the wider community.Aunty Kath Withers has supported educators in early childhood services to build their capacity and confidence to implement inclusive practices. This has included sharing her experiences and knowledge with educators through team meetings, Yarning circles, weaving workshops and service visits.Aunty Isobel Reid is a survivor of the Stolen Generation. She was taken from her family at the age of seven and sent to the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls.Aunty Isobel now Chairs the Coota Girls’ Corporation, and has been instrumental in the work for the survivors of the Stolen Generation. She has also been actively involved with the University and wider community through presenting her experiences as part of consultative processes.Ms Ella Havelka is a descendant of the Wiradjuri people and a graduate of The Australian Ballet School.  In 2009 Ella made her first appearance with Bangarra Dance Theatre and continued dancing with the company for three years. A documentary centring on Ella and her dance journey was released in 2016 at the International Film Festival. Ella’s mother, a former CSU staff member, accepted her daughter’s award on her behalf.Ms Tenayah Kelly has shown strong leadership while on secondment in the role of Programs Officer (Indigenous) in the Away from Base team, in the CSU Division of Student Services. Tenayah is continually working to improve the Indigenous student’s experience.Ms Letetia Harris is a Wiradjuri woman who has worked relentlessly towards the restoration of the Wiradjuri language. Letetia is committed to her students, developing strong relationships, to provide each of them with encouragement, guidance and shares her cultural connection, the Wiradjuri language. The work Letetia does is described by her students as “deadly”.Aunty Robyn McMillan has recently retired from CSU as an associate lecturer in the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health), where she taught and mentored an all-Indigenous cohort in Aboriginal culture, Aboriginal health and mental health. Aunty Robyn was also a mature age student when she completed her studies, inspiring mature age women with families who want to study and have a career.Ms Kristy Wickey is a mother of three, and has just graduated from a Bachelor of Nursing and is going on to do further studies to become an Indigenous midwife. It was no easy feat, however Kristy managed study and children, and never complained and always had a smile on her face. Kristy is a leading example of what is possible.Aunty Gail Manderson completed the Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage a few years ago as a mature age student. Since completing the certificate she is giving back to her community by working in local primary schools helping to keep the Wiradjuri language alive by teaching it.Aunty Gail is also very involved in the University. She delivers ‘Welcomes to Country’, visits the Indigenous Student Centre, and holds workshops on cooking and weaving.The final award recipient was Edna May ‘Mumma’ Jones who opened Ngungilanna, the CSU Wagga Campus Indigenous Student Centre in September 1994. Since its opening 723 Indigenous students have graduated from CSU in Wagga Wagga.As part of the ceremony ‘Mumma’ Jones’s family accepted her posthumous award for her contribution to the academic success of so many CSU in Wagga Wagga students, and gave a heart-warming speech about the impact she had on so many lives.A short student video was also shown about ‘what NAIDOC means to me’.After the formal ceremony, people took part in a weaving class facilitated by Aunty Gail, and a barbecue hosted by the Student Representative Council.“Charles Sturt University is so proud to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community members,” Ms Dayhew said.“It was delightful and an honour to be able to acknowledge and present awards to all these fabulous women who are making an impact across our communities.”

* Award winning author for Booranga Writers’ Centre residency * Will present a free public lecture, and a writing workshop in Wagga WaggaAward-winning author Ms Ellen van Neerven (pictured) has been announced as the third writer-in-residence at Booranga Writers’ Centre in Wagga Wagga in 2018.Vice President of Booranga Writers’ Centre and senior lecturer in English in the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Wagga Wagga Dr Lachlan Brown said Ms van Neerven will be in-residence from Sunday 8 until Saturday 14 July.“During her residency Ms van Neerven will deliver the ASAL Patrons Lecture at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery on Friday 13 July, as well as conduct a writing workshop at Booranga on Saturday 14 July,” Dr Brown said.“Ellen is a writer of Mununjali Yugambeh and Dutch heritage whose first book, Heat and Light (UQP, 2014), was the recipient of the David Unaipon Award, the Dobbie Literary Award and the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Indigenous Writers Prize.“Heat and Light was also shortlisted for The Stella Prize, the Queensland Literary Award for State Significance, and the Readings Prize. Ellen was named as a Sydney Morning Herald‘s Best Young Australian Novelist in 2015.“Ellen’s second book, a collection of poetry, Comfort Food (UQP, 2016) was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Kenneth Slessor Prize and Highly Commended for the 2016 Wesley Michel Wright Prize.”Dr Brown said that until 2016 Ellen was the managing editor of black&write! Indigenous Writing and Editing Project at State Library of Queensland. She received the 2017 Queensland Writers Centre Johnno Award and the 2015 Express Media Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Young Person in Literary Arts. She currently lives and works in Melbourne.The ASAL Patrons Lectures are hosted by ASAL with funding from the Copyright Agency,” Dr Brown said. “These lectures support emerging and distinguished Australian writers to travel to locations around Australia to present a public talk or lecture on a topic of his or her choosing for a broader public.“By bringing Australian writers into a wide range of communities, Patrons Lectures aim to stimulate broad interest in Australian writing and facilitate deeper understanding between writers, the academy, secondary teachers and the reading public.”Find more information about Ms van Neerven here: https://ellenvanneervencurrie.wordpress.com/The ASAL Patrons Lecture is from 6pm to 8pm on Friday 13 July at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga. While the public lecture is free, bookings are essential as seating is limited: RSVPThe Writing Workshop by Ms van Neerven is from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 14 July at the Booranga Writers’ Centre, Mambarra Drive, Wagga Wagga. The workshop is free for members, a $10 donation is requested from non-members: RSVPFor more information contact Booranga Writers’ Centre Vice President, Dr Lachlan Brown, labrown@csu.edu.au or Booranga Creative Director, Kathryn Halliwell, director@booranga.com

* 320 high school students expected for MyDay at CSU in Wagga Wagga on Friday 6 July* Free MyDay event is a great start to preparation for universitySenior high school students from across NSW and Victoria will attend a MyDay at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on Friday 6 July to explore a range of courses and future study options.CSU prospective student adviser Mr Andrew Connell said, “With around 350 students currently registered, we can expect about 320 students plus their parents to attend the MyDay.“Students who have registered come from NSW and Victorian high schools, from as far as Melbourne and Sydney, as well as local schools across Wagga Wagga.“The students who attend MyDay can learn about the courses we offer at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga as well as general information about university and study. This free event is a great start to university preparation.“Parents are also welcome to attend most sessions to learn more about courses and study at Charles Sturt University.”Courses to be explored by the students include accounting and business, agriculture, teaching and education, animal and veterinary sciences,  oral health, medical imaging, medical science, nursing, agricultural and wine sciences, communication and creative industries, psychology and social work.