Is the stability and cohesiveness of our communities under threat? That's the question posed by social researcher and author Dr Hugh Mackay in a free public lecture hosted by Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on Friday 1 May. Dr Mackay argues that we need communities, but communities also need us. "Humans are by nature social creatures, so we rely on co-operative communities to nurture, sustain and protect us," said Dr Mackay. "But those communities don't just happen and they don't necessarily survive, they too have to be nurtured, sustained and protected." Dr Mackay examines some of the social changes that threaten the health of local neighbourhoods and communities, while exploring whether online communities are the new way to belong. The Art of Belonging lecture is part of CSU's Explorations Series and will be held at the Riverina Playhouse, Cross Street, Wagga Wagga 6pm to 7pm followed by light refreshments. People can register to attend here.

Is the stability and cohesiveness of our communities under threat? That's the question social researcher and author Dr Hugh Mackay will explore in a public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury Wodonga on Monday 4 May. Dr Mackay argues that we need communities, but communities also need us. "Humans are by nature social creatures, so we rely on co-operative communities to nurture, sustain and protect us," said Dr Mackay. "But those communities don't just happen and they don't necessarily survive, they too have to be nurtured, sustained and protected." Dr Mackay examines some of the social changes that threaten the health of local neighbourhoods and communities, while exploring whether online communities are the new way to belong. The Art of Belonging lecture is part of CSU's Explorations Series and will be held at the CD Blake Auditorium, Building 752 Room 104 at CSU in Albury Wodonga from 6pm to 7pm and will be followed by light refreshments. People can register to attend here.

Almost 40 students from around the country will visit Charles Sturt University (CSU) Albury on Friday 24 April to experience life as a university student first-hand. Students from 10 schools from New South Wales and Victoria will participate in a MyDay for those interested in careers in nursing. Students will participate in hands-on workshops, meet CSU students and academics, and tour the campus, clinical facilities and accommodation. "We're looking forward to welcoming our future nurses to Charles Sturt University Albury, helping them experience what life as a nursing student is really like and giving them hands on experience in our outstanding on-campus facilities," Prospective Student Advisor Mr Ben O'Brien said. MyDay events are held across all CSU campuses to help future students gather the information and experiences they need to find the best course for them. The next MyDay event in Albury will be on Thursday 30 April and will see students interested in accounting, business studies, management, marketing and information technology visit the campus.

Fifty-two senior high school students from around NSW who are interested to become nurses or paramedics will attend a MyDay at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Thursday 23 April. MyDays give students a taste of living and learning on campus, and provide useful information about courses and study options. Students also receive information about opportunities and support available, and about how to achieve their goals. Ms Sonja Maria, lecturer in the Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) in the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Bathurst, said, "We are excited to present MyDay again this year to high school students. The paramedic team have organised some fun activities on the lawn outside of the simulation centre. The trauma car, various stretchers and other equipment will be on show for the students to explore, including some mock patients." Similarly, students interested to study nursing will experience the clinical simulation ward in the CSU School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, and learn about the increasingly technical role of nurses in a range of settings.

Senior citizens from the Mid North Coast are helping Charles Sturt University (CSU) paramedic students enhance their clinical assessment skills. The volunteer 'patients' are examined by students studying the Bachelor of Clinic Practice (Paramedic) at CSU in Port Macquarie. CSU paramedic lecturer Ms Tania Johnston said, "Since last year I have been inviting community volunteers to assist our paramedic students practice and develop the skills they learn in class. Most recently we had five senior citizens come in to act as 'patients', to be interviewed and assessed by second-year students. We do it in the style of 'speed dating', whereby the students spend approximately 15-20 minutes with each volunteer before moving to the next one. It serves to build student confidence in communicating with elderly people, as well as practicing basic assessment techniques. Our 'patients' are keen to provide feedback and give the students an idea of what they will face when they get out into the real world of paramedic practice." Another session is planned on campus in Port Macquarie on Wednesday 6 May with approximately seven volunteers from the local Probus Club and University of the Third Age. In an additional arrangement with staff at the Bethany Aged Care Nursing Home, third-year CSU paramedic students will visit on Tuesday 28 April to practice their cardiac assessment and history-taking skills with residents. "The community of Port Macquarie has been exceptionally engaged with the University and we appreciate the high level of support from our seniors groups," said Ms Johnston.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo will host a very special 'graduation' for visiting primary school students as part of a Check It Out day on Thursday 23 April. Approximately 55 Year 5 and 6 students from Trangie Central School, Tullamore Central School, Peak Hill Central School, and Dubbo West Public School will spend the day on campus participating in a selection of workshops to give them first-hand experience of university life. Ms Kristie Daley, school outreach officer for Future Moves in the CSU Office for Students, said, "This fun and interactive day, aims to provide students with a university experience. Students tour the campus and its facilities, have lunch in the student dining room, and participate in hands-on faculty-based activities, and Indigenous games. They end the day with a mock graduation ceremony which includes a special presentation by the Mayor of Dubbo, Councillor Matthew Dickerson." Check it Out days are part of CSU's Future Moves program, which was developed to encourage aspiration for higher education among students in rural and remote NSW and Victoria by introducing young people to the world of university study. These students are encouraged through a positive experience to become more engaged in school studies and more confident in considering tertiary study as a realistic option. 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) PhD student will deliver a public presentation on the history of the Chinese population in Bathurst between the 1850s and the 1950s, on Saturday 18 April. Ms Juanita Kwok, a PhD candidate with the CSU School of Communications and Creative Industries in Bathurst, will talk about her research, with a particular focus on the Chinese market gardeners of Bathurst. "The Chinese population of the Bathurst region was larger and more enduring than many people realise," Ms Kwok said. "The Chinese made significant contributions to the establishment of the Bathurst community and its evolving economy." The talk will follow the Family History Group meeting in the Bathurst Library Meeting Room in Keppel Street, Bathurst, at 2pm Saturday 18 April. Join in to find out more about this little known aspect of Bathurst's history.

The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Tim Wess, presented annual awards to leading Charles Sturt University (CSU) science students in Bathurst on Tuesday 7 April. Professor Wess presented awards to students who have an outstanding academic record in the Faculty's School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, and School of Human Movement Studies. "It was a great honour to give awards to students who have consistently shown excellence by gaining the highest grades," Professor Wess said. "These students are likely to work in the community after their studies, and this can only help to make Bathurst a stronger community." The awards presentation ceremony was at 2.30pm Tuesday 7 April at the Centre for Professional Development at CSU in Bathurst.

Performance in everyday life, and how to better research it, is the focus of a one-day symposium for communication academics at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Friday 17 April. Co-organiser of the symposium, Dr Johanna Fawkes, senior lecturer in public relations in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries, said, "The Mask symposium is about how identity and professions can be performed, as well as theatrical and artistic works, in this 'age of the selfie'. These days, everyone is obsessed with managing their profile online. What does this mean for society? Are we all celebrities now? The symposium has been designed to encourage new researchers and to develop research capacity in an emerging field of relevance to the School and the wider University." CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann will formally open the symposium at 9am at the James Hardie Room (building 1286) at the CSU Centre for Professional Development. Approximately 20 academics with interests in theatre, fine arts, professional studies, communication, and photography will deliver presentations at the symposium, which will also include a 1.30pm book launch by Professor Bill Green, editor of The Body in Professional Practice, Learning and Education.