Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is one of the most significant advancements in our understanding of the natural world, according to the Dean of the Faculty of Science at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Nick Klomp. “This breakthrough in scientific understanding still affects many facets of modern life, despite first being published 150 years ago.” CSU will lead the regional scientific communities in celebrating Darwin’s 200th birthday during the week commencing Monday 9 February. Professor Tom Frame in Canberra can discuss Darwin’s life and travels in Australia, including his visit to Bathurst, and his influence on society, while Professor Ben Bradley in Bathurst can discuss Darwin’s seminal work, On the Origin of Species, which was published in 1859. CSU scientists will also be available on the University’s Bathurst and Orange campuses to discuss how Darwin’s theories have influenced their work and the modern world, including Professor Frank Marino and the role of evolution in being able to run faster and longer and Professor Geoff Gurr on evolution and insect management.

The influence of the ‘father of evolution’, Charles Darwin, on Australian thinking is the subject of a new book by noted Australian writer and Professor of Theology at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Bishop Tom Frame. Titled Evolution in the Antipodes: Charles Darwin and Australia, the book examines Darwin’s life and times, including his 1836 visit to Australia on the HMS Beagle and his foray into the NSW hinterland, which took him as far inland as Bathurst. Professor Frame also discusses the historic disputes and contemporary debates about Darwin’s motivations and methods; his scientific conclusions and their social consequences; and the ways in which Darwin’s work continues to shape Australian public policy and private behaviour. Evolution in the Antipodes will interest students of Australian history and readers of maritime affairs, natural science and theistic religion. Tom Frame is also Director of St Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra, which includes the CSU School of Theology.

Year 12 is a time when most students decide on their path for the future. Everyone wants to be successful and to make the best choices, but accessing the right information at the right time is not always easy. That’s where Charles Sturt University (CSU) , Southern Cross University and the University of New England can help. These universities recognise the importance of helping students select the right study options. That’s why they go direct to local students via the Regional University Road Show. Now in its eighth year, the Regional University Road Show visits 110 schools, sharing information with around 4500 students. As CSU Prospective Student Adviser Ms Fran Dwyer explains, the Regional University Road Show provides senior high school students with accurate and timely information regarding university education. “By pooling resources, CSU, SCU and UNE are able to provide excellent advice to students in one visit, maximising the study options presented to students while minimising the amount of time students need to be away from the classroom.” Denison College-Kelso High Campus Careers Adviser Denis Behan says the Regional University Road Show is a wonderful opportunity for his students to explore the wide range of courses on offer at regional universities as well as familiarising themselves with entry requirements, selection procedures, scholarships and accommodation options. “Having three regional universities visit at the same time allows my students to seriously consider future university study and to start examining their study options. Having direct access to experienced advisors is a big plus too. Also having the universities visit us is very convenient for my students.” Next week, the Regional University Road Show will be in Bathurst, visiting Dennison College Kelso Campus, McKillop College and St Stanislaus. Students from Dennison College Bathurst Campus, Scots College, Cowra, Blayney, Oberon and Portland High Schools will be travelling to Bathurst host schools to take part in the presentations. In a world of endless possibilities, it’s difficult to determine the best course of action for your future. The Regional University Road Show will help you find a study option to suit you.

Year 12 is a time when most students decide on their path for the future. Everyone wants to be successful and to make the best choices, but accessing the right information at the right time is not always easy. That’s where Charles Sturt University (CSU), Southern Cross University and the University of New England can help. These universities recognise the importance of helping students select the right study options. That’s why they go direct to local students via the Regional University Road Show. Now in its eighth year, the Regional University Road Show visits 110 schools, sharing information with around 4500 students. As CSU Student Adviser Ms Katy O’Brien explains, the Regional University Road Show provides senior high school students with accurate and timely information regarding university education. “By pooling resources, CSU, SCU and UNE are able to provide excellent advice to students in one visit, maximising the study options presented to students while minimising the amount of time students need to be away from the classroom.” Dubbo College Senior Campus Careers Adviser Ms Samantha Skinner says the Regional University Road Show is a wonderful opportunity for her students as well as students from other local high schools. "The Careers Team at Dubbo College Senior Campus are keen supporters of the Regional Universities Road Show.  With over 50 percent of Year 12 accepting a place at university this year, we recognise the importance to our students of current information regarding university admissions and study options.  UNE, SCU and CSU understand the needs of students from regional communities, and the road show really reflects this." Next week, the Regional University Road Show will be in Dubbo, visiting Dubbo Christian School, Dubbo Senior College and Macquarie Anglican Grammar School. Students from St John’s College, Peak Hill, Gilgandra, Narromine,Tullamore and Trundle Schools will be travelling to Dubbo host schools to take part in the presentations. In a world of endless possibilities, it’s difficult to determine the best course of action for your future. The Regional University Road Show will help you find a study option to suit you.

Year 12 is a time when most students decide on their path for the future. Everyone wants to be successful and to make the best choices, but accessing the right information at the right time is not always easy. That’s where Charles Sturt University, (CSU) Southern Cross University and the University of New England can help. These universities recognise the importance of helping students select the right study options. That’s why they go direct to local students via the Regional University Road Show. Now in its eighth year, the Regional University Road Show visits 110 schools, sharing information with around 4500 students. As CSU Prospective Student Adviser Ms Katy O’Brien explains, the Regional University Road Show provides senior high school students with accurate and timely information regarding university education. “By pooling resources, CSU, SCU and UNE are able to provide excellent advice to students in one visit, maximising the study options presented to students while minimising the amount of time students need to be away from the classroom.” Orange Christian School Careers Adviser Ms Melissa Brown says the Regional University Road Show is a wonderful opportunity for her students as well as students from other local high schools. “Our students are able to hear from three different universities in the one session which enables them to consider a number of options for future study. Often regional students have difficulty attending university open days, so here the universities come to them. The sessions are very informative and give lots of time for questions about both the study options and the admissions process." Next week, the Regional University Road Show will be in Orange, visiting Orange Christian School, Orange High, Kinross Wolaroi and James Sheahan. Students from Canowindra and Molong will be travelling to Orange host schools to take part in the presentations. In a world of endless possibilities, it’s difficult to determine the best course of action for your future. The Regional University Road Show will help you find a study option to suit you.

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Teacher Education at Dubbo, in collaboration with TAFE NSW Western Institute, will introduce the Certificate 1 in Aboriginal language (Wiradjuri language) to be run on the Dubbo campus from Thursday 26 February for CSU students. Ms Maria Bennet, lecturer at the School of Teacher Education, said this TAFE-certified course will be taught by local teacher Ms Diane McNaboe and aims to equip pre-service teachers and school-related personnel with understanding and knowledge fundamental to working with Aboriginal students, families and communities. “The course aims to provide learners with the basic skills and strategies to achieve Aboriginal language competencies,” Ms Bennet said. “This will provide a basic knowledge and appreciation of backgrounds, languages, beliefs and customs.”

The planned State visit to Australia and to Charles Sturt University (CSU) on Saturday 14 February by His Excellency the President of Timor-Leste, Dr José Ramos-Horta, has been postponed due to the ongoing natural disasters in Australia, including the devastating bushfires in Victoria. The Acting Vice-Chancellor of CSU, Professor Lyn Gorman, said that the University has been advised by representatives of the President that, after consultation with the Office of the Governor-General of Australia, the visit will be postponed to a mutually convenient time later this year. Professor Gorman said, “We fully understand the position of the President and thank him for his wishes for the victims of the Victorian bushfires. We thank the President for his commitment to reschedule his visit later in the year and look forward to welcoming him at that time. Given that this visit was to be the inaugural event of CSU’s 20th anniversary year, the celebrations will now begin with the Official Opening Ceremony at CSU at Wagga Wagga on Thursday 12 March.”

Two high level delegations from universities in China and South Korea will visit Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Monday 16 February to consolidate links with the national university of inland Australia. The Acting Vice-Chancellor and President of CSU, Professor Lyn Gorman, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ross Chambers, will each host one of the visiting delegations from Dali University in China, and from Hannam University in South Korea. Professor Gorman said, “The University welcomes the opportunities these visits present to build on existing linkages and extend CSU’s involvement in international education with partners in China and South Korea.” The Dali University delegation will discuss a range of issues relating to areas of cooperation with CSU, including research, academic staff visits, as well as a specific articulation arrangement in Information Technology. Hannam University officials will explore ways in which CSU can enhance the courses and teaching at Hannam University. Professor Chambers said, “CSU has had a long-standing relationship with Hannam University since 2003, and this visit builds on that relationship. We will discuss programs for teachers of English, and doctoral programs in theology.” This will be the first visit to CSU by the new President of Hannam University, Dr Hyungtae Kim.

The national flag of China will again fly at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Thursday 12 February when a high level delegation from the Yunnan University of Finance and Economics (YUFE) in Kunming, China visits the University. The Dean of CSU’s Faculty of Business, Professor John Hicks, said the visit is an important link in the further development of relations with the tertiary education sector in China. “CSU is well placed to provide its expertise across a range of courses, particularly in business, and this visit will help strengthen the excellent relationship that the University has already established with YUFE,” Professor Hicks said. “Despite the global financial crisis, China remains an important trading partner for Australia. China has a dynamic higher education sector, and both CSU and YUFE benefit from the partnership that has been established.”