* CSU Riverina Playhouse refurbishment nears completion and will reopen soon * $3 million upgrade to seating, lighting, access, and amenities * Environmental sustainability features include energy efficient lighting and water-saving fittingsMuch needed refurbishments to the Riverina Playhouse at Charles Sturt University (CSU) will soon be completed and the well-known Wagga Wagga cultural facility will be reopened in July.Director of the CSU Division of Facilities Management, Mr Stephen Butt, said the temporary closure of the Playhouse in October 2017 was a necessary inconvenience but the end results are worth it.Mr Butt said, “While the closure caused some disruption for staff, students and those community groups who make use of the facility, the work that was carried out to the Playhouse has ensured the facility is state-of-the art and even better able to serve the needs of the creative arts into the future.”The refurbishment cost an estimated $3 million and delivers upgraded amenities to ensure the Riverina 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.Head of the School of Communication and Creative Industries Ms Sue Wood said, “Staff and students in the School of Communication and Creative Industries are delighted with the upgrade and look forward to working in the newly improved theatre”.The refurbishment project officer Mr Neal Molineaux said the enhancements to the Playhouse will benefit performers and audiences.“The environment will also benefit from some of the upgrades, with a key focus on sustainability features,” Mr Molineaux said. “The newly-installed mechanical systems and lighting are energy efficient, and water saving fittings have been added to the hydraulic systems.”The Riverina Playhouse was established in 1986 and has had limited improvements since then.  CSU students have been using alternative venues at CSU in Wagga Wagga and other community facilities during the refurbishment.

* Around 200 high school students expected for MyDay at CSU in Port M on Tuesday 19 June * Free MyDay event is a great start to preparation for universitySenior high school students from across NSW will attend a MyDay at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 19 June to explore a range of courses and future study options.CSU prospective student adviser Ms Melinda Negus said, “With around 175 students currently registered, we can expect about 200 students plus parents to attend the MyDay.“The students who have registered come from a very broad area as well as our own region, from a range of schools from Moruya and Griffith to Armidale and Coffs Harbour.“The students who attend MyDay can learn about the courses we offer at Charles Sturt University as well as general information about university and study. This free event is a great start to university preparation.“Parents are also welcome to attend most sessions to learn more about courses and study at Charles Sturt University.”Courses to be explored by the students include accounting and business, graphic design, environmental science and outdoor recreation, criminal justice, law and policing, exercise and sports science, occupational therapy, paramedicine, physiotherapy, psychology, social work, and teaching and education.

* 200 high school students expected for MyDay at CSU Bathurst on Friday 15 June * Free MyDay event is a great start to preparation for universitySenior high school students from across NSW will attend a MyDay at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Friday 15 June to explore a range of courses and future study options.CSU prospective student adviser Mr Ben Rodwell said, “With around 175 students currently registered, we can expect about 200 students plus parents to attend the MyDay.“The students who have registered come from a very broad area as well as our own region, from a range of schools from Gunnedah and Hay to Moruya and Sydney.“The students who attend MyDay can learn about the courses we offer at Charles Sturt University as well as general information about university and study. This free event is a great start to university preparation.“Parents are also welcome to attend most sessions to learn more about courses and study at Charles Sturt University.”Courses to be explored by the students include accounting, arts, business, communication and creative industries, computer science and information technology, criminal justice, law and policing, exercise and sports science, nursing, paramedicine, teaching and education, engineering and general studies (science).

* CSU is dedicated to providing higher education pathways for ATSI people * CSU Indigenous Access Program (IAP) first-ever midyear intake * CSU students who participate in IAP have a higher progress rate (75 per cent) than non-IAP students (68 per cent) * CSU aims to ensure each student gets a personalised pathway to study at the UniversityCharles Sturt University (CSU) is dedicated to providing higher education pathways for Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people.Due to great demand the CSU Indigenous Access Program (IAP) has returned this year with its first-ever midyear intake program. Indigenous Australians of all ages are invited to take part in the five-day intensive pathways program at CSU in Dubbo from Monday 25 to Friday 29 June. Successful completion of this program provides entry into a range of CSU bachelor courses.CSU manager of Indigenous Student Centres Mr Nathan Peckham said the program helps potential students assess their skills and suitability to study while also offering them a range of support and networks to help them succeed at CSU.“The Indigenous Access Program has run for several years and has successfully built confidence in those preparing for university,” Mr Peckham said.“IAP participants who went on to become Charles Sturt University students have a higher progress rate (75 per cent) than non-IAP Indigenous students (68 per cent).“Our goal is to make sure each student gets a personalised pathway into Charles Sturt University so they can study the course they’ve always dreamed of doing.”CSU is committed to encouraging more Indigenous Australians to study at university with travel, accommodation, and meals provided for eligible participants.Activities include: confidence building in preparing for university, assessing literacy and numeracy skills, gaining career guidance and support, as well as accessing course advice.Hear what the students think of the CSU Indigenous Program here.

* CSU social entrepreneurship course for 35 future female leaders * Course will focus on how to use STEM skills to solve ‘wicked problems’ * Students will be inspired by local women in STEM and entrepreneurshipThirty five female high school students will participate in a two and a half day social entrepreneurship course at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 June.CenWest Innovate program coordinator Ms Christine Sweeney, said “CenWest Innovate at Charles Sturt University has partnered with Young Change Agents to present the course for which will focus on how these future female leaders can use STEM skills to solve ‘wicked problems’ of the group’s choosing.“A 2017 evaluation report ‘Social Enterprise in Schools’ shows that these kinds of programs can put young people in the driver’s seat for developing 21st century enterprise and collaboration skills, attitudes, and behaviours.“Students are being prepared for further education and employment in the future, shifting their mindset from job seeker to job creator through a hands-on business experience.“At the end of the course, groups will pitch their social enterprise ideas to a judging panel. The students will also get to meet some inspiring local women in STEM and entrepreneurship throughout the course of the program.”Special guests include Ms Zoe Hida (Appiwork), Ms Sally Palmer (WabiSabie), Ms Rachel Nicoll (Hartley Branch President, NSW Farmers Association), and Ms Stacey Whittaker (Bathurst Real Estate) who have agreed to act as judges of the pitches on the final day.Four Bathurst high schools have registered teams of five female students (aged 13 to 18) to participate in the program. The schools are The Scots School, Mary Mackillop College, All Saints College, and Denison College (Kelso campus).The program is supported by CSU School of Management and Marketing, CSU Future Moves and the NSW Government through Women NSW.

* Simple regular stretches can help physical status and well-being of people with diabetes * Research project seeking adults with Type 2 diabetes and living in Albury-Wodonga to test stretching program at home.A Charles Sturt University (CSU) health researcher is investigating the benefits of simple stretching exercises to relieve aches and pains for people with diabetes.Honours student Mr Rod Burgess is seeking residents from Albury-Wodonga aged over 18 years who have Type 2 (Age Onset) diabetes to take part in his research project based at Thurgoona.“We know that diabetes can thicken and stiffen the tissues in the body and so affect a person’s quality of life as they become less flexible. This can change the way a person moves and causes them more harm,” said Mr Burgess, who is in his final year of physiotherapy with the CSU School of Community Health.“We know exercise can benefit people with diabetes, however some people cannot or choose not to exercise.“We are now investigating if even a small amount of stretching and exercise can have positive medical effects for people with diabetes, as well as how they feel.”Mr Burgess is now seeking participants to take part in his research project in their homes to assess the impact of gentle exercise on their disease.After completing an initial health check and questionnaire with Mr Burgess at the CSU Community Engagement & Wellness Centre, participants will be asked to gently stretch muscles in their legs and ankles at home for 10 minutes in each session, with three sessions per week over a six-week period as part of the study.“Muscle stretching is easy and safe to do and may possibly improve or delay some of the damaging effects of your diabetes. Participating in the project could help you, and hopefully other people with diabetes, to relieve some symptoms of this crippling disease,” Mr Burgess said.For further information or to participate in the research project, call the Community Engagement & Wellness Centre (CEW) on 6051 9299 or email Ahcrecep@csu.edu.au, at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Ellis Street, Thurgoona.

* CSU research finds low-income households leading Albury community, using 70 per cent less electricity.* Low-income households suffer in health and well-being being unable to afford higher electricity costs, making heating and cooling homes a real problem. * ‘Powering Down’ project sharing hints and tips from project on World Environment Day (5 June).Charles Sturt University (CSU) researchers have found that low-income earners lead the Albury community in power saving, but at a cost.“Some low-income households are using 70 per cent less electricity than similar households in Albury. But they are using far less power than they need out of financial necessity,” said social researcher Dr Helen Masterman-Smith, who led the ‘Powering Down’ project based in the northern suburbs of Albury.“High electricity costs are making heating and cooling homes a real problem, especially for those with health conditions.“Some people are spending winter days in bed and summers taking repeated cold showers or baths. As a result, their wellbeing and quality of life are suffering,” Dr Masterman-Smith said.Funded by NSW Environmental Trust, the Powering Down project has supported low-income households to live better using less electricity. Residents have shared their knowledge and tips on reducing electricity use and have received help with the upfront costs of energy efficient appliances.“Project participants have much wisdom to convey on striking a balance between living well and powering down for the planet and the hip pocket,” Dr Masterman-Smith said.“For example, one resident tried the little-known hack of placing bubble-wrap on her north facing windows. It’s a cheap and easy form of double glazing. She ended up being one of our energy efficiency competition winners.”To provide further assistance for low-income households in Albury, the project team will hold a free ‘Bring Your Electricity Bills’ day on World Environment Day, Tuesday 5 June, running from 9am to 3pm, at the Salvation Army Hall, corner of Union Road and Corella St, Lavington.The event is supported by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Albury City Council, the Salvation Army and the Global Village Co-op.“Friendly staff will be on hand to discuss energy assistance vouchers, no-interest loans, hardship programs, service complaints, financial counselling, affordable efficient appliances, independent advice on suppliers, efficiency tips, and much more,” Dr Masterman-Smith concluded.

* Call for stroke patients living in southern NSW to take part in an ‘at home’ rehabilitation project.* Geographical distance from health services can make it difficult for patients in regional NSW to access outpatient services once they have been discharged from hospital.* Project participants and carers will have access to extensive support materials and phone support for 12 weeks.* Participating clinicians will also receive support as part of the project.Have you had a stroke in the last six months and live in or near Albury-Wodonga or Wagga Wagga? Do you experience cognitive or upper limb difficulties? A research team supported by Charles Sturt University (CSU), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury-Wodonga Health are looking for participants to test a program over 12 weeks that assists patients in their recovery from the debilitating effects of stroke.Participants and their carers will have access to the Best Evidence for Stroke Therapies (BEST) website that can help stroke patients to regain some or all of their capabilities before the stroke occurred.Project leader Dr Melissa Nott (pictured left), an occupational therapy lecturer with the CSU School of Community Health, is part of the team that developed the BEST website.“The website is a one-stop shop for helpful resources including 'step-by-step' guides, information and instruction sheets and videos, home activity records and goal setting worksheets.“On the same site, clinicians such as occupational therapists and speech pathologists can access 'how-to' videos, implementation checklists and evidence summaries to help them implement and evaluate their stroke-related care of patients, working as a team with the stoke patient."We wanted to provide all the information that would be needed by both patients and clinicians so that clinicians feel more confident to implement the National Stroke Guidelines and that patients receive the best quality care," said Dr Nott said, who is based at CSU in Albury-Wodonga."Geographical distance from health services can make it difficult for patients in regional NSW to access outpatient services once they have been discharged from hospital. This website offers an alternative way to ensure all patients can access the highest quality rehabilitation."See 'Cheryl' from Wagga Wagga as she tells her story on the importance of a team approach to her rehabilitation after a stroke.The program incorporates use of the BEST website (pictured right) with phone coaching and training for clinicians to help stroke patients drive their own recovery from home over 12 weeks, supported by the research team.“The BEST website has been trialled and refined since 2017, and we are now ready to expand its use across areas covered by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury-Wodonga Health.“Positive results for this expanded trial will have application for rehabilitation services across regional Australia and for patients living in isolated circumstances.”To apply to join the BEST project or for further information, contact Ms Tana Cuming on 02 6051 9266 or email bestresearch@csu.edu.au.

* CSU Engfest to host Questacon’s Byte Wise travelling exhibition in Bathurst * A range of fascinating and interactive scientific experiences * Exhibition explores computational thinking, programming, algorithms, patterns, irrational numbers, measurement, geometry, logic, and problem solving. * Will inspire and build understanding of computational thinking and its everyday useHow do you give instructions to a computer? A new traveling exhibition at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst from Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 June will explore the thinking behind the technology we use every day.The CSU Engineering Engfest event will host a range of fascinating and interactive scientific experiences as part of the Byte Wise travelling exhibition created by Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra.Suitable for ages 10 and over, the Byte Wise exhibition explores key themes of computational thinking, including programming, algorithms, patterns, irrational numbers, measurement, geometry, logic, and problem solving. Byte Wise will inspire visitors’ curiosity and confidence, and build greater understanding of both how computational thinking works, and how it’s used in everyday life.Director of CSU Engineering Professor Euan Lindsay (pictured) said, “CSU Engineering is focused on opening our doors to the community, to connect students − of all ages − to the relevance of their current studies to the real world, demonstrate the role of future engineers, and celebrate the difference that human-centred engineering makes every day”.With hands-on exhibits like The Game of Nim, visitors can match a mechanical computer in a battle of wits. While they devise their winning strategies, they’ll also learn about early programming, and how to physically implement logic and decision-making in mechanical computers.“We are really excited to host the Byte Wise exhibition and look forward to seeing the community enjoy all of the activities on offer,” Professor Lindsay said.“The Questacon exhibit is a highlight of ‘Schools and Community Day’ at this year’s Engfest. In addition to Byte Wise, our student engineers’ projects will be exhibited, there will be tours of the building, ‘maker space’ lab demonstrations, and information sessions for prospective students on the day.”The Byte Wise Exhibition will be on display as part of Engfest which runs from Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 June. For the full Engfest program and to register for sessions go to https://www.csu.edu.au/engfest/program