Charles Sturt University (CSU) students and staff will promote the need for good foot health to Albury-Wodonga residents during an education day at the Community Engagement and Wellness (CEW) Centre on Wednesday 31 October at CSU in Albury-Wodonga.Held as part of the annual October Foot Health Month run by the Australian Podiatry Council, the CSU podiatry team will provide an education session on foot health and a free foot health screening for all participants in the morning and afternoon sessions.“Foot health is important not only because the feet are a key part of mobility, but feet are also the site of many early warning signs for conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease,” said CSU podiatry academic Associate Professor Caroline Robinson, pictured left.“We need podiatrists in regional Australia to educate our aging population about the health of their feet and lower limbs, and encourage members of the community to take a more active role in maintaining their own foot health.”The screenings during each education session will be provided by the final year podiatry students, supervised by the experienced staff in the CSU School of Community Health.“Our podiatry students are especially prepared to work in regional Australia, and recognise and understand the needs of people living in remote and rural area,” Professor Robinson said.Members of the public, particularly those aged over 50 years, can book a place in either the morning session (starting 9.30 am) or afternoon session (starting 1.30 pm) on telephone (02) 6051 9299. Bookings must be made by 5pm on Monday 29 October.The session will be held in the CEW (building 715), in Ellis Street, Thurgoona (behind the Thurgoona Plaza shopping centre). Participants can park in Carpark P8 off Ellis Street.

* CSU names Lahey Constructions to build Stage Two in Port Macquarie* Strong community support and student enrolment growth assures future higher education demand in region* $40 million project completion due by mid-2020Charles Sturt University (CSU) today announced that Lahey Constructions has been awarded the construction contract of Stage Two of the state-of-the-art campus in Port Macquarie.This development follows the official opening of the campus in 2016 which has been widely supported by Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast region and has attracted significant numbers of international and out-of-region students.CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said the University was excited to announce the expansion of the campus and to award it to a Mid North Coast construction firm.“Our student numbers and forecasts show the current facility will be nearing capacity by the end of next year, which gives us the confidence the expansion is both needed and will be welcomed,” Professor Vann said.“Charles Sturt University is also pleased to support a local firm which will lead the design finalisation, programming cost management, and delivery of the $40 million project.”Executive Director of the CSU Division of Facilities Management Mr Stephen Butt said Lahey Constructions’ tender was impressive, and the firm has a strong reputation.“Lahey impressed the University with its key values and hands-on approach,” Mr Butt said.“The alignment between the two organisations to work to deliver a second stage reflective of the form and ethos of the initial development is very strong.“Lahey is well known within the Mid North Coast region and have a number of their key team members residing in the region who have delivered local projects. They bring a ‘one team’ approach, working with the client in a collaborative partnership in order to achieve the best possible outcome."Mr Butt said CSU expected the expanded campus will be operational by the start of second semester 2020.Lahey Constructions Executive Director Mr Phil Lahey said the firm had experience successfully delivering tertiary education projects in regional and isolated locations.“Lahey Constructions brings experience in tertiary education projects and has successfully delivered these in both regional and isolated locations across Australia and takes pride in defect-free handovers to our clients,” Mr Lahey said.“We are also committed to sharing our knowledge, life experiences and expertise with the next generation, making sure there is a sustainable future for the construction industry. We have committed to employing two Charles Sturt University postgraduates in cadet roles for the duration of this project.”The new development will support an additional 1800 students over the existing 1000 at CSU in Port Macquarie.The Stage Two development flows from the existing campus via a link way across the adjacent reserve and is intended to be used by students, staff, and the wider community.The new development will include additional learning and teaching spaces (flat floored and tiered), a laboratory, breakout and meeting spaces, student kitchen and facilities, a space for small events, and additional car parking.

* Photographic art inspiration for ‘Best Internal Student’ documentary: The Art of the Image * Life’s a Drag documentary takes out Highly Commended accolade * Story-telling and personal interests trend across all documentaries for 2018Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst recently announced the winners of its 2018 Glitch Documentary Film Festival.The awards evening showcased the work of internal and external students studying the subject ‘Documentary Production’ in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries. While the documentaries are a requirement of the subject, subject coordinator Ms Tracy Sorensen said it is also an opportunity for students to hone in on their videography skills, get creative, and have fun. “We saw many different approaches this year at the Glitch Festival,” Ms Sorensen said. “It was obvious that students had stepped out of their comfort zone to deliver really unique products.”Among the recipients were local Bathurst students Mr James Siegert who won ‘Best Internal Student’ for The Art of the Image, with a High Commendation for Ms Emily Horton for Life’s a Drag. Mr Siegert, who is studying a Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media Production), said photographic art and the individual process that photographers find unique about their practice was the inspiration behind his winning documentary.“I enjoy engaging with other like-minded creatives so, for me, interviewing local photographers to piece together my documentary was not only enjoyable but provided some interesting insight into different creative directions,” Mr Siegert said. Ms Emily Horton, the choreographer for Bathurst’s local drag queens, the Venom Vipers, decided to do her documentary on friend and drag queen Jonothan Hosking, also known as ‘Miss Betty Botox’. “Jono is a physical education (PE) and history teacher at Skillset Bathurst, and he is also a drag queen. From the preconceived ideas of what a PE teacher is and does, and what a drag queen is and does, it seems like a strange combination of lifestyles.”“I decided to do my documentary on Jono/Betty, I love storytelling, and this was an amazing way to capture and present an individual’s personal story and journey, and share that with others,” Ms Horton said. A full list of Glitch Documentary Film Festival winners is available via the CSU See See Eye website.

* Mr Neal Molineaux CSU staff member elected national president of Apex Australia.* Mr Molineaux said the community mindedness and skills taught at Apex Australia are brought to CSU.* Mr Molineaux and Apex Australia raised $16,000 in recent months to support farmers experiencing drought.A Charles Sturt University (CSU) staff member has been elected national president of Apex Australia.Mr Neal Molineaux, a project manager in CSU’s Division of Facilities Management, said he is pleased to become national president of an association that does a lot of good, not only in local communities, but in communities all over Australia and across the seven countries it is established in.“It’s the work of these Apex Clubs that builds better communities,” Mr Molineaux said.“Apex has opened my world to something that you would not experience anywhere else.“It’s not all just about serving your community, but the lessons learnt, and through the opportunities Apex has provided me, I have been able to learn, develop new skills and gain the confidence I use daily in my current occupation.”Mr Molineaux has been around Apex throughout his childhood and in 1997 became a member of the South Wagga Apex Club where he held a number of administrative roles. Four years ago he took on the challenges of being a member of the Apex national board.This long history within Apex created many fond memories and friendships across Australia and other Apex countries. Mr Molineaux said it is these genuine friendships that have helped him raise over $16,000 in recent months to assist Australian farmers suffering from years of drought.Mr Molineaux describes Apex Australia as a vibrant and energetic volunteer service organisation focused on harnessing the ideas, ideals and intelligence of primarily younger Australians.“Although some clubs are open to people of all ages, most welcome members aged from 18 to 45,” he said. “We are an authentic Australian icon that is still going strong since it was established in 1931.“We have help younger Australians make a difference to their community, learn valuable skills, and make great friendships.“The Apex story is one of fun, fellowship and friendship. We offer you the opportunity to give others a fair go, practical help and positive role models to reach their own potential,” Mr Molineaux said.Photo credit: Neal Molineaux, project officer CSU Division of Facilities Management

* Comedian and maths expert Adam Spencer hosted by CSU Engineering to present maths problems from latest book to local high school students * Workshop provides hands-on experience to show application of maths, science and engineering to real-life problems * Event showcases opportunities in engineering at CSU National radio and television comedian and maths expert Mr Adam Spencer will present some of his most puzzling maths and number problems at an event for high school students hosted by Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Thursday 18 October.Mr Spencer will educate and entertain around 200 Years 9 and 10 students from NSW central west schools in CSU Engineering Student Honeycomb space as they tackle problems from his latest best-seller Adam Spencer’s Top 100.Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) project officer with the NSW Department of Education, Mr Matt Scott, said that many puzzles that the students will attempt on the day were designed by Adam and a colleague especially for the book.“The students will never have seen these puzzles before, so they will be a real challenge,” Mr Scott said.“The workshop is a hands-on experience where students draw tables, cut stuff out and realise the application of maths, science and engineering.“We are thrilled to have Mr Spencer visit Bathurst and give regional students an opportunity to participate in one of his entertaining and educating workshops,” he said.CSU Engineering Director, Professor Euan Lindsay, said it made sense to hold the workshop in such a dynamic educational space.“The University’s engineering program is excited to be part of an initiative that continues to breakdown the stereotypes of STEM and showcases opportunities in engineering,” Professor Lindsay said.The event is part of a pilot program by Regional Development Australia Central West titled the STEM Industry School Partnership (SISP) Program.The SISP Program provides students in Years 5 to 9 with STEM skills appropriate for their ages, as well as pathways to STEM jobs. Other activities in the program will include school excursions to industry, visits in class by industry representatives, industry presentations outlining the types of jobs and career pathways, STEM workshops and activity days for students, and professional development sessions for teachers. See further information here.Mr Spencer has been a breakfast radio announcer on national youth radio station Triple J and ABC Sydney. He has also appeared on television comedies such as Good News Week and The Glasshouse, and weekly sports wrap The Back Page. He is a member of the Sleek Geeks Science Team with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.Event: Adam Spencer’s Top 100 maths show on Thursday 18 October.Session 1: 10am to 12.30pm, Session 2: 1pm to 3.30pmLocation: Student Honeycomb of Learning, CSU Engineering, building 1305, Village Drive, at Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst.

* CSU researchers to explore how to advance sustainable development goals * UNAA representative to speak at workshop in Albury-Wodonga on Thursday 18 OctoberThe Charles Sturt University (CSU) Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS) will host a one-day workshop in Albury-Wodonga on Thursday 18 October to explore ways to engage with and support the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.Professor in Social Work and Human Services, Manohar Pawar (pictured), in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the ILWS, will lead the ‘Engaging with Sustainable Development Goals’ workshop.Professor Pawar said that the special guest presenter at the workshop will be Ms Patricia Garcia, AO, National Program Manager for UN Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA).“Ms Garcia will deliver a presentation about the current state of the sustainable development goals, and opportunities for networking, research and engagement in Australia,” Professor Pawar said.“The ILWS’s work is closely linked to the 17 sustainable development goals.“It is important to build awareness and capacity to significantly engage in the achievement of the sustainable development goals.“At the workshop and thereafter, interdisciplinary scholars at Charles Sturt University will explore the potential ways they can engage with the sustainable development goals.”The ILWS ‘Engaging with Sustainable Development Goals’ workshop will be held at the Gordon Beavan Building (building 673, level 4, room 410) at CSU in Albury-Wodonga from 9am to 4pm on Thursday 18 October.Find out more about the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals here: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs

* CSU research aims to make Albury city more walkable for residents * Volunteers aged 65+ needed to assist research * Walking improves health and wellbeing and increases access to social and economic lifePeople aged over 65 and living in Albury have extra incentive to pound the city’s pavements in coming weeks with new research being run by Charles Sturt University (CSU).Working in collaboration with Albury City Council, CSU researchers Dr Rachel Whitsed and Dr Ana Horta from the CSU Institute for Land, Water and Society are measuring the ‘walkability’ of the city, specifically for older people.“Extensive research tells us that walking improves health and wellbeing and allows increased access to social and economic life,” said Dr Whitsed, the team’s lead researcher.“Now we want your help to make Albury city more walkable for you.”As part of the project, the researchers are seeking participants aged over 65 to wear a small global positioning system (GPS) device for two weeks.“We will be able to use this GPS data to map and measure walkability of Albury through the eyes, and shoes, of older people.”Albury City councillor and Lavington resident Councillor David Thurley is helping promote the project to fellow residents.“Walking is an important part of my life as an older person,” Councillor Thurley said.“Albury City is keen to find out who is using the city’s paths and where, and why they are using them – and why not.“It would be great to get as many people aged over 65 years as possible to take part in this project, as this will help the Council to improve facilities for use by all our citizens, including our older residents.”This project might also be of interest to the carers and relatives of people living in Albury who are aged over 65 years. Find more information on the project website.In addition, any Albury resident can complete a ‘Have a Say’ survey form on walkability in the city, available on the AlburyCity website.To participate in the project, contact Ms Kris Gibbs on 6051 9992, or email kgibbs@csu.edu.au.The Walkability Project will be launched at CSU in Albury-Wodonga at 10am on Thursday 11 October.The project is supported by AlburyCity and the NSW government.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) with the Comboyne Community Association and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will launch the Comboyne Cookbook on Monday 15 October to highlight the town’s local food treasures.The cookbook, designed by four CSU third-year graphic design students – Ms Abby Artuso, Mr Thomas Brown, Ms Beka Dennis and Ms Mel Streater – features local Comboyne businesses, famous local recipes, and some well-known personalities.Lecturer in graphic design in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries Ms Willhemina Wahlin said the book was a perfect example of the University working with the community.“The book celebrates the close partnerships Charles Sturt University and our students built up with the Comboyne community while they worked on the book, and also the close ties of the University with the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council,” Ms Wahlin said.Ms Wahlin explained that the students were involved from the beginning of the Comboyne Cookbook’s production to the final result.“The book really demonstrates the diversity of talent the students have,” Ms Wahlin said. They styled the food, took amazingly rich photographs, created the illustrations, and undertook the layout of the entire 174 pages. It was a huge effort and they have done an outstanding job.Ms Wahlin added this type of collaborative work with community provides a unique experience for students on all aspects of project management, and is a very valuable addition to their graduating portfolios.“There are a lot of soft skills that designers need in addition to the processes of design, and one of the most important of these is building good client relationships.,” Ms Wahlin said.“Designers work in a wide range of organisations, both within the creative industries and beyond, so it’s important that they are prepared for a range of employment options.”The Comboyne Cookbook is part of the region’s Port Macquarie Bicentennial, and is a project funded and supported by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.The community are invited to attend the launch that will be held at the Comboyne Showgrounds in Comboyne and will be attended by the Mayor, Councillor Peta Pinson, as well as students and Ms Wahlin.“These events are a great opportunity for students to meet the community and foster potential career opportunities ahead of their graduation,” Ms Wahlin said.Student Ms Mel Streater said that she is excited to see the book in its physical form and celebrate its success with the community.“We’re all very proud to be part of the book’s launch,” Ms Streater said.The Comboyne Cookbook is available from the Comboyne Community Centre (phone: 6550 4289) retailing at $50. For those attending the event, limited copies of the book will available or orders can be placed for delivery in early November.Following the event, students will hold another networking and engagement opportunity when they hold the graduate exhibition, ‘Metamorphosis’, at CSU in Port Macquarie on Friday 7 December from 6pm.

* New 1.7 kilometre cross-country mountain bike track to open at CSU in Albury-Wodonga on Thursday 11 October * Track will increase links with and demonstrate the value of the campus to the Albury-Wodonga community * An example of CSU amenities to improve physical activity options for students and wider communitiesA new mountain bike track to be opened at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga on Thursday 11 October recognises the growing popularity of the sport and its health benefits for the local community.The University has built a 1.7 kilometre cross-country mountain bike track on the campus, and includes a 500 metre-long skills loop.The track will be officially opened on Thursday 11 October by the Head of Campus at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Dr Jennifer Munday; Executive Director of CSU Division of Student Services, Ms Jacqueline Clements; and Executive Director of the CSU Division of Facilities Management, Mr Stephen Butt.The new facilities will be used by CSU students, particularly those attracted to the outdoor education, environmental science and health science courses offered at CSU in Albury-Wodonga.Ms Hannah Gubb and Ms Chloe Grey will attend the opening on behalf of the students.The facility is also open to the public, including local primary and public schools.Mr Butt believes the trail is an excellent initiative that will increase links with and demonstrate the value of the campus to the Albury-Wodonga community.“We have been given very positive feedback from local school-aged children and their parents who already ride the track, as well as by the University’s students and staff,” Mr Butt said.“This project is a great example of how Charles Sturt University spends funds specifically targeted for amenities to improve physical activities for our students and the wider communities across all our campuses.”The track, classified as ‘Easy’ by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, also incorporates optional ‘lines’ to the more technical trail features such as jumps, balance beams, and see-saws that are also available.The track will be managed and maintained by the local CSU students, who will also measure the success of the facility.