What's Happening

Regional News

Items relevant to the Orange campus appear regularly in the media. Many of these items are covered by the CSU News service.

Also, the Our Town, Our University column is published in the Central Western Daily newspaper each Wednesday. It aims to keep local residents informed about happenings at the Orange campus, such as new researc projects, research outcomes or upcoming seminars or public lectures. Click here to view our Our Town, Our University columns.

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A fine FOOD week at Charles Sturt 

Justin Byrne

Charles Sturt University Winery

Marketing Manager

Chinese delegation at Wine Masterclass at Charles Sturt University, Orange Cellar Door

Take thirty people, some terrific local produce (apples, figs, greens, eggs, terrine, bread and “NV” sparkling wine) and a beautiful sunny morning and you have all the ingredients for a classic little event – Sparkling Brunch at the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Orange Cellar Door. This was the first FOOD Week event held at the new Cellar Door and it went off without a hitch – so we plan to do many more in the future.

On the campus, the vineyard canopy has taken on the colours of late autumn, and we have picked the last of the grapes for Vintage 2013. So how was the Vintage 2013? Firstly, it’s a very good year for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling picked before the 1^st March will also be good. Four inches of rain can have a bad effect on ripe grapes.

Sauvignon Blanc cropped lower than usual across the region and the Charles Sturt University vineyard was no exception with our Sauvignon Blanc crop down about 20%. The upside is that the fruit has above average intensity of fruit flavour.

Both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are stand-out later red varieties this year. The warm growing season set moderate crop levels of small berries in these varieties which will deliver excellent wines of moderate alcohol and ripe, fine tannins.

 The CSU Cellar Door also played host last week to an International Wine Delegation from China – a group of twelve importers, distributors, sommeliers and restaurant owners hosted by Wine Australia. The group tasted a wide range of wines from Orange from young, fresh Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc to our excellent cool-climate Chardonnay style. The aim of the visit is to give a more detailed understanding of the wines of the region.

 Baked apple, figs and cream at Sparkling Brunch

Support team given a boost

Jon Wilby, Student Counsellor, CSU Orange

In 2013, students at Charles Sturt University’s Orange campus have access to an expanded on-campus student services team to support them through their university experience. The local student services team now includes new members Matt Hilder, Fiona Cochrane and Jon Wilby, who join existing team members Nik Granger and Terri-Lee Duffy.

“This is an exciting time for us, with such an increase in our resources,” said Nik Granger, student support team leader. “Orange campus is attracting more students to its newer courses in the health sciences. The extra support staff help make this an enjoyable and academically successful time for them.”

Student support officers Matt and Fiona are involved in everyday assistance for students. Matt’s focus is on international students, helping them settle into life at university in Australia. Fiona coordinates the mentoring program, where experienced students act as guides through the university system for those starting tertiary studies.

Jon Wilby is the new student counsellor at Orange. He brings his experience as a psychologist to helping students cope with the many pressures of tertiary study. “Finding the right balance and managing your resources well is the key,” he said. “Younger students are usually making the transition from school to a more independent style of learning, as well as dealing with other personal and social demands. Some struggle to cope with living away from family for the first time. Older students can face the challenge of balancing study with work and family responsibilities.”

Mr Wilby is particularly interested in supporting the mental health needs of younger students. “Early adulthood is a critical time. Mental disorders often start to emerge at this time, particularly when there is high stress. On the other hand, meeting those demands can lead to a sense of personal growth and wellbeing.”

Matt Hilder, Nik Granger and Jon Wilby who are part of the student support team at CSU Orange