Staff at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo will be acknowledged for outstanding service with the presentation of annual awards on Wednesday 13 August. The 2014 CSU Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Excellence, and Faculty and Division awards, aim to strengthen professionalism and reward staff for their commitment to the University and its mission. CSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Vann, said, "As an institution committed to advancing the public good, Charles Sturt University relies on and acknowledges the dedicated service of its staff to achieve its goals. It is important that the University recognises the many individuals and teams whose innovative and sustained contributions benefit our students and regional communities. This is a welcome celebration of the University community's efforts." The Vice-Chancellor's awards include categories for excellence in leadership, sustainability, innovation, performance, teaching and research. The Faculty and Division awards recognise improvements in workflow, knowledge and understanding, cost-savings, work to enhance the student experience, and building the service culture at the University. A full list of the awards can be found here.

Women academics at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, and Albury-Wodonga will celebrate 'Bluestocking Week' (11 to 15 August) with a range of events. Bluestocking Week is a celebration of the contribution of women to university and intellectual life, and is an initiative of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU). At CSU in Bathurst the celebration at Rafters at 2.30pm Thursday 14 August will feature fireside discussions, coffee/hot chocolate and nibbles, and a performance by the CSU ukulele group, 'CSUkes'. There will also be a sample display of photos by female activists from a Bluestocking photo exhibition coordinated by CSU NTEU members which will be launched at CSU in Albury-Wodonga on Monday 11 August. The event at CSU in Wagga Wagga, titled 'Depraved and Corrupt Women', will feature readings of selected passages from banned and challenged books written by women. This will be from 4.30pm to 6pm Thursday 14 August at the CSU Cellar Door, near car park 11, McKeown Drive. One of the organisers of the event in Bathurst, Dr Kristina Gottschall from the CSU Centre for Indigenous Studies, said, "The theme this year is 'Crossing the Line', which focuses on fighting attitudes that seek to silence the voices of women, and highlights the importance of women speaking out and sharing their stories and views. Several female CSU academics from diverse backgrounds have been invited to share their stories about being an academic, and what education means to them."

The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Canberra will host a multi-faith community memorial service for victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy as part of the National Day of Mourning on Thursday 7 August. The Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, the Right Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard, said, "The tragic loss of life on flight MH17 has touched all Australians and we join with grieving families here and around the world to commemorate this sad event. This solemn memorial service will direct our prayers and wishes to all who are suffering, and offer our hopes for the peaceful and successful investigation and recovery efforts underway in Ukraine. All who grieve and share the desire for a peaceful world are welcome to attend." The service, to be held in conjunction with the Canberra Interfaith Forum and the ACT Council of Churches, will be in The Chapel at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture 15 Blackall Street, Barton ACT, from 5.15pm to 6pm Thursday 7 August. Please direct enquires to Ms Margaret Roberts on (02) 6272 6203 or acc-c@csu.edu.au.

Tradies will be encouraged to put their feet up at Charles Sturt University's (CSU) Community Engagement and Wellness (CEW) Clinic during August for Tradies National Health Month. CSU podiatrist Mr Brent Smith said, "A recent study found nearly one in five Australians suffer from foot pain, with a disproportionate number of men aged 20-34 years, and young people suffering from untreated foot pain. This pain could be caused by ingrown toenails, sweaty and smelly feet, tinea infections, and overuse injuries affecting the legs and feet such as shin splints. Tradies who are required to wear steel toe-capped boots for work are more likely to suffer problems with their toenails because of their footwear."  Mr Smith said podiatrists were also surprised at the perception that podiatry was only for older people, "so we would like to see more younger people, particularly tradies for whom feet are so important for their work". To book an appointment on any work day in August, contact Lyn at the CEW on (02) 6051 9299.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) students can learn about travel scholarships and overseas study opportunities at the second biannual CSU Global Showcase in Albury on Thursday 7 August. Dr Shevahn Telfser, manager of CSU Global, said, "The CSU Global Showcase celebrates the many varied experiences that students have when studying at the University. It will be held on several campuses, including online, over the coming weeks, and is a wonderful event that lets many students showcase the opportunities they have had to study overseas and the benefits they gained. It will be a great opportunity to meet returned exchange students, past short-term program participants, incoming exchange students from partner universities, and CSU Global staff to share stories and details about the various programs on offer." CSU Global administers scholarships worth $3 000 to $5 000 to study in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Korea. The CSU Global Showcase will be at CSU in Albury-Wodonga between 12 and 2pm on 7 August at 'The G', off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona.

A diverse range of rural career paths will be on display at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 13 August. The annual student-led Agriculture and Animal Industries Careers Fair (AAICF) brings together more than 200 students from CSU's School Animal and Veterinary Sciencesand with 30 potential employers from the primary industry sector. One organiser,Bachelor of Animal Sciences student Ms Lucy Watt said it's an opportunity for students to make connections with industry members for future employment and work placement. "I have made some great contacts and every year I find something else that sparks my interest in other areas of animal production and agriculture," she said. "We always have a fantastic group of industry members who are willing to provide valuable advice on the opportunities available in rural Australia." The fair includes workshops on resume writing and the use of social media along with a panel discussion with recent CSU graduates and industry representatives. Read the full program here.

Charles Sturt University and GOTAFE will host two evening workshops in August to provide parents, guardians, grandparents and carers with up-to-date information about educational pathways beyond high school. The free workshops are offered to parents through the Careers and Pathways network partnership between Charles Sturt University, Northeast Tracks LLEN, and high schools in Wangaratta, Benalla and surrounding areas. CSU Schools Outreach Coordinator Ms Anne Geddis said the program helps carers support their children effectively "when they're making those important career transition decisions for secondary school and beyond". The first workshop on Wednesday 6 August between 6 and 8 pm will include discussion, practical exercises, printed handbook and opportunities for carers to work with schools and other parents on such varied topics as Finding a place to start, learning to use the Job Guide and connecting skills. The second workshop at the same time on Wednesday 13 August will investigate training and further education options such as apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE and university, the employment market, and interview and job seeking skills. Both workshops will be held at the GOTAFE - CSU Rural Skills Centre, Tone Road, Wangaratta. For details, contact Ms Anne Geddis on 0417 629 294.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) students can learn about travel scholarships and overseas study opportunities at the second biannual CSU Global Showcase in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 6 August. Dr Shevahn Telfser, manager of CSU Global, said, "The CSU Global Showcase celebrates the many varied experiences that students have when studying at the University. It will be held on several campuses, including online, over the coming weeks, and is a wonderful event that lets many students showcase the opportunities they have had to study overseas and the benefits they gained. It will be a great opportunity to meet returned exchange students, past short-term program participants, incoming exchange students from partner universities, and CSU Global staff to share stories and details about the various programs on offer." CSU Global administers scholarships worth $3 000 to $5 000 to study in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Korea. The CSU Global Showcase will be on-campus in Wagga Wagga from 12 noon to 2 pm on 6 August at 'eat@20', building 20 near car park 2, off Darnell Smith Drive at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Bachelor of Pharmacy  students have raised more than $8 000 to support people with acquired brain injuries. The Pharmers student club from CSU in Wagga Wagga raised the money for the  James Macready-Bryan (JMB) Foundationas part of an annual fundraising drive by the National Australian Pharmacy Student Association (NAPSA). The students sold chocolates and raffle tickets, fired up the barbeque and held trivia, bowling and paintball events. "The Pharmers Club has participated in the Charity Cup event for a number of years and being able to help those who are less fortunate gives us so much satisfaction," said Club President Ms Eleanna Ballis. "Through the JMB Foundation the money will help support people with acquired brain injuries and their families, helping to meet their financial, rehabilitation and accommodation needs." The CSU club was awarded the coveted NAPSA Charity Cup for raising the most money per member during the event from Tuesday 1 April to Friday 16 May 2014.