* CSU Port Macquarie Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) 2nd year student received a prestigious Rural Fire Service Award. * Brigade unit awarded a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation in recognition of outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties. A Charles Sturt University (CSU) 2nd year Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) student Ms Karma Reeves has received a Rural Fire Service award as part of a team that rescued a trapped man last year.On Tuesday 7 February 2017 the Pacific Palms Rural Fire Service (RFS) were the first to arrive on the scene where a man was trapped under a small excavator, which had overturned in a shallow dam at Charlotte Bay on the NSW Mid North Coast.The man was pinned by the machine, and managed to keep his mouth and nose above the water. He’d been trapped for several hours and was struggling to maintain his position.The crew were unable to extract the victim so instead set up pumps to try and reduce the dam water level to provide relief for the victim and support the rescue effort.The NSW Fire and Rescue units from Forster arrived and worked closely with the RFS to rescue the victim.Ms Reeves said given the muddy base of the dam and the awkward position of the victim it took 40 minutes to rescue the victim.“It was a great honour to receive the award with my fellow crew members. It was a difficult and challenging rescue, but seeing everyone work together and having a successful rescue was great,” Ms Reeves said.Ms Reeves has been an RFS volunteer for the past two years.“I love being involved in the community and it’s a great experience and exposure for my studies to become a paramedic,” Ms Reeves said.The Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit) is an award that recognises outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties.The Certificate of Commendation was awarded to the unit last week for service beyond the scope and responsibility normally expected of a unit in their assigned duties.

* CSU access program for alumni residing in Dubbo and region * Alumni have  24/7 access to the library and learning commons, gym access, Wi-Fi access and the ability to book meeting spaces As part of its commitment to support its graduates to succeed in work and life, Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo launched its new access program for alumni on Thursday 10 May.Head of Campus of CSU in Dubbo Ms Cathy Maginnis said the new alumni access program is open to all past students of CSU who reside in Dubbo and the surrounding region.“Charles Sturt University is keen to support our graduates to succeed in work and life, and the program is a further expression of the University’s ethos derived from the Wiradjuri phrase yindymarra winhangana, ‘the wisdom of knowing how to live well in a world worth living in’,” Ms Maginnis said.“We aim to engage with our alumni, to forge mutually beneficial relationships, to celebrate their successes and to continue to value-add and offer support to them throughout their lives.“The University in Dubbo is a dynamic and forward looking institution which aims to enhance its presence in the community and continue its fruitful relationship with its locally-based graduates.“I encourage all Charles Sturt University alumni living in Dubbo and the surrounding region to take advantage of the access program.”CSU alumni in Dubbo will have:* 24/7 access to the library and learning commons* gymnasium access* able to book meeting spaces* Wi-Fi accessDirector of Advancement, Sarah Ansell was present at the launch and spoke on the importance of alumni and continuing engagement with this sector of the University community. Also present at the launch were four members from the Orana and Far Western Regional Consultative Committee; Ms Ann-Marie Furney, Mr Jeff Caldbeck, Ms Jo Lawrence, and Mr Denis Armstrong.CSU alumni featured on the flags include:* Ms Juliet Duffy, sustainable management, entrepreneur / advocate for women in STEM* Mr Nicolas Steepe, social work, project manager, Equity and Diversity at CSU* Mr Steve Hinks, management, Director of Taronga Western Plains Zoo* Ms Jo Lawrence, psychology, Executive District Director, Family and Community Services (FaCS)

* Federal Minister for Rural Health, Senator Bridget McKenzie today launched the CSU $100,000 Community-University Partnerships (CUP) program for 2018 in Orange. * Up to $20,000 available across five different categories - arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous programs as well as grants to support small community initiatives. * Minister McKenzie who was joined by Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee MP also inspected the dentistry and allied health teaching facilities at CSU Orange.Federal Minister for Rural Health, Senator Bridget McKenzie today launched Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) 2018 $100,000 community grants program for Orange and the NSW Central West.“I am delighted to be here with my colleague, the Federal Member for Calare, Mr Andrew Gee to launch Charles Sturt University’s community grants program that provides vital support to local community groups across Orange and the Central West.“This program by CSU supports the development of our regions with grants going to community groups and initiatives across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous programs as well as discretionary grants for small community initiatives.“I applaud this fantastic initiative by CSU and I encourage members of the Orange and the Central West community to apply,” Minister McKenzie said.Acting CSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Toni Downes, said, “The CSU program provides grants from as little as a few hundred dollars, up to $20,000. It’s important that CSU can support a diverse range of initiatives that strengthen our regional communities.“Given that winter is just around the corner, we have opened this year’s grant program with the Rural and Regional Sports Development round first and the other grant programs will open in a rolling fashion throughout the year,” Professor Downes said.Minister McKenzie also toured the University’s Orange site with Mr Andrew Gee MP to inspect the University’s quality teaching facilities and the dentistry and allied health courses offered at CSU in Orange.Applications are now open for the 2018 CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program with the others to open one after the other.Further information, application packs and program guidelines can be found here.

* Award-winning author Lili Wilkinson at Booranga to present reading and workshops * Free Public Reading from 5 pm to 7pm on Thursday 3 May at Historic Council Chambers, Baylis Street * Writing Workshop from 2pm to 4pm Saturday 12 May at Booranga Writers’ Centre, Mambarra DriveBooranga Writers’ Centre in Wagga Wagga will this week welcome a new writer-in-residence, award-winning young adult author Ms Lili Wilkinson (pictured), for a two-week residency.Adjunct senior lecturer in English at the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Wagga Wagga and President of Booranga Writers’ Centre Mr David Gilbey said Ms Wilkinson is Booranga’s second writer-in-residence for 2018.“We try to invite writers who have published in different genres and styles at Booranga, and we’re very excited to have such an accomplished ‘Gen Y’ young adult author coming here,” Mr Gilbey said.Ms Wilkinson is the award-winning author of eleven books, including Green Valentine and Pink. She established insideadog.com.au and the Inky Awards at the Centre for Youth Literature, State Library of Victoria. Lili has a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Melbourne, and now spends most of her time reading and writing books for children and teenagers. Her latest novel is The Boundless Sublime.Mr Gilbey said, “Lili’s writing has received many commendations and we particularly like her interest in what might be called the ‘surreal’ intersections between reality and consciousness (Lili says she enjoyed and was influenced by Lewis Carroll’s Alice Through the Looking Glass), especially as it affects young adult readers.“Her latest novel, The Boundless Sublime, takes readers to some of the dark places – unhappy families, overwhelming personal sadness and the deceptive seductions of cult membership. Her characterisation is strong, and the narrative engaging.“While at Booranga, Lili will speak to on-campus students taking the subject Australian Children’s Literature, focussing on her next project about fairy tales,” Mr Gilbey concluded.Ms Wilkinson’s Booranga writer-in-residence events are:* Public Reading from 5 pm to 7pm on Thursday 3 May at Historic Council Chambers, Fitzmaurice Street Wagga Wagga; Free, but bookings essential as seating is limited. RSVP* Writing Workshop from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 12 May at Booranga Writers’ Centre, Mambarra Drive, Wagga Wagga; cost: Free for members, a $10 donation is requested from non-members. RSVPMore information about Ms Wilkinson can be found at http://liliwilkinson.com.au/For more information contact Booranga President, Mr David Gilbey dgilbey@csu.edu.au or Creative Director Ms Kathryn Halliwell director@booranga.com

* Hundreds of central west senior high students to attend careers advice day at CSU in Bathurst * Dozens of local, state and national organisations will advise studentsThe annual 2018 FACTS Day for senior high school students in the central west will be held at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Friday 4 May.CSU prospective student adviser Ms Melinda Negus (pictured) said, “The day provides an excellent opportunity for students in their final year to gather information and speak to higher education and advisers from numerous universities and employers.“Our experience over many years shows students appreciate this opportunity, and it helps guide them in their study and career choices.”Participating organisations include TAFE, Verto Ltd, Orana Fashion, the Australian Defence Force, the Universities Admissions Centre, the NSW Police Force, the University of Sydney, the University of Wollongong, the NSW Department of Industry – Training Services, and the Commonwealth Department of Human Services.There will be two morning sessions, and one concurrent speaker session during each session. The speaker is from the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and will explain the university application processes.The 2018 FACTS Day will be held at the CD Blake Auditorium (building 1220) at CSU in Bathurst on Friday 4 May: Session 1, 10.30am to 11.30am, and Session 2, 11.45am to 12.45pm.Participating central west high schools include:Denison College Bathurst High and Kelso High (Bathurst), Cowra High School, Orange High School, Molong Central School, MacKillop College (Bathurst), Canowindra High School, Blayney High School, Yeoval Central School, Oberon High School, Canobolas Rural Tech School (Orange), Kandos High School, All Saints College (Bathurst), The Scots School (Bathurst), La Salle Academy (Forbes), St Stanislaus College (Bathurst).

> CSU is offering a short course on strengthening community capacity to support ageing people in North East Victoria.> Nearly one-third of people in the Ovens-Murray region are currently aged over 60 years.> Course aims to help community account and prepare for an ageing population in the region.Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Department of Health Human Services Victoria (DHHS) have created a program that will help services and community members develop the skills to effectively address community needs for an ageing population."The course aims to support participants to think innovatively to develop a liveable and inclusive community for older people, while fostering partnerships between course participants and colleagues and relevant agencies,” said CSU Wangaratta Regional Study Centre Manager Ms Ilena Young.“In the Ovens Murray region, people aged 60 and over account for 32 per cent of our community,” said DHHS Director for Eastern Division (2017), Ms Sandy Austin.“More people over 60 live, work, learn and contribute to our community than any other group in the region,” Ms Sandy Austin said.The course consists of four modules, each running face-to-face for two days.During the course, participants will learn how to:> Understand and interpret various social models of ageing;> Examine the social determinants of health in ageing;> Analyse choices and options available to older adults;> Create social policy for age friendly communities;> Develop individual and structural healthy ageing opportunities; and> Develop systems necessary to support this work.DHHS have put forward funding to support scholarships which reduce the cost by 50 per cent.The course totals eight days in all, with the first two-day module commencing at 9am on Thursday 24 May, at the CSU Wangaratta Regional Study Centre, 218 Tone Rd, Wangaratta.Successful completion of the course and the associated assessment tasks can give participants one subject credit towards the CSU Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Master of Gerontology.

* CSU launches its $100,000 Community-University Partnerships grants program for 2018.* Up to $20,000 available across five different categories to support our regions. * Launch at CSU in Albury-Wodonga today. Online applications here. * Grants for projects across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous and discretionary grants for community initiatives. Grant money totalling $100,000 is now on offer from Charles Sturt University (CSU) for local communities following the launch of the 2018 Community-University Partnerships (CUP) grant program.Head of Campus at CSU in Albury-Wodonga Dr Jennifer Munday said, “The University is offering $100,000 in grants as an investment in the development of our regions.“Members of our local communities are encouraged to apply for the funding to support their local community groups and activities.“There’s funding from hundreds of dollars, up to a maximum amount of $20,000 in each grant category,” Dr Munday said.CUP grants are across five separate categories across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous, as well as discretionary grants to support small community initiatives.Launching in Albury-Wodonga today, CSU also welcomed successful recipients from last year’s program to congratulate them on their success and for them to share with the community how they spent the grant they received.One of those was the Albury Public School Parents and Citizens Association which received funding through the CUP Head of Campus Small Grants Program.The Association’s Ms Justine Parer said, “The grant allowed the P and C to host an evening barbeque and picnic at the School for families early in the year.“Approximately 180 people attended the event and we received warm feedback from many of those who let us know that they had met new people in the School community.”Dr Munday said, “Given that winter is just around the corner, we’ve opened the 2018 grant program with the Rural and Regional Sports Development round first and the other grant programs will open in a rolling fashion throughout the year.“Charles Sturt University has a long and proud tradition of supporting our communities. The CUP initiative is all about the University supporting groups and organisations in Albury-Wodonga and the surrounding region in achieving the goals,” Dr Munday concluded.BackgroundGrants are available from five different categories. The CUP Head of Campus Small Grants Program, CUP Rural and Regional Arts and Culture Program, CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program, CUP Rural and Regional Indigenous Community Engagement Program and CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program.Online applications are now open for the 2018 CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program, with the other programs to follow. Further information, application packs and program guidelines can be found here.

* CSU launches its $100,000 Community-University Partnerships grants program for 2018. * Up to $20,000 available across five different categories to support our regions. * Launch at CSU in Dubbo today. Online applications here. * Grants for projects across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous and discretionary grants for community initiatives. Grant money totalling $100,000 is now on offer from Charles Sturt University (CSU) for local communities following the launch of the 2018 Community-University Partnerships (CUP) grant program.Head of Campus at CSU in Dubbo Ms Cathy Maginnis (pictured second from left) said, “The University is offering $100,000 in grants as an investment in the development of our regions.“Members of our local communities are encouraged to apply for the funding to support their local community groups and activities.“There’s funding from hundreds of dollars, up to a maximum amount of $20,000 in each grant category,” Ms Maginnis said.CUP grants are across five separate categories across arts and culture, education, sport, Indigenous, as well as discretionary grants to support small community initiatives.Launching in Dubbo today, CSU also welcomed successful recipients from last year’s program to congratulate them on their success and for them to share with the community how they spent the grant they received.In 2017, four community groups received $1,000 grants each as a part of the CSU in Dubbo CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program: * Wellington Primary School Parents and Citizens, to erect playground structures and create a sensory garden. * Buninyong Public School, to provide migrant families with quality books to support English language learning. * Orana Heights Public School - Early Intervention Support Class, Dubbo, to add to sensory, gross motor and fine motor equipment to increase student engagement and participation. * St John's Parish School, Trangie, to add to mathematical resources in classroomsMs Xanthie Kerin, a teacher at St John’s Parish School in Trangie, said, “We thank Charles Sturt University for the generous grant that enabled our small rural school to be able to purchase up-to-date contemporary learning mathematical resources for our classrooms.“With this grant we have been able to launch our little school into contemporary 21st learning, leading in world class math practices. Our classrooms are fully resourced in new learning manipulatives that enable students to engage in investigative and open-ended math learning.”In 2017, a Head of Campus small grant was awarded to Condobolin High School to install swing gates in the existing cattle yards to ensure safety for students and animals.Condobolin High School teacher Ms Katrina Thomas said, “The purchase of the gate makes the yards safer the students to work in and increases their confidence in handling stock”.Grants are not just awarded within the local government area. In past years grants have been awarded to recipients in Enngonia, Bourke, Peak Hill, and Wee Waa.Ms Maginnis said, “Given that winter is just around the corner, we’ve opened the 2018 grant program with the Rural and Regional Sports Development round first and the other grant programs will open in a rolling fashion throughout the year.“Charles Sturt University has a long and proud tradition of supporting our communities. The CUP initiative is all about the University supporting groups and organisations in Dubbo and the surrounding region in achieving the goals,” Ms Maginnis concluded.BackgroundGrants are available from five different categories. The CUP Head of Campus Small Grants Program, CUP Rural and Regional Arts and Culture Program, CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program, CUP Rural and Regional Indigenous Community Engagement Program and CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program.Online applications are now open for the 2018 CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program, with the other programs to follow. Further information, application packs and program guidelines can be found here.

> CSU launches its $100,000 Community-University Partnerships grants program for 2018.> Up to $20,000 available across five different categories to support our regions.> Launch at CSU in Wagga Wagga today. Online applications here.> Grants for projects across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous and discretionary grants for community initiatives. Grant money totalling $100,000 is now on offer from Charles Sturt University (CSU) for local communities following the launch of the 2018 Community-University Partnerships (CUP) grant program.Head of Campus at CSU in Wagga wagga Ms Miriam Dayhew said, “The University is offering $100,000 in grants as an investment in the development of our regions.“Members of our local communities are encouraged to apply for the funding to support their local community groups and activities.“There’s funding from hundreds of dollars, up to a maximum amount of $20,000 in each grant category,” Ms Dayhew said.CUP grants are across five separate categories across arts and culture, education, sport, indigenous, as well as discretionary grants to support small community initiatives.Launching in Wagga Wagga today, CSU also welcomed successful recipients from last year’s program to congratulate them on their success and for them to share with the community how they spent the grant they received.One of those was the small Uranquinty Pre-School which received funding through the CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program.Pre-School Director Ms Louise Grigg said, “The money enabled us to engage in three projects: Music from around the World; STEM Resources; and Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in the Curriculum.“As well as purchasing resources to support these projects, the Pre-school invited specialists including a musician, scientist and Aboriginal artist to engage the children in specific programs.“We would not have been able to do without the help of these grants. The CUP program has allowed us to achieved goals and outcomes for the children of Uranquinty Pre-School.”Ms Dayhew said, “Given that winter is just around the corner, we’ve opened the 2018 grant program with the Rural and Regional Sports Development round first and the other grant programs will open in a rolling fashion throughout the year.“Charles Sturt University has a long and proud tradition of supporting our communities.  The CUP initiative is all about the University supporting groups and organisations in Wagga Wagga and the surrounding region in achieving the goals,” Ms Dayhew concluded. BackgroundGrants are available from five different categories. The CUP Head of Campus Small Grants Program, CUP Rural and Regional Arts and Culture Program, CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program, CUP Rural and Regional Indigenous Community Engagement Program and CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program.Online applications are now open for the 2018 CUP Rural and Regional Sports Development Program, with the other programs to follow. Further information, application packs and program guidelines can be found here.