* CSU in Port Macquarie will host free public lecture by artist Dr Beric Henderson * Public lecture on Thursday 11 October will discuss how creative expression can contribute to a balanced life * Event aligns with Port Macquarie-Hasting’s Council 2018–2021 draft cultural plan to empower and enrich the communityCharles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie will next week host a free public lecture by Australian artist Dr Beric Henderson about the various forms of creativity and how creative expression contributes to a balanced life. This CSU Exploration Series public lecture will see Dr Henderson reflect on his decades of experience, on the roles of visualisation, obsession, and experimentation in the creation of new scientific theorems and unique artworks. The University’s acting Head of Campus in Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh said the topic of this discussion, ‘The Role of Creativity in Science, Art and Daily Life’, resonates with both the current and future cultural landscape of Port Macquarie. “The region is starting to see a burgeoning appetite for culture through the various artistic talents, local galleries, theatres, exhibitions and events available,” Professor Cavanagh said. “Dr Henderson is internationally recognised for his work as a Senior Research Fellow and group leader in the field of protein trafficking and cancer. He has an impressive CV, which includes previously heading up the Gene of Expression Laboratory at the Westmead Institute for Cancer Research, and pursuing postdoctoral studies, training and work overseas in world-leading research institutes in Switzerland and in Cambridge, England.   “Leaving his esteemed science career behind to eventually reside in Port Macquarie to follow his passion for art has lent itself well for this Exploration Series public lecture,” Professor Cavanagh said. “To have someone of Dr Henderson’s calibre give up his time and draw on his own unique experiences around the similarities and differences in creative approaches, between scientists and artists to realise their ideas, will no doubt fuel more creative discussion throughout the community.” The event also aligns with Port Macquarie-Hasting’s Council 2018–2021 draft cultural plan, which has been designed to empower and enrich the community through experiences that celebrate the diverse art and culture in the region. Event details:CSU Exploration Series: The Role of Creativity in Science, Art and Daily Life by Beric HendersonTime and date: 6.pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 11 OctoberLocation: Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie, Room 2048, 7 Major Innes RdCost: FREERegistrations will be required by Wednesday 10 October

The annual Town and Gown procession of academics, staff and students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and other Riverina educational institutions will grace the main street of Wagga Wagga on the afternoon of Tuesday 16 October.The parade of academics, teachers, researchers and students  will be joined by Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey, OAM, and the Kapooka Army Band  in recognition of education’s contribution to the Riverina.First held in 2005, the Town and Gown event was at first a precursor to upcoming CSU graduations, but it has since grown to reflect the educational institutions found in the Riverina.The procession will include representatives from the wide range of teaching, training, learning and research organisations that call Wagga Wagga home.CSU Manager of Community Relations and Acting Head of CSU in Wagga Wagga, Mr Aaron McDonnell said CSU strongly valued the contribution the University makes to the community.“Wagga Wagga is city of education and the Town and Gown procession highlights the importance of this sector to the local economy and the social and cultural fabric of the community,” he said.Mr McDonnell said that some people who have never been to university or attended a graduation ceremony may perceive the parade as somewhat of a novelty, seeing people dressed in academic robes, wearing trenchers (mortar boards), and bonnets and draped in coloured sashes and stoles harking back to medieval times.“The procession is a little different, but importantly it acknowledges the place of education and research in the life of Wagga Wagga, and allows the public the opportunity to encourage and thank those who teach and support those who are studying, no matter what institution they attend,” Mr McDonnell said.Starting at the corner of Morgan and Baylis Streets from 4.30pm on Tuesday 16 October the procession will make its way to the Civic Theatre precinct where a public reception will be held.“We hope that business owners and shoppers, parents and children will line the street to watch the procession and cheer on those who contribute to the education of so many in this city,” Mr McDonnell said.He added it was a perfect opportunity for the community to meet academics and researchers who make a significant contribution to the region.

* CSU community day to promote Port Macquarie’s rich history and diverse region * CSU in Port Macquarie welcomes local Council’s Bicentenary Quick Grant * CSU will host the free community day on Saturday 13 October As part of Port Macquarie’s bicentenary, Charles Sturt University (CSU) will host a free community day on Saturday 13 October as a result of their success in receiving a Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Bicentenary Quick Grant. To commemorate this milestone and to help the community come together, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council offered a number of Quick Grants to offset the costs associated with small projects in relation to commemorations of its bicentennial year. The CSU application received a Quick Grant to support its proposed Bicentennial Commemoration Community Day. Acting Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh said that the day encourages locals to come and enjoy what the CSU community has to offer through plenty of family-friendly activities, live music, food and art. “It will be a great opportunity to not only showcase the University to Port Macquarie residents through a fun and social way but also a chance to enrich the community’s appreciation of our region’s historical ties, through Indigenous dance performances, bush tucker demonstrations, and Indigenous art,” Professor Cavanagh said. “We’ve been fortunate to gain the support of Council for this event through the Quick Grant, and we look forward to welcoming and sharing this day with the community.” Event details: CSU Port Macquarie Bicentennial Commemoration Community Day.Time and date: 11am to 2pm on Saturday 13 October Location: Charles Sturt University, car park 7, Major Innes Rd, Port Macquarie, NSW Cost: FREEMedia note: Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews.

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CSU researchers investigate shortage of women in trades in Border regionBusiness and industry consultation in Albury-Wodonga on Friday 12 October A range of trades to be examined, and all welcome to contribute

Charles Sturt University (CSU) will host alumni and acclaimed rural writer Rachael Treasure on 4 October as part of its Exploration Series.Rachael Treasure will talk about 'Writing new stories for our soils and our souls' to encourage others in farming to adopt a restorative and regenerative approach to agriculture. Ms Treasure, who lives in Southern Tasmania with her two teenage sons and partner, have adopted this alternative approach to their property."I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to speak in the region given the recent attention on drought. I want to share my knowledge and my global network of farmers who are profiting and thriving by using principles of regenerative agriculture and holistic farming.As a story teller, it's a story that needs sharing to help alleviate our struggles with our environment and even with our own selves,” Ms Treasure said. CSU Manager of Community Relations Aaron McDonnell said the University was excited to be able to bring someone with Ms Treasure’s experience and knowledge to Wagga Wagga.“Ms Treasure is a trail-blazer who brings together science and philosophy and shares her vision for a regenerated rural Australia,” Mr McDonnell said.Mr McDonnell added Ms Treasure was an accomplished author with her most recent, Down the Dirt Roads listed for the 2017 Tasmanian Premier's Literary Prize for the Margaret Scott Award.Mr McDonnell said CSU’s Exploration Series were free public lectures to engage rural and regional communities by sparking debate about major issues facing the regions, the nation and the world.“In an agricultural region like Wagga Wagga, Ms Treasure is certain to spark debate about how we manage farm land and soils,” Mr McDonnell said.The Exploration Series talk will be held at Charles Sturt University, Wal Fife Theatre, Building 14, Room 209 from 5.30 to 7pm on 4 October with light refreshments provided.

* CSU’s Alison Gerard in-conversation with author Clementine Ford * Event held at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) on Tuesday 2 October * Clementine Ford authored best-selling book Fight Like a Girl and will discuss new book Boys Will Be BoysCharles Sturt University (CSU) Director of the Centre for Law and Justice Associate Professor Alison Gerard (pictured) will next week be in-conversation in Bathurst with best-selling Australian author Clementine Ford about her new book Boys Will Be Boys.Inspired by a question often posed by parents, Ms Ford, author of the ground-breaking feminist book Fight Like A Girl, wrote Boys Will Be Boys in an effort to educate parents and carers on how to raise their sons in a way that prevents them from subscribing to masculinity that is toxic to themselves and also contemptuous of women and girls. Ahead of next Tuesday’s event, Professor Gerard said that this was an opportunity for the Bathurst community to gain important insights into gender stereotypes and how these assumptions about gender start at an early age. It is also a great opportunity to support the Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival in its events for 2019. “Boys Will Be Boys is a personal account of parenting by Clementine Ford,” Professor Gerard said.“It addresses the levels of sexual and gender-based violence across the Western world. Through conversation, we will cover topics around gender and violence and how to negotiate the complexities of social change in promoting gender and racial equality.As a passionate feminist researcher and leader through her role as Director of the CSU Centre for Law and Justice, Professor Gerard said the event for her will resonate with her research on women’s lived experience and social change.“My research has a social justice focus and aims to transform conflict through documenting and analysing the lived experience of people in the criminal justice system. My research has highlighted the agency of women in negotiating structural violence and its effects.” The discussion items with Ms Ford for next week’s event will cover a very real and topical issue for young adults across regional communities in Australia. CSU is leading the charge for cultural change around sexual assault and sexual harassment through the University’s pastoral care program, ‘Playing It Right’. More details about the program will be covered in next week’s discussion with Professor Alison Gerard.Event organisers, Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival in association with BooksPlus and Local Stages, welcome all to attend. Event details below:  ‘In Conversation with author Clementine Ford’ – a Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival event:Time and date: 6.30pm Tuesday 2 October 2018Location: Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, William Street, Bathurst. Cost:$20 adults and $15 concession. All tickets purchased will go towards supporting the Bathurst Writers and Readers Festival in 2019.

Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga has announced it will demolish aging student accommodation cottages located along Village Way at the end of the year.CSU Division of Facilities Management (DFM) Executive Director Stephen Butt said the 18 cottages located along Village Way were built over 50 years ago and had reached the end of their useful life.“The campus has several assets built in the early 1950’s and 1960’s. Similar to Doman building which was demolished recently, the cottages have reached their end of their useful life and to mitigate risk and maintenance costs to the University, they need to be demolished,” Mr Butt said.DFM Project Manager Ms Emma McCormick said, “A new refurbished landscape precinct for staff and students will be implemented along Village Way with wider plans for other residential accommodation revitalisation.”DFM has joined Residence Life to acknowledge that the cottages aren’t simply old structures but ones that hold special memories for past and present staff and students. People who have stories and photos of life on Village Way are encouraged to share them with the University.CSU is calling for people’s memories of living in the colourful cottages of Village Way including:photos and memories from any teachers who lived there with their families, starting from around 1950photos and memories from any students who moved in from around the 1970’s as the cottages expandedphotos of the unique sunsets over Pine Gully Rd residents have watched and enjoyed over the years.“Preservation of the history of this asset is significant to the future of Charles Sturt University,” Mr Butt said.People who want to share their photos and stores are asked to upload them to the Remembering Village Way site where they will be published in a commemorative book to preserve the history of Village Way.

Students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie have teamed up with Yesterday’s Jam to raise funds for their graduating exhibition that will be held in early December.The final year students of the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Design and Visual Arts) and the local venue Yesterday’s Jam (formerly the Latin Loafer) will be hosting a night of live music featuring Genes on 26 September starting at 6.30pm. The local band, made up of two brothers, have been featured on Triple J Unearthed.For $10, people will get a night of great music all the while supporting students who will use the funds to cover the set-up costs and promotion of the exhibition.CSU lecturer in graphic design Willhemina Wahlin said the graduating exhibition was an important bridge for students between their university and professional lives.“I’m really excited about this year’s exhibition because the students will have such a broad range of works, from skate decks to textile designs,” she explained. “It showcases the diversity of the work being produced and gives the students an opportunity to talk about their individual journeys with the public and industry.”Funds raised on the night will help students pay for printing and other opening night costs, most of which they raise themselves. “We are excited to team up with Yesterday’s Jam, not only because it is a great local venue, but it also reflects the connection and collaborations that happen in the growing Port Macquarie arts and creative community,” Ms Wahlin said.CSU student Bek Dennis said the live music event and the graduating exhibition were an important way to connect to the community and the industry.“We’re really looking forward to exhibiting our work because it lets us celebrate what we have done with people in the industry as well as family and friends,” Ms Dennis said, adding these connections will open doors in the future.When asked about her future plans, Ms Dennis said she had already started building her branding portfolio as she had begun working with clients and also had ambition to create a magazine aimed at young people to share creativity.All tickets purchased will go in the draw for a double-pass to the 2018 Wildwood Festival.Yesterday’s Jam is at 74 Clarence St Port Macquarie.

Olympian and equestrian coach Mr Heath Ryan helped train and inspire Australia’s next Olympic hopefuls at a recent two-day clinic held at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga.Held at the new equestrian centre and organised by the Equestrian Students Association, the clinic was attended by CSU students and local riders. CSU Animal and Veterinary Science student and ESA president Ms Belinda Flynn said the club was excited to bring someone of Mr Ryan’s reputation and standard to Wagga Wagga.“Within 10 minutes of posting the clinic on Facebook, 77 people had signed up for one of the 25 places on offer,” Ms Flynn said, adding that the number grew to 380 expressions of interest.The clinic Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 September attracted dressage and eventing competitors who were working their way to elite level, with some competing in Australia’s only four-star three-day event and FEI international dressage competitions.Mr Ryan said he was very interested in seeing the CSU equestrian facilities and riders from the Riverina because of the enormous potential of the bush and its recent competition resurgence.“I’m very interested to have a look and encourage them and let them know it’s not hopeless kicking away at this sport, in fact I believe it [being in rural Australia] is about to become a significant contributor to Australia winning gold,” Mr Ryan said.He noted that Wagga Wagga had produced its fair-share of gold medal winning riders and horses in the past.Mr Ryan described the CSU Equestrian Centre as international standard, saying he was “seriously impressed” with its facilities and that he was keen bring attention to it.“It’s a wonderful launching facility in terms of riders and horses who want to compete internationally,” Mr Ryan said when talking about the high standard of the stables, show jumping and dressage arenas.When asked about the clinic, CSU Senior Lecturer in Equine Studies Dr Petra Buckley said, “I believe it is super exciting for students and staff, and super important to have such well-respected, high profile industry people involved in sharing their expertise”.She noted it was a good way to strengthen the bond between science and industry, and that it made CSU an ‘in touch’ kind of a place to study.Photo: Heath Ryan and CSU Senior Technical Officer Marion Kater on day one of clinic.