Water polluted in kitchens and bathrooms at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga has been cleaned up using nature and gravity, with some help from an award-winning scientist and the wetlands he designed.Professor David Mitchell (centre in picture), formerly with the CSU Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS) and CSIRO, designed a set of treatment ponds and wetlands to treat ‘grey’ water produced in academic and residential buildings on the University’s Thurgoona site.Having previously won state, national and international awards for the water management and treatment system on the site, Professor Mitchell’s design has performed well for over 20 years.ILWS director Professor Max Finlayson (left in picture) said, “Wetlands have been constructed across the world for more than 50 years to treat polluted water. The David Mitchell wetland system on our campus is a working demonstration of sustainable practice.“The wetlands were constructed as part of the development of a new campus. It provided a marvellous opportunity to design an environmentally efficient, on-site water management system from scratch,” Professor Finlayson said.“The number of thermo-tolerant coliform bacteria detected in treated grey water indicates the level of faecal contamination and whether this water can be re-used.“To date, the treated water has passed every test, providing evidence that individual units of this nature are effective – they can treat grey water and meet initial expectations and specifications.”Professor Finlayson believes this is but one example of Professor Mitchell’s immense contributions to the management of Australia’s aquatic ecosystems.“His leadership has been widely recognised and his willingness to spend time advising and supporting others is an example to all. His contributions to the use of wetland plants to treat wastewater are just a part of his tremendous legacy,” Professor Finlayson said.

Registrations are now open for agrihack 2018, the agricultural super brainstorm providing participants with the skills to create an agricultural product or service, the opportunity to win cash and mentoring prizes, and potentially build their own business.In early 2017 Daniel Winson and his team became the first major winners of agrihack, creating a practical solution to uncover and fix black spots on farms, which in turn become the successful startup Agrinet (previously Agsensio).The agrihack 2018 hackathon will take place over two days and is open to anyone with an interest in agriculture, or a skill that can be applied to business.  Registrants can apply as individuals or teams, and will be assembled into evenly matched groups-think farmers alongside designers and ag business insiders collaborating with tech experts.agrihack will be held at the CSU Convention Centre and will be run in partnership with Charles Sturt University’s AgriTech Incubator and the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation.The first two challenges have now been released.  Our first challenge comes courtesy of Grain Storage Technology, and asks participants to find a way to reduce degradation from high moisture in stored grains; while our second challenge from AgriFutures Australia asks participants to find an effective way to measure live weight in meat chickens.Says founder of agrihack (and Australia Post Regional Pitchfest) Dianna Somerville, “The event will be run in partnership with Hackathon Australia and Charles Sturt University, and will focus on real challenges faced by people in agriculture and regional communities.agrihack will involve participants working in teams to creatively solve a number of different challenges that people face on the land. The event provides an opportunity to further connect the entrepreneurial ecosystem of metro areas to rural farmers, developers and disruptors.”If you are interested in being part of the event as a team or an individual, apply to take part on the website https://www.agrihack.com.au/registration/ or email info@agrihack.com.au for more information.

A diverse range of Australian artists will display their works in a new exhibition to open at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo on Saturday 3 February.The ‘A Feast of Artists’ exhibition features works by 29 artists and is curated by Ms Tamara Lawry, visual arts and photography teacher with the Dubbo School of Distance Education.CSU in Dubbo campus development manager Mr Bart Sykes said, “Charles Sturt University is delighted to again host an outstanding exhibition of art works by a range of leading and local artists.“The evolving 2018 program of art exhibitions highlights the University’s commitment to and engagement with the community and a range of organisations as a vital resource ‘for the public good’.“We have committed to stage specific exhibitions up until end of July, and an Expressions of Interest process for exhibitions for 2018-2019 will commence in June this year.”Exhibition curator Ms Lawry said, “The 29 artists come from Sydney, Kiama, Canberra, Broken Hill, Coolah, Dubbo, and Bathurst, and will exhibit artworks in a variety of forms - painting, drawing, printmaking, video, photography, sculpture and sound.“This exhibition celebrates the inaugural A Feast of Artists event held in October 2017, which brought together 40 Australian artists and curators to share their artmaking practice with 380 visual arts students from 29 high schools.Entry is free to the Feast of Artists exhibition at CSU, Tony McGrane Place, Dubbo, and the exhibition runs from Friday 2 February until Monday 26 March.Photographs documenting the A Feast of Artists event and guest speakers in October 2017 will also be on display.

One of Australia’s leading legal figures will deliver a free public lecture and workshops for law students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Wednesday 31 January.Acting Director for the CSU Centre for Law and Justice Dr Kath McFarlane said, “We are delighted that The Honourable Michael Kirby, AC, CMG, (pictured) will present a free public lecture at the University.“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Bathurst community to hear from one of the most influential legal figures of our age.“It is also a tremendous privilege for CSU’s Bachelor of Laws students, who will participate in specialised workshops facilitated by Justice Kirby. “Through exposure to great legal thinkers and advocates, the Centre for Law and Justice aims to create change-makers, skilled legal professionals who can work at the heart of regional communities, driving advocacy and improving access to legal representation across the country.”Upon his retirement from the High Court of Australia in February 2009, the Honourable Michael Kirby was Australia’s longest-serving judicial officer. Throughout his stellar legal career he served on various national and international bodies, including as President of the International Commission of Jurists, UN Special Representative for Human Rights in Cambodia, and the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights. More recently, he was appointed to the Advisory Council of Transparency International, the Chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights Violations in North Korea for 2013-2014, and the UNAIDS/OHCHR’s panel on the overreach of criminal law.Dr McFarlane said, “The Charles Sturt University Centre for Law and Justice works closely with and learns from the professions, creates change-makers, and is committed to social justice and our regions. It connects its students with leading national and international thinkers. “The University’s Bachelor of Laws is an internationally unique undergraduate law degree. As well as teaching the traditional law curriculum, our course incorporates Indigenous Australian content, embeds cultural competence, and offers a range of specialised regional law topics.”The free public lecture by The Honourable Michael Kirby, AC, CMG, is from 10.30am to 1pm on Wednesday 31st January in building 1411, room 347. A light lunch at CSU Engineering (building 1305) will follow the event. To RSVP please contact Ms Kristy Larsen on (02) 6338 4087 or klarsen@csu.edu.au or register here.

Student requirements for textbooks and supplies has changed very little over the years, however the impact of online retail and changes in technology have affected students purchasing preferences.After many years of operation Charles Sturt University (CSU) has been advised that the Co-op bookshop, which leases shop space on the Bathurst campus, will close its doors on Friday 15 December as it moves its services online.The Co-op is Australia’s largest member-owned retailer and supplier of textbooks, educational, development and learning resources.Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students), Ms Jenny Roberts, said, “Charles Sturt University is working very closely with the Co-op bookshop management to ensure minimal disruption to students purchasing their textbooks for next session, and ensuring the online and delivery services are still accessible and convenient to our students”.“We thank the management and staff of the Co-op bookshop for their many years of service to the University community in Bathurst”, Ms Roberts said.Key points about the closure:-There will be a sale at the Co-op bookshop at CSU in Bathurst this week up until close of business this Friday;-The Co-op will consolidate text listings and online supplies for all campuses and distribute orders in the New Year from the Co-op bookshop located at CSU in Wagga Wagga ;-Queries regarding member accounts or textbook information and orders can made by contacting the Co-op via: oEmail: store2320@coop.com.auoOnline portal: https://www.coop.com.au/textlist/manageroCustomer Care Team: 1300 61 71 81 / customercare@coop.com.auThe management of the Co-op have been engaged in discussions with the University prior to today’s announcement, and staff and students of the University were advised of the Co-op closure via internal news in an online statement on Monday 11 December.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) and local health groups have developed an alert system to help asthmatics manage the risks associated with high pollen counts and thunderstorms in the Riverina.Dr Bruce Graham in the CSU School of Biomedical Sciences said the alert system, which has been operating over the last 10 years, had sent out four alerts during the season that ran from September to December this year.The alert system relies on monitoring airborne pollen levels and information from the Bureau of Meteorology regarding potential thunderstorm activity.“Unfortunately, the pollen count is a labour-intensive manual activity which takes about an hour each day, but hopefully the community benefit makes it worthwhile,” Dr Graham said.“Despite the increased number of alerts this year, data from the Wagga Wagga Hospital admissions for breathing difficulties and asthma attacks was fortunately lower over the Spring thunderstorm asthma season than in previous years, which could indicate the possible impact of the alert system.“People who have joined the Asthma Register that sends out the alerts are sent a text and/or an email alerting them to conditions that may trigger an asthma event so they can take appropriate action.”Thunderstorm activity can whip up the pollens ahead of the rain front, which triggers fragmentation of the pollen grains into smaller particles which can be inspired deeper into the lungs. This can trigger an asthma event even in some individuals who may not normally experience breathing difficulties.Dr Graham said, “This is especially relevant to those moving to live in the region and to visitors who may not have been previously exposed to these pollen allergens in the air.”Users sign up to the alert service via the Asthma Register and are notified by text and/or email message ahead of high risk conditions.CSU is part of the Wagga Asthma and COPD Collaborative of Health Professionals which was created following a major crisis in 1997 when over 300 people attended the hospital outpatient service over 48 hours.The Collaborative also includes representatives from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, the Wagga Rural Referral Hospital, and the Ambulance Service of NSW.Dr Graham worked with the CSU Division of Information Technology several years ago to develop the alert system that now forms part of the University’s emergency management system.

More than 4 000 people will attend four Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduation ceremonies in Bathurst on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 December.Approximately 3 179 family and friends will join nearly 864 graduates at the four ceremonies which will this year be hosted at St Stanislaus College, Bathurst.Head of Campus Associate Professor Chika Anyanwu said, “We congratulate our graduating professionals with their friends and families on the successful completion of their studies.“Charles Sturt University takes pride in producing job-ready professionals who enter the workforce very insightful, making a positive impact, creating an inclusive society, and inspiring others.“More than 800 graduates including six PhDs, will receive their testamurs from the University in Bathurst this year. We invite you to come and share this important milestone with us.”Graduation highlights include the conferral of Emeritus Professorship to CSU psychology academic Professor Ben Bradley.PhD graduate Dr Suzanne Hopf (pictured) in the CSU School of Teacher Education has been praised by her examiners for her ‘seminal’ thesis ‘Supporting Fijian children’s communication’ about addressing speech disorders in Fijian children. One examiner said, “Ms Hopf has demonstrated how research and program development should be conducted in the majority of world cultures”. Another examiner said, “This research is not only important to Fiji, but is predicted to have far reaching implications for other countries, languages and for clinical applications. This thesis has the hallmark of innovative, critical thinking and exceeds the requirements of a doctoral thesis. … a gold standard on a doctoral level … In over 30 years of external examining (of PhD theses) this thesis stands out as one of the best that I have had the privilege of reading. It is suggested that this dissertation be recognised for its excellence at the university level.”9.30am Thursday 14 December – 193 graduates from the Faculty of Arts and Education, and 737 guests:School of Education, School of Teacher Education, School of Humanities and Social SciencesMs Maggie Walter will deliver the Occasional Address. CSU Medallist Ms Caroline Bateson will deliver the student Vote of Thanks.3pm Thursday 14 December – approximately 241 graduates from the Faculty of Arts and Education, and the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, and 850 guests:School of Communication and Creative Industries, School of Indigenous Australian Studies, School of Information Studies, the Division of Student Learning/Academic Success Unit, School of Accounting and Finance, School of Management and Marketing.Ms Bridget Ogilvie will deliver the Occasional Address. Ms Susie Hall will deliver the student Vote of Thanks.9.30am Friday 15 December – approximately 203 graduates from the Faculty of Business, Justice, and Behavioural Sciences, and the Faculty of Science, and 702 guests:School of Computing and Mathematics, School of Policing Studies, School of Psychology, the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, the Centre for Law and Justice, School of Exercise Science, Sport and Heath, School of Human Movement Studies.CSU psychology academic Professor Ben Bradley will receive the award of Emeritus Professor at this graduation ceremony.Dr Nicole Sugden will deliver the Occasional Address. Medal winner Ms Anissa Mouti will deliver the student Vote of Thanks.3pm Friday 15 December – approximately 227 graduates from the Faculty of Science, and 890 guests:School of Community Health, School of Biomedical Science, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, School of Environmental Science, School of Dentistry and Health Science, School of Agriculture and Wine Science, School of Animal and Veterinary Science.Ms Tiffany Grange will deliver the student Vote of Thanks.

Almost 900 graduates will receive their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees during three-days of graduation celebrations at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga from Monday 11 December. Key points 894 graduates from the three CSU faculties of Arts and Education; Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences; and Science are due to attend five ceremonies.2 778 guests will be catered for during the five ceremonies in the University’s Joyes Hall 9.30am, Monday 11 December 2017-  CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann will be Presiding Officer at the ceremony.- 158 graduates from the Schools of Education; Teacher Education; Indigenous Australian Studies; and Information Studies will be awarded postgraduate and undergraduate degrees.- Occasional Address will be delivered by Ms Sue McKerracher, Executive Director of Australian Library and Information Association.- Celebrations will continue today for CSU graduate Ms Kate Allman when she is awarded a Master of Information Studies (Librarianship). Ms Allman married local artist and fellow CSU graduate Dr James Farley in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 9 December after the pair met in the USA when the then CSU student Dr Farley was on a Student Exchange Program.3pm, Monday 11 December 2017- 174 graduates from the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences; Communication and Creative Industries; Indigenous Australian Studies, Division of Student Learning, Academic Success Unit; Centre for Customs and Excise, Centre for Law and Justice; Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security; and Schools of Psychology; and Policing Studies.- CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann will be Presiding Officer at the ceremony- Occasional Address will be delivered by Dr Julie Gibbons, tractorgirl. Dr Gibbons works with women in business in the fields of marketing, branding, and graphic design.- CSU’s highest academic honour, a University Medal, will be awarded to CSU academic Dr Heather Boetto, from the University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Wagga Wagga. Her PhD is titled, An ecologically centred approach in social work: Towards transformative change.- Award-winning local artist, photographer and CSU lecturer Dr James Farley, from the University’s School of Communication and Creative Industries, will be awarded his PhD for his thesis titled, Working Within | Post-Photography and the Practice of Ecological Stewardship. Dr Farley is a member of the University’s Creative Regions Lab. It has been a busy few days for Dr Farley as he got married in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 9 December. While in the USA, Dr Farley met his future wife on an international Student Exchange Program through CSU Global. His wife Ms Kate Allman is also graduating from CSU in Wagga Wagga today with a Master of Information Studies (Librarianship). - CSU academic Dr Bernadette Moorhead, from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga will be awarded her PhD for her thesis titled, The Lived Experience of Professional Identity: A Year-Long Study with Newly Qualified Social Workers.- Mr James Githinji, from the Kenyan town of Ruiru in Kiambu County to Australia to receive a Graduate Certificate in Customs Administration from CSU’s Centre for Customs and Excise. He is the Regional Manager, Customs and Border Control, Rift Valley Region of Kenya.9.30am, Tuesday 12 December 2017 - 173 graduates from the School of Computing and Mathematics; Accounting and Finance; Management and Marketing; Biomedical Sciences; and Environmental Sciences.- Dr Saba Nabi from Wagga Wagga will receive her PhD, Exploring the Inclusion of Women, Children and the Elderly in Clinical Trials. Dr Nabi’s many achievements include 2017 Australia India Business and Community Award finalist, 2017 NSW and ACT Regional and Community Achiever Finalist; 2017 AFL Multicultural Community Ambassador; and Riverina Regional Advisory Council member at Multicultural NSW.- Ms Rani Burchmore, Education Partner Director, Asia Pacific at Microsoft will deliver the Occasional Address. The Federal Minister for Small Business and Member for Riverina, the Hon Michael McCormack MP will also speak at the ceremony.3pm, Tuesday 12 December 2017 - 218 graduates in the Schools of Agricultural and Wine Sciences; Animal and Veterinary Science; and Exercise Science, Sport and Health.- CSU’s highest academic honour, a University Medal will be awarded to PhD graduate, Dr Dominik Skoneczny. His PhD compared Paterson’s curse plants collected from Australia, Portugal and Spain to examine the genetics, ecology and chemistry of the plant in various locations.- CSU’s highest academic honour, a University Medal will be awarded to Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) graduate, Dr Jessica Verwey from Griffith.- Occasional Address will be delivered by University Ombudsman and Head of Campus at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Ms Miriam Dayhew.9.30am, Wednesday 13 December 2017 - CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann will be Presiding Officer at the ceremony.- 203 graduates from the Schools of Community Health; Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health; Dentistry and Health Sciences.- Wiradjuri woman Dr Jane Havelka will be awarded a Doctor of Health Science. Dr Havelka is Clinical Coordinator for the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) program in the CSU School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health.- 17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students are eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) from CSU in Wagga Wagga.- Occasional Address will be delivered by University Ombudsman and Head of Campus at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Ms Miriam Dayhew.

More than 350 people will attend the Charles Sturt University (CSU) 2017 graduation ceremony in Dubbo on Friday 8 December.Approximately 298 family and friends will join 74 graduates at the ceremony to be hosted at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre in Darling Street, Dubbo.Head of Campus at CSU in Dubbo Ms Cathy Maginnis (pictured) said, “Graduation is a time of celebration for both the graduating students and their families and friends and we are proud to celebrate their achievements and welcome them into the workforce as future professionals and leaders in our communities.“It is a time when academic and support staff can congratulate the students on their achievements and overcoming challenges to achieve their goals and realise their dreams. It is a day for both staff and students to join with their families in feeling proud of their achievements.”The Presiding Officer will be University Council member Mr Jamie Newman. Mr Stephen Lawrence will deliver the Occasional Address. Ms Jessica Griggs will deliver the student Vote of Thanks.Nursing student Ms Joanne Wilde will graduate with distinction and receive the Ajisai Prize in nursing. Ms Rebecca Davis will graduate with Bachelor of Social Work (Honours Class 1). Mr Zenzo Ncube will graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work and will receive a Dean’s award for academic excellence.The CSU in Dubbo graduation ceremony starts at 9.30am Friday 8 December at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (map) in Darling Street, Dubbo.