Students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst recently joined with students from Western Sydney University (WSU) for a one-day rural health education collaboration.Associate lecturer in paramedicine in the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Bathurst Ms Amanda Hlushak (front row, third from left) said the inaugural education day consisted of a series of inter-professional clinical simulations. These involved health students from the nursing and paramedicine programs at CSU and medical students from WSU's Bathurst Rural Clinical School."The event saw students participating in rural-focused clinical simulations which allow them to work alongside fellow students from other disciplines to prepare them for future workplace practice," Ms Hlushak said."Allowing students to work together in this way, before they enter the workforce, is likely to improve future workplace relationships and, most importantly, improve patient care outcomes."Ms Hlushak explained that these types of collaborative education days are important initiatives in helping increase health professionals' knowledge of rural health issues, as well as helping to break down barriers that currently exist between health disciplines."Our aim is to continue to run these events, to provide our local students with a broader education experience, and to showcase Bathurst as an excellent regional educational provider in health," she said.The inaugural one-day inter-professional rural health education event was staged at CSU in Bathurst on Saturday 14 October.

Twelve Year 9 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Canobolas Rural Technology High School spent Monday 6 November at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange learning fun hands-on and engaging science experiments from CSU academic staff.The activity was part of the CSU Future Moves program to bring the National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP) to Canobolas Rural Technology High School and Glenroi Heights Public School.On Tuesday 7 November, the Canobolas High students took their new found knowledge and enthusiasm to their own school where they became the experts teaching 30 visiting Year 6 students from Glenroi Heights Public School.The two days provided the students with a memorable, exciting and interactive first-hand experience of science and career possibilities available with science while they explored ideas for their futures.Mrs Renae Symons, Future Moves school outreach officer for CSU in the central west, said, "This is a great opportunity for the Year 9 students to step up and show leadership skills, science knowledge. It was also a fantastic transition activity for the Year 6 students, given many will be attending Canobolas Rural Technology High School next year."Future Moves is a federally funded initiative, run through Charles Sturt University and aligned with the Australian Blueprint for Career Development.

 A Charles Sturt University (CSU) student is using his studies to push for a new horse crossing in Wagga Wagga to improve community safety.Working as a track work rider to support his studies, Mr Scott Cox had identified a need to construct a horse crossing near the Murrumbidgee Turf Club to ensure horse and riders crossed the road safely.Currently, the section of road where riders and handlers cross with their horses is zoned as 60 kilometres per hour. There have been a number of incidents as the horses become easily spooked due to the speed of traffic.As part of his Bachelor of Teaching, Mr Cox undertook an assessment that identified a civic issue which he then discussed within his class and wrote a plan to bring about change. Mr Cox saw this as an opportunity and took it a step further by creating an online petition. He called for signatures so that he could lobby the local council to create the horse crossing.Mr Cox said basing his assessment on a real-world example was not only beneficial to his study but also reflected the strong community ethos of Charles Sturt University."The University encourages us to be involved in the community, so it was a perfect opportunity to put my learning into practice," Mr Cox said.Mr Cox's lecturer in the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences  Ms Elise Rosser, said that the University placed an emphasis on student learning being applied to the communities they lived in.Pointing to Mr Cox's project as an excellent example of humanities studies making a valuable contribution to the local community, Ms Rosser said, "Charles Sturt University encourages students to make a contribution to the community."The program gives young people an opportunity to understand local government and participate in change that helps build stronger regional communities."    Mr Cox agreed, saying that now he's received 1600 signatures the next step will be to submit it to Wagga Wagga City Council."I set myself a goal of 1500 signatures, and now that's been exceeded I will write the letter to local council, with the help of Elise, to lobby for the horse crossing," Mr Cox said.Ms Rosser said the success of Mr Cox to exceed his signature target, along with Wagga Wagga's younger population, was just one example of their strong community spirit and desire to bring about change that benefited the whole community.The petition is still open, sign it here.

In mid-November CenWest Innovate at Charles Sturt University (CSU) is offering cybersecurity workshops for small to medium sized enterprises in Dubbo, Orange, and Bathurst.Professor Mark Morrison from CSU's CenWest Innovate said, "Cyber security for small to medium enterprises (SMEs)' workshops will help businesses identify threats and prevent attacks.""CenWest Innovate is bringing together expert panellists Mr William Ulyate from cyber security advisors Content Security, and Dr Peter White an adjunct lecturer at the University and manager of research and development at the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation (DFSI) Spatial Services.""The experts will coach businesses on cyber security threats and mitigation, and businesses can discover what common cyber threats and attacks small and medium enterprises face, and what they can do to prevent them," Professor Morrison said.The experts will guide participants through: * business-focused cyber threats and issues * show participants how to start mitigating any cyber security issues in their own business * conduct their own risk assessment * apply the Australian Security Directorate's Essential 8 guidelines.The workshop schedule is:Dubbo - Tuesday 14 November at 7.00am for 7.30am to 10.00am at Charles Sturt University, Building 901 Room 121, Tony McGrane Place, Dubbo. Cost FREE - Book your ticket nowOrange - Tuesday 14 November at 5.30pm for 6.00pm to 8.30pm at the Hotel Canobolas, Summer St, Orange. Cost FREE - Book your ticket nowBathurst - Wednesday 15 November at 5.30pm for 6.00pm to 8.30pm at City Hall, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, William St, Bathurst. Cost FREE - Book your ticket now These events are proudly supported by Dubbo Regional Council, Dubbo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Orange City Council, and Bathurst Regional Council.CSU's delivery of these events is supported through the NSW Government's Boosting Business Innovation Program which is providing $18 million to the state's 11 universities and CSIRO – including $1.5 million to CSU – to help businesses innovate.Through the Boosting Business Innovation Program CSU has established CenWest Innovate in Bathurst, an AgriTech Incubator Hubin Wagga Wagga, and the Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship 'Pop-up' Innovation Hub to help businesses.

Three Charles Sturt University (CSU) theatre/media students are among nine NSW young artists selected to undertake professional development programs under Create NSW Young Regional Artist Scholarships.Each year the Create NSW Young Regional Artist Scholarship initiative rewards 25 artists aged 18 to 25 years across the state. The initiative coves all art forms – from dance, design, digital arts, history, Aboriginal arts, literature, music, theatre, screen and curatorial to the visual arts.Arts OutWest assisted the three successful theatre/media students in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst to write their applications.The selected nine artists from the first round this year span a diverse range of art forms including circus, music, film, theatre and the visual arts. Each will receive a $10 000 grant to support a self-directed program.Third-year student Mr Jesse Alston will develop a unique artistic theatre practice and a new body of work through the study of practical animation and professional mentorship from modern theatre practitioner Nel Kentish.Recent graduate Mr Ben Rodwell (pictured above) will develop a directing practice through a week-long directing course and combine with knowledge from working with international and nationally-based children's theatre companies to create a short development with the support and mentorship of regionally-based artists.Ms Johanna Williams will develop her skills as a playwright/dramaturge through internships and attendance at arts festivals and conferences, to develop new work that will involve creative development and mentorships in Bathurst.The scholarships will officially commence on Wednesday 1 November when the group convenes for a two-day professional development training workshop at Carriageworks in Eveleigh curated by Create NSW, before they each embark on their own chosen programs.During the workshop the students will receive expert advice, business management lessons and networking opportunities with a range of leading industry figures, visit arts organisations, and meet the NSW Minster for the Arts, the Hon. Mr Don Harwin, MLC.For information on how to apply for the next round of scholarships, visit www.create.nsw.gov.au or email arts.funding@create.nsw.gov.au

More than 60 Charles Sturt University (CSU) students will gather at the University in Dubbo on Wednesday 1 November for the third annual Student Leadership Conference and the inaugural Indigenous Student Conference.The students come from a range of disciplines and from all CSU campuses.The conference theme is 'CSU values student leadership'.Conference organiser Ms Kerry Silverson, said the conference shows the dedication of CSU to improving educational outcomes for students in regional Australia."A range of speakers across a spectrum of disciplines will share their expertise and experiences with students who will gain valuable insights into being a leader in a changing world," Ms Silverson said.During the conference the keynote speaker, Indigenous journalist, author and social commentator Dr Stan Grant Junior, will also address a special workshop (from 11am to 12pm) for CSU Indigenous emerging leaders. Dr Grant is also Chair of Indigenous Affairs at CSU.Dr Grant will be available for media interviews at 9am to 9.20am at the University, before delivering his keynote address to students. He will be joined at the media opportunity by CSU Dean of Students Professor Julia Coyle; the Head of Campus of CSU in Dubbo Ms Cathy Maginnis; and CSU student leader Mr Brenton Hawken.Dean of Students in the CSU Division of Student Services Professor Julia Coyle said, "We are delighted to host the inaugural Charles Student University Indigenous Student Conference."The conference will bring Indigenous students from across Australia to the University in Dubbo to participate in a range of workshops to collaboratively develop with staff programs to enhance Indigenous Student leadership and to strengthen the Indigenous student voice at Charles Sturt University."The students will also engage with Indigenous Elders and our key note speaker Dr Stan Grant Junior on enhancing Indigenous student success. As the inaugural Indigenous Student Conference will be occurring at the same time as the annual Student Leadership Conference, Indigenous students will have a valuable opportunity to participate in shared sessions that build their personal leadership skills through insights imparted by the leadership speakers."Mr Nathan Peckham, manager of CSU Indigenous Student Centres, said, "The inaugural Indigenous Student Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring Indigenous students together to discuss the issues that matter to them. Combined with the annual Student Leadership Conference, we are excited to create a collaborative space where students can work together on common goals to improve the student voice at Charles Sturt University."The students will be welcomed to CSU in Dubbo at an event at 6pm on Tuesday 31 October.

A well-known cultural facility, the Riverina Playhouse will soon be temporarily closed to enable much needed refurbishments to be undertaken.Announcing the temporary closure today, Charles Sturt University Director of Facilities Management, Mr Stephen Butt said the closure of the Playhouse will be a necessary inconvenience but the end results will be worth the wait."We recognise the closure will cause some disruption for not only staff and students of CSU but also those community groups who make use of the facility," Mr Butt said."However, the work that will be carried out to the Playhouse during this down time will ensure the facility is state-of-the art and even better able to service the needs of the creative arts into the future."Mr Butt was joined at the announcement today by Associate Professor Sue Wood, Head of School for Communication and Creative Industries at CSU as well as the refurbishment project officer Mr Neal Molineaux and representatives of ICG, the successful builder selected to carry out the project.According to Mr Molineaux, the refurbishment will cost an estimated $3 million and deliver upgraded amenities to ensure the Playhouse includes disabled access and facilities, upgrades to the theatre seating, new lighting grid systems, wall and floor furnishings, new auditorium layout with new theatre chairs providing generous leg room, new emergency and exit lighting and a re-organised foyer area."I know the enhancements to the Playhouse will be enjoyed by those who perform in the theatre and those who attend performances alike," Mr Molineaux said."The environment will also benefit from some of the upgrades, with a key focus on sustainability features. The mechanical systems and lighting to be installed will be energy efficient and water saving fittings will be added to the hydraulic systems".Associate Professor Sue Wood welcomed the news of the refurbishments and said that staff and students from the School of Communication and Creative Industries were very excited about the anticipated upgrades and looking forward to performing in the newly refurbished facility when it reopened in 2018.The Riverina Playhouse was established in 1986 and has had limited improvements since that time. It will be closed from 28 October 2017 until 9 July 2018 and CSU students will be using alternative venues at the Boorooma Campus and other community facilities during this period.

It's hoped that heads will turn and the attention of Wagga Wagga locals will focus on the colour and movement of the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Town and Gown parade on Wednesday 25 October.The parade of academics and students will be led by the Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey and the leadership team of CSU including Chancellor Dr Michele Allan, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann, members of the University Council, and other distinguished guests. Speaking about the colourful event, Head of Campus at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Ms Miriam Dayhew said how important it was to recognise the role education played in the life of the city of Wagga Wagga."Wagga Wagga is an education city 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," Ms Dayhew said."The procession has grown over the years, originally being an event to coincide with graduation ceremonies for the University, it has now expanded to become a public celebration of the role education plays in the region."The public celebration embraces participants from predecessor institutions of the University with alumni of the WWTCA (the former Teachers College) as well as other educational institutions including TAFE, the Medical School of Notre Dame University (Australia), educators from the Defence Forces, Australian Airline Pilot Academy, and local primary and secondary schools, accompanied by the Kapooka Army Band and the Riverina Concert Band."Ms Dayhew 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 parade is a little different, but importantly 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," Ms Dayhew said."We hope that the long and well established relationship Charles Sturt University has with Wagga Wagga continues long into the future, and we look forward to welcoming and encouraging the public to line Baylis Street as the parade passes by next Wednesday."The Town and Gown Parade will commence at 4.30pm next Wednesday 25 October, proceed along Baylis Street, and conclude at the Civic Theatre precinct with speeches and a brief public reception.

Indigenous staff from Charles Sturt University (CSU) will meet in Wagga Wagga this week for an annual conference to engage in professional development and networking.Nguluway, the Wiradjuri for 'meeting with each other', will be held on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 October at the CSU Convention Centre.With up to 30 staff expected to attend the conference from across the University, the event will start with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 12.45pm on Tuesday 17 October.The conference will hear from the University's senior leadership team, with a question and answer session on Wednesday 18 October.CSU's Indigenous Employment Coordinator Ms Catherine Maxwell said, "Staff attending the conference will give staff a great opportunity to talk directly with Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann and meet his team in a relaxed and comfortable space. "During Nguluway, Indigenous Australian staff come together and meet, some for the first time, to develop professional and personal relationships across campuses and work areas."The conference is an important annual event as it helps to create a sense of community and support within the University for Indigenous Australians, as well as providing relevant professional development specific to Charles Sturt University," Ms Maxwell said.The full Nguluway conference program can be found here.