NSW Department of Primary Industries | CSU Homepage
13 October 2005
E H Graham Centre Open Day attracts huge crowd
On Thursday the 13th of October the E H Graham Centre opened its doors to the agricultural industry, scientists, the general public and 500 school children. The event took place at Joyes Hall on the Wagga Wagga campus of Charles Sturt University.
The Graham Centre is a research partnership between CSU and NSW Department of Primary Industries. Its aim is to drive profitable and sustainable agricultural systems through the conduct and integration of research, education, extension and training.
The Open Day was officially opened by Mr Bill Baker, chairman of the NSW Farmers' Association local District Council. Reflecting one of the themes of the Centre, Agricultural Production, the Open Day included the unveiling of two new lupin varieties. The information booklet 'Rainfall in the Riverina', put together by Kerry Wratten of DPI, was launched. The publication provides an historical perspective on the variability and distribution of rainfall in the Riverina. The day also included addresses by Benjamin Ovenden, CSU Honours Student and recipient of the 'AusBioNSW Student Excellence Award 2005' and by Cath Marriott, General Board Member of Australian Women in Agriculture.
David Luckett, Senior Research Scientist, describing the advantages of new lupin varieties.
Photo: Michel Dignand
The Open Day was particularly successful at attracting school children. The interactive science demonstrations were designed specifically for children. The Open Day also coincided with National Weed Buster Week, so there was an appearance by 'Woody the Weed' who was hotly pursued by the 'Weed Warrior'.
South Wagga Public School students with E H Graham Centre Director Deirdre Lemerle and Isabella the lamb.
Photo: Michel Dignand
A variety of research activities were on display including the Evergraze project on perennial pastures, stored grain research and eastern barley agronomy. There was a display from the Murrumbidgee College of Agriculture as well as demonstrations of research tools such as an evapotranspiration chamber and instruments for viewing roots below-ground. Also included in the program was an opportunity to visit near-by field sites to learn on-the-spot about current research on lupins, wheat breeding and the Centre's below-ground root observation facility.
Post-doctoral research scientist Sergio Moroni demonstrating an evapotranspiration chamber to colleagues.
Photo: Michel Dignand
Agricultural engineer David Gregor with the StubbleStar demonstration on the Graham Centre Open Day.
Photo courtesy of the Daily Advertiser.
One of the best-known displays was the StubbleStar®. The StubbleStar® is a star-shaped wheel specially designed to efficiently plant and fertiliser seeds while conserving stubble. The design was produced by David Gregor and Deirdre Lemerle as part of their research in the Weeds Cooperative Research Centre. The design won Best Australian Agricultural Machine Award at the recent Henty Machinery Field Days and was one of the grand finalists on the ABC television program 'The New Inventors'.
For more information on E H Graham Centre activities contact Maree Crowley on 69381681 or email mcrowley@csu.edu.au