An Indonesian academic will discuss his research into the risks associated with transmission of avian influenza and swine fever with researchers at Charles Sturt University (CSU) on Thursday 17 February. Dr Muktasam Abdurrahman, a social scientist specialising in rural community development with Indonesia’s Mataram University, is assessing the risk of avian flu and swine fever in eastern Indonesia through the movements of poultry and pig between the islands of Bali, Lombok, Flores, Sumba and West Timor. “He will highlight social, cultural and environmental dimensions to the spread of these diseases, which have important implications for Australia’s biosecurity,” says CSU researcher and host, Dr Joanne Millar. Dr Muktasam is in Albury to present a seminar and work with Dr Millar who has also been investigating livestock movements in eastern Indonesia.

A play by a Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturer about the behind-the-scenes workings of a television current affairs unit will have its world premiere in Bathurst on Thursday 24 February. The Sand Dwellers, by Ms Kay Nankervis, lecturer in broadcast journalism at the School of Communication and Creative Industries at CSU in Bathurst, explores and lampoons the world of ratings-driven commercial television current affairs programs. Ms Nankervis said, “This is a big, complex collaboration which has drawn on creative talent from the people of Bathurst, the Bathurst Theatre Company, Local Stages-BMEC, and staff and recent graduates of the School of Communication and Creative Industries, for set design, TV logos, actors, multimedia production, and overall production management. I’ve enjoyed great support from the School throughout the development of my script, as part of my University research work, which has enabled me to interview practising current affairs journalists and managers about the play’s subject matter.”

Weeds occupy a lot of the time of scientist Dr Rex Stanton, a postdoctoral fellow with the EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation – an alliance of Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Industry & Investment NSW. Dr Stanton has been honoured with the Medal for Excellence in Weed Management 2010 from the Weed Society of NSW for his work on glyphosate (active ingredient in herbicide Roundup) resistance in annual ryegrass, management of silverleaf nightshade, and his contribution to general weed management and administration in the state. Dr Stanton has been involved in weed research at CSU in Wagga Wagga for many years and is also the President of the Weed Society of NSW. His current research focuses on new ways to manage silverleaf nightshade and prairie ground cherry, two perennial deep-rooted weeds active in summer. His work examines improving the efficiency of herbicides; competitive pasture options; and assessing allelopathic compounds. Another member of the Weed Society of NSW, Mr Jim Swain, was a co-recipient of the Society’s Medal for Excellence in Weed Management 2010.

Ms Lara Cowling, an administration assistant in the Division of Student Administration at Charles Sturt University (CSU), may only have lived in Orange a short time, but she has fast become a local sports-figure and will represent New South Wales (NSW) at the International Sport Shooting Federation (ISSF) / Pistol Australia (PA) National Championships in April. Ms Cowling, gained recognition at the recent Australia Day ceremonies when she received a certificate of achievement in pistol shooting. She began the sport back in her home town of Gauteng, formally known as Johannesburg, in South Africa. “I’ve probably been involved in the sport for about 10 years. Besides personal protection in South Africa, I was a Reservist for the South African Police Service for about five years and that’s how I got interested in shooting.” Ms Cowling took up the sport in Australia when she arrived here three years ago, and will represent NSW in the national titles for the second time when she travels to Adelaide this Easter. “It’s a physical and mental test and I take it very seriously. Pistol shooting is approximately 90per cent mental and only 10 per cent physical.”

For the first time, Orange Buslines has included Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange on its bus route this week. Travelling on the first bus to the campus, Head of Campus at CSU in Orange, Professor Kevin Parton, said the service is of great convenience to the staff and students. “The Charles Sturt University campus is on the outskirts of Orange so in the past students have needed a bike or car to travel to classes. Now they can catch the bus almost anywhere in town to attend classes and return home in the same fashion. It’s good to know students don’t have the pressure of purchasing a bike or car when they first arrive here. It is hoped that more staff can leave their cars at home and catch the busy to work, to reduce our carbon footprint even more,” Professor Parton said. At this stage, the bus will travel to CSU and back three times a day picking up passengers from Hill Street, Summer Street and Dalton Street bus stops and dropping off at the Orange campus.

Staff and students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) are being urged to do their bit for Clean Up Australia Day. CSU Green is calling for volunteers on its five major campuses - Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga - to participate in the national event on Friday 4 March, the day designated for schools. Volunteers are encouraged to register their interest in the clean up on their local campus through the Clean Up Australia Day site here. “We hope to see staff and students and their family and friends turn out between 8am and 11am to pick up rubbish and conserve the local environment,” CSU Green’s Ms Nicole Hyde said. “The event will be a positive start to the commencement of on campus classes during the week. Volunteers are asked to bring along some gloves to wear and of course a hat and sunscreen.”

The new Head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga, Professor Nick Sangster, is keen to make research a priority. Professor Sangster joined CSU in 2006 and specialises in Veterinary Parasitology, the study of the relationship between parasites and animal hosts. He has a passion for research and has earned an international reputation for his work into drench resistance of sheep internal parasites. In his new role, Professor Sangster wants to ensure his School continues to turn out high quality graduates while further developing research opportunities and infrastructure. “At Charles Sturt University, we have a close connection with farmers in the region,” Professor Sangster said. “Our diagnostic services and student workplace learning in the rural sector means we are in a unique position to identify problems, find solutions and pass those on to producers.” The new appointment comes as the first group of veterinary science students prepare to graduate from CSU in Wagga Wagga on Friday 1 April. In 2006, Professor Sangster was awarded the Fellowship of the Australian Society for Parasitology.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will host its first MyDay event for 2011 for Riverina high school students. MyDay Teaching and Education on Tuesday 8 March aims to offer secondary students an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a university student while focussing on courses and careers in teaching and education. Students attending MyDay will also learn about the opportunities available to them during their tertiary studies at CSU, such as gaining international experience through CSU Global, and financial assistance with a Charles Sturt University Foundation scholarship. The courses that will be profiled include primary teaching, technology and applied studies, education, secondary English, mathematics and science. A full list of MyDay events available at CSU in 2011 can be found here.

As part of an extensive research project driven by the Charles Sturt Universitys (CSU) Faculty of Education, regional and remote CSU Early Childhood and TAFE Diploma of Children’s Services students will attend forums this weekend in Griffiths and Parkes. Associate Head of School of Teacher Education at CSU in Dubbo, Dr Alison Lord, says the forums are part of a project that aims to build workforce capacity in Early Childhood Education and develop training pathways that are accessible and locally supported in these areas. “This project is a great example of how Charles Sturt University has collaborated with partners to create a valuable resource,” Dr Lord said. “Along with TAFE NSW Western Institute (WIT), TAFE NSW Riverina Institute (RIT), and Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Education (BIITE), CSU will hold public forums for students and volunteer mentors to discuss the wellbeing and rights of children who are part of inland and Indigenous education.” The project team plans to develop online resources for teachers studying and working in regional and remote Australia.