Representing Dubbo as a member of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) governing board, CSU Council  is one way that Dr Patricia Logan feels she can give back to the regional city that has welcomed her family. Having moved to Dubbo 15 years ago to take an academic position in the University’s School of Biomedical Sciences, Dr Logan and her family enjoy living in the region.  “My daughters went to school in Dubbo and the eldest has returned to work here,” Dr Logan said. “We certainly feel we are part of the community. When the girls were growing up we were at pony club, volleyball and even Irish dancing lessons. Now it’s great to give something back. The city has been good to us as a family.” As a member of the CSU Council, Dr Logan hopes to continue the work done by former Council member Ms Heather Bell from CSU in Dubbo. “By having someone from Charles Sturt University in Dubbo on the CSU Council, it keeps the centre in people’s minds,” Dr Logan said.

Five Charles Sturt University (CSU) students have been named among the eight winners of the NSW Farmers’ Association Tertiary Scholarship Awards. The winners all share a passion for rural and regional NSW and the opportunities it provides. NSW Farmers’ Association President Mr Charles Armstrong says the judging panel is confident that the future of rural NSW is in good hands, following the high calibre of entrants. “All the winners plan to use their talents and skills back in the bush and many of them are currently doing so already, showing their level of keenness and ambition,” Mr Armstrong said. The CSU winners include Bachelor of Agricultural Science student Mr Josh Peffer from Molong; Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science Ms Melissa Sullivan from Orange; Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) student Mr Tom Webb from Wodonga who was awarded the E. L. O’Brien Scholarship for a student in agriculture; Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) student Ms Tracey Johnston of Weethalle; and Bachelor of Education student Ms Jessica Wythes from Wagga Wagga. They each received $5 000 at the Association’s Annual Conference held in Sydney from Tuesday 20 July to Thursday 22 July.

Nguluway, the Wiradjuri word for ‘Meeting with Each Other’, is the title under which Indigenous staff from across Charles Sturt University (CSU) will meet this week for their annual conference. About 30 Indigenous staff are expected to attend the two-day event at the Convention Centre at CSU in Wagga Wagga from Wednesday 11 August to Thursday 12 August. Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Flo Grant will give the Welcome to Country from 9.20am on Wednesday 11 August. CSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Goulter will address Nguluway at 9.30am and the Indigenous dance group from Wagga Wagga Maliyaa, will perform at 10am. Indigenous Elders and community members will join CSU staff for these sessions of Nguluway. The University’s Australian Indigenous Employment Strategy aims to increase the proportion of Indigenous staff in continuing positions and boost the overall representation of Indigenous staff to three per cent. Read more about the strategy here.

Asperger’s syndrome is a complex condition covering a range of symptoms that include communication difficulties and problems with social interaction and cognitive abilities. Little is known about community views on this condition, which Charles Sturt University (CSU) doctoral student Ms Donna Kite will address in her current research project. Based in Port Augusta in South Australia, Ms Kite is looking for people to complete an online survey on the characteristics, causes, treatment and management of the condition. “Changes are being proposed on the diagnosis of Asperger’s, which could have implications for its subsequent recognition and treatment, so I am also asking respondents for their opinions on the proposed change,” Ms Kite said. “Most clients with Asperger's syndrome have adequate communication and cognitive functioning to participate in regular school programs, employment and sporting activities, but experience social and often behavioural difficulties relating to their interpretation of the world.” 

The count down is on for the first group of veterinary science students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga until they take their professional oath at a ceremony on Friday 6 August. The 30 students in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science  will swear the Veterinary Oath before their family and friends and lecturers from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences  at CSU in Wagga Wagga. The ceremony will be held from 2pm to 4pm in the Riverina Playhouse, Cross Street in Wagga Wagga. “As they take their place in the professional world, the students should be congratulated for the commitment they have clearly shown in completing their degrees,” CSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Goulter said. CSU started the veterinary science program in 2005 to address the shortage of veterinarians in rural and regional Australia. Read more here.

Oral health students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will be working in the new Dental and Oral Health Clinic with renewed focus from Monday 2 August to Sunday 8 August during the national Dental Health Week.  The 2nd year Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy/Hygiene) students will be treating patients in the University Clinic on Wednesday 4 August and Thursday 5 August as part of their studies. They will also have the chance to meet Dr Mark Sinclair, the President of the NSW Branch of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) during his visit to CSU in Wagga Wagga. Dr Sinclair is due to speak to  the students on ethics during a lecture between 11am and 12midday on Wednesday 4 August. During the student clinics, which are supervised by registered dentists and oral health practitioners, the students undertake a thorough check-up of the patients’ teeth and gums, clean, and polish. For patients aged under 18, routine filling work will also be provided. Students offer advice on preventing tooth decay and gum disease, and will also demonstrate to their patients how to clean and floss teeth and gums. Paediatric patients will also receive a toothbrush during their appointments in Dental Health Week. The Clinic, with the latest in dental equipment and software, opened at the end of 2009. The Clinic is taking appointments on 1300 278 642. Dental Health Week is a community awareness program organised by the ADA.

A Canadian student who studied for a year at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Australia has become an Australian Student Ambassador for 2010 and 2011. Ms Keely Snider, who is currently enrolled at Lakehead University in Ontario, studied English literature during 2009 at CSU in Wagga Wagga, in southern New South Wales. She hopes to become a teacher after finishing teachers college in 2013. “My experience in Australia was amazing,” Ms Snider said. “I met many wonderful people and made life long friends from Australia and other countries around the world, students who were also on exchange programs. I travelled a lot around Australia, and I would recommend studying in Australia to anyone. Hopefully I will get back to Australia soon.” Ms Snider is keen to encourage more Canadian students to study overseas, especially at CSU in Australia.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) students will join with their peers from across south eastern Australia to sign the official Close the Gap petition that urges action from all Australian governments to address the health crisis facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. CSU’s Multidisciplinary Albury Rural Health Society (MARHS)  is hosting a meeting of ten university student rural health clubs from as far as Bendigo, Geelong, Adelaide and Hobart. During the meeting the students will officially sign the petition on Saturday 7 August. “Currently Indigenous people can except to die up to 17 years earlier than non-Indigenous Australians,” MARHS president and third year physiotherapy student at CSU, Ms Stephanie Frazer said. “This is wrong, and we as Australians have to do something to address the inequality of health status among Indigenous Australians. Over 140 000 other Australians have already registered their concern, and we invite the people of Albury-Wodonga to also sign the petition.” The Close the Gap ceremony will commence at 1.45pm in the CD Blake lecture theatre at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona.

Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Ms Stephanie Frazer has won a national award for her services to a student rural health club. Ms Frazer, who is president of the CSU Multidisciplinary Albury Rural Health Society (MARHS), was awarded $1 000 by the National Rural Health Students Network (NRHSN). The Network recognised her significant involvement in helping build MARHS into a strong and active club, particularly in relation to mental health in regional Australia. “Improving awareness about mental health is important as almost half of all Australians will experience mental illness in their lifetime. We can make a difference by encouraging understanding and improving support. I feel humbled to be recognised by my fellow students and to work with such great people at Charles Sturt University,” Ms Frazer said. Ms Frazer, who is a third year physiotherapy student with the School of Community Health based at Thurgoona, received her award in Alice Springs in July during the Network’s national conference of 29 student rural health clubs. MARHS vice-president and second year occupational therapy student Mr Alan Dyason also won a prize at the conference for his contribution to increasing awareness and action in Indigenous health issues.