2018

January

Algae in Wagga’s Lake Albert

Dr Julia Howitt explains why there is blue-green algae in Wagga’s Lake Albert  and that there is no short-term solution to the problem in a story in the Daily Advertiser, Jan 6 and also in an interview for WIN TV Wagga, Jan 12; WIN TV Canberra, Jan 13 and WIN Canberra All Australian News Jan 15.

Bathurst U3A talks

There was an article in the Western Advocate promoting the Bathurst University of the Third Age Monday Morning Show for Term One for which Dr Travis Holland will present the first in the series of eight talks.  His talk, on Feb 5, is on the Politics and Promises of NBN. Story ran Jan 8. http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/5155541/u3a-matters-from-the-nbn-strife-to-the-pms-home-life/

Ant research

Interviews with PhD graduate Dr Zsofia (Sofie) Palfi on her research on the working habits of ants in the Riverina were on Prime TV Albury, Jan 10; ABC Riverina Breakfast with Anne Delaney, Jan 11 and News; ABC Riverina’s Rural Report, Jan 12 and ABC Central Victoria breakfast, Jan 15. The story was then picked up by the print media with an article in the Tumut & Adelong Times, Feb 2.

Effects of growth on urban streams

A story on recent PhD graduate Dr Buyani Thomy on the effects of changes in urban stream quality on property prices appeared in Dubbo Photo News, Jan 11

Frogs on the move

Recent PhD graduate Dr Carmen Amos talks about frogs using cracks in the soil to shelter from heat in an interview on Prime TV, Jan 12 with a story on her research in the Border Mail, Jan 13 and another interview on ABC Riverina breakfast,  and News Jan 15 and ABC Online Goulburn Murray, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-19/frogs-show-resilience-in-hot-dry-environments/9343586 and Weather Zone http://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/maniacal-cackles-show-frogs-adapting-to-hot-dry-environments/527398 and ABC Online, Jan 19;  and FM radio hit104.9 Albury, News, Triple M The Border, Albury,  Jan 22 and on Prime TV, Jan 26

Indigenous recognition matters

Associate Professor Dominic O'Sullivan says that the Australian Constitution does not mention Indigenous people and that while Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten appointed a Referendum Council to consider options for constitutional recognition of Australia's First People in 2015, this is a symbolic, though politically inconsequential, amendment. Opinion Piece in The Conversation, Jan 18, 2018. Indigenous recognition in our Constitution matters - and will need greater political will to achieve This opinion piece was republished in the Letters section of Dubbo Photo News, Feb 8.

Indigenous recognition

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan spoke about Indigenous recognition and that having a voice for Indigenous people in Parliament will improve policymaking on ABC Mid North Coast, NSW Statewide Drive, Jan 23

First symposium on hydropower and fish

A story about the fish passage conference coming up in December in Albury (International Conference on River Connectivity) which will include the First International Symposium on Hydropower and Fish Management, appeared in Space Daily, Jan 25 http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Global_fish_passage_forum_to_include_first_symposium_on_hydropower_and_fish_999.html

Youth diversionary programs

Dr Kath McFarlane, commenting on a NSW Upper House inquiry into youth diversionary programs, says she is hopeful that it will investigate the connection between the out-of-home care child protection system and other forms of institutional care and juvenile justice, on ABC Central West, ABC Broken Hill, ABC Upper Hunter, ABC Broken Hill, ABC New England North West, ABC Riverina, on Jan 29 and on ABC South East NSW, Bega, Jan 30

Citizenship, democracy and the political determinants of indigenous health

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan says that while Indigenous health receives significant public expenditure, it remains a matter of public policy failure. Solutions require a philosophical reconsideration of the meaning of Indigenous citizenship and opportunities for Indigenous policy deliberation. Published in The Policy Space, Jan 30.  http://www.thepolicyspace.com.au/2017/31/160-citizenship-democracy-and-the-political-determinants-of-indigenous-health#.Wm_qiE9SWhU.twitter

New Zealand vote on euthanasia

Associate Professor Dominic O'Sullivan's 50th published opinion piece was in The Conversation, January 31. It was about New Zealand's conscience vote on euthanasia which Dominic says exposes the democratic weakness of New Zealand's voting system. https://theconversation.com/conscience-vote-on-euthanasia-bill-exposes-democratic-weakness-of-new-zealands-voting-system-90838 The piece was picked up by the Online news service, Australian Business http://www.businesses.com.au/general-business/425925-conscience-vote-on-euthanasia-bill-exposes-democratic-weakness-of-new-zealand-s-voting-system, Jan 31.

Benefits and costs

Former ILWS PhD student Dr Rebecca Peisley was interviewed on Prime7 News, Albury on the benefits & costs of birds for agriculture, Jan 31.She also did radio interviews on the subject for 104.9 Albury, Triple M, The Border, ABC Riverina, Feb 1, ABC Goulburn Murray, Feb 2 with an ABC Online story, Feb 5. http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-02-05/native-birds-create-bigger-yield-for-farmers-research-finds/9396974 There was also a feature story “A bird in hand might be worth more than fruit growers thought” in the Bendigo Advertiser, Feb 7 http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/5211154/a-bird-in-hand-might-be-worth-more-than-fruit-growers-thought/, a print version, Feb 10 and a report in the Border Mail, Feb 10. Another hits in online news, mcivortimes.com.au. http://www.mcivortimes.com.au/rural/2018/02/13/131457/new-twist-on-bird-threat-to-orchards, Feb 13

February

Pakistan news

A story appeared in the Express Tribune, Pakistan on the groundwater project led by the Institute on Feb 1. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1623246/1-experts-stress-improving-groundwater-quality/

Lasting Legacy

A story on the work of Institute Adjunct Professor David Mitchell with respect to how grey water is treated at CSU’s Albury-Wodonga campus with quotes from Professor Max Finlayson featured in the Border Mail, Feb 3. http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5205055/twenty-years-on-professors-lasting-wetland-legacy-remains/ David was also featured in an article in the Department of Environment and Energy’s Wetlands Australia 2018 magazine story written by Max, http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/b0f30409-2d92-4ec6-a57d-35e59b765be0/files/wa30-full.pdf

Science in Australia Gender Equity

Dr John Rafferty says it is about time that Australians give women in science the attention they deserve and an organisation Science in Australia Gender Equity specifically formed to ensure there is gender equity on ABC Goulburn Murray, Breakfast, Feb 7

CenWest Innovate

CenWest Innovate is encouraging business owner, employers and staff to take part in the upcoming Next Stage Growth Program via a report on Triple M Central West, Orange, Feb 7 and in the Western Advocate, Feb 8

Small Farm Success Australia

In an interview with the author of a new book Small Farm Success Australia author Anna Featherstone mentions that she interviewed ILWS member Dr Angela Ragusa whose research has found that a lot of people fail to transition because of a lack of research about the community they are moving into, on ABC Radio Sydney, Drive, Feb 8.

Talking politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan during his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray mornings discusses government plans to install cameras on streets to capture people texting or talking on the phone while driving, the decentralisation program for teen terrorists, and the government’s deal with the Rail, Tram and  Bus Union, Feb 9.

Using aged care facilities

In response to claims that just $6 a day is being spent to feed residents in nursing homes across, Associate Professor Maree Bernoth spoke about the need for people to do research before placing a person in an aged care facility as there is evidence that there is malnutrition happening in some of these facilities, in an interview on 6PR, Perth, Mornings, Feb 12. The story was also on 3AW, Melbourne; 2GB, Sydney; 4BC, Brisbane; 2EC, Bega; 2CC, Canberra; Curtin FM, Perth; Bay FM, Geelong; 7LA, Launceston; Feb 12.

Governor-General visit

Story on 2MCE Orange about the visit by the Governor-General Peter Cosgrove attendance at a church service in Bathurst, which is co-hosted by CSU (Professor Linda Shields), Feb 12.

Effects of fire and dingoes

Research in semi-arid parts of Victoria on how fire and dingo numbers effect fox numbers shows the benefits for smaller mammals preyed upon by foxes according to Associate Professor Dale Nimmo in interviews on hit 104.9 Albury, Triple M The Border, Feb 13; Geelong Advertiser, Feb 16, ABC Ballarat, Ballarat, Vic Country Hour, Feb 19. There was also a story on the research project “Dingo solution: Foxes on the Run” in the Weekly Times, Feb 21.The story was also picked up by ABC Online, Feb 25 http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-02-25/bushfire-dingo-feral-animal-study-pest/9478270

CSU students win silver in global IoT Spartans challenge

Led by Dr Lihong Zheng (ILWS) and Dr Sabih Rehman from the School of Computing and Mathematics, the 12 students were the only team representing an Australian University, and they placed second among more than 250 universities worldwide that competed in the 2017 challenge. Appeared online at techworld from IDG, Feb 15 https://www.techworld.com.au/mediareleases/31089/csu-students-win-silver-in-global-iot-spartans/

Interview on National Carp Control

In an interview on the Carp Virus Matt Berwick mentioned the CSU research into a global scan on ways of managing fish kills around the world to Dan Bourchier, ABC Radio Canberra, Feb 16. http://www.abc.net.au/radio/canberra/programs/breakfast/what-will-the-carp-virus-introduction-mean-for-act-waterways/9453626

No record of some threatened species in protected area

Dr Geoff Heard, along with other ecologists, has cast doubt on government claims the coalition is funding a conservation project in Victoria’s Endeavour Fern Gully to benefit threatened species – because the listed species are unlikely to occur in the area. The Guardian, Feb 17 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/17/no-record-of-some-threatened-species-in-area-government-says-its-protecting-them

Breakfast Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan during his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray mornings talked about the looming rift between the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Nationals and Liberals. Though Joyce is hanging in there, he feels the Prime Minister is putting pressure on the Nationals to oust him as their leader.  Feb 16.

Stories of Service

Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove was the special guest for Sunday's civic reception and commemorative service to honour military and civilian nurses who have been killed in service. Professor Linda Shields was among those at the service, and says that “the contribution of civilian nurses is just as great as the contribution of military nurses”. Western Advocate, Bathurst NSW, Feb 19. Linda was also interviewed for reports on WIN TV Orange, Feb 19 and WIN TV Canberra, Feb 20.

From books to Britain: courses for all interests at Bathurst U3A

Dr Travis Holland delivered the first Monday Morning show lecture on February 5 “Explaining NBN: then and now”.  A lively and somewhat lengthy question time concluded Dr Holland’s talk, and the audience learnt a lot about the NBN. Online Bathurst Western Advocate, Feb 19

Basin Plan collapse: would we really be better off without it?

In response to recent criticism by a group of pro-environment scientists of the Basin Plan for being ineffective e and the senate vote last week, Professor Max Finlayson has said he “would be horrified if it fell over, and both irrigators and the environment could lose out.” In an online article, The Area News, Feb 19  http://www.areanews.com.au/story/5237710/basin-plan-collapse-would-we-really-be-better-off-without-it/ and in print Feb 21.There was also a story in The Irrigator, Leeton, NSW, Feb 23.

Indigenous health

A model for self-determination in health policy proposed by A/Prof Dominic O'Sullivan in Open Forum Feb 21. http://www.openforum.com.au/indigenous-health

Talking Politics

In his regular segment with Joseph Thomsen on ABC Goulburn Murray, Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discusses the Barnaby Joyce saga including the uncertain National Party leadership situation and the NSW Government establishing a Productivity Commission, on Feb 23.

Indian Hawkers

Associate Professor Dirk Spennemann spoke about the lives of Indian hawkers at the turn of last century on ABC Central West Saturday breakfast program, Feb 24.

Nervous wait for new leader of the National Party

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan comments on possible contenders for the National Party’s leadership now Barnaby Joyce has resigned from that position in the Central Western Daily, Feb 25, http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/5248625/gee-tight-lipped-as-nationals-prepare-to-elect-joyces-replacement/, Daily Liberal, Dubbo, and the Daily Advertiser, Wagga Wagga, Feb 26

March

Encouraging Indigenous students

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan says we need to find more ways to encourage Indigenous students to go on to post graduate study and become academics in Australian Business, March 2 http://www.businesses.com.au/general-business/426491-australia-could-look-to-new-zealand-to-increase-the-number-of-indigenous-academics-and-students

This story followed an Opinion piece in The Conversation "Australia could look to New Zealand to increase the number of Indigenous academics and students" — http://theconversation.com/australia-could-look-to-new-zealand-to-increase-the-number-of-indigenous-academics-and-students-92174 published March 2.

Talking Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan’s regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, covered the role of media in democracy, Jobs Minister Michaelia Cash’s comments about Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s office, related CWA’s comments, the Census Business Index, speech by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to the American Governors’ Association Conference and the NSW asset recycling program, March 2.

Likely problems from carp virus

Dr Keller Kopf was one of the authors of a letter in the journal Science looking at the likely problems of introducing the herpes virus to carp problems in Australia, with the story picked up by sciemex.org Aedt Nzdt, March 2 https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/giving-carp-herpes-may-not-have-desired-effect,-says-expert

Who is looking after our water?

A story in the Border Mail promoting the North East Regional Water Forum which the Institute is a co-sponsor of, March 3. http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5259800/wade-into-the-world-of-water-at-forum/

Looking after our frogs

Dr Geoff Heard was interviewed on ABC Goulburn Murray Mornings re his research on identifying refuges for endangered frogs, in particular, the Southern bell frog, the fungal disease they are subject to and the importance of their having a network of environments rather than a single population, March 6.The story was also on 2MCE Orange, March 9,  hit 104.9Albury, Triple M, March 13.

Science and Stuff

Dr John Rafferty, as part of his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, spoke on the Four Corners report which reported that Brown Brothers have relocated some of their grapes to Tasmania as a way of taking action against climate change as an example of changes the agricultural sector is taking to address climate change. He also said Australians should look at insects as a source of protein, March 7

Letter from Scientific Committee (Australia)

Professor Max Finlayson has written a letter on the topic of “Sensitivity and Resilience of Lakes and Wetlands in Drylands, published in the International Lake Environment Committee Foundation’s newsletter, No 65, March 2018. (page 3) http://www.ilec.or.jp/en/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/newsletter_no65_web_e.pdf

Online communications

Dr Wes Ward has written second blog in his series on online communications for research teams which was published on the Researchers in Agriculture for International Development (RAID) web site, March 9. The blog “Please, can I use something else to eat my lasagne”   https://www.raidaustralia.net/index.php/news/item/733-please-can-i-use-something-else-to-eat-my-lasagne is based on findings from his PhD study which explored in-person and technologically mediated communication within international agricultural research teams.

Child protection report

Dr Katherine McFarlane had an Opinion Piece, Child Protection report lacks crucial national detail on abuse in out-of-home care, published in The Conversation, March 9. This was picked up by the online news service, Australian Business, March 9 and the Ballarat Courier, March 12.

Talking politics

In his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discusses Barnaby Joyce’s comments about the paternity of his partner’s child; NSW Government capping pokie machine numbers; the latest opinion polls for the forth-coming NSW elections; and the Snowy Hydro shares sales proceeds, March 9.

Feral cat numbers

Professor David Watson spoke about the increase in the population of feral cats and what needs to be done about it on Prime TV, Albury and Wagga Wagga, March 14

Nine Ways to fix

Great little article: Australia's draft 'Strategy for nature' doesn't cut it. Here are nine ways to fix it.  The Conversation article has been co-authored by ILWS ecologist A/Prof Dale Nimmo, March 16.

Something fishy about this pub crawl

The media launch, of ILWS PhD student Matt O’Connell’s project looking for trophy Murray Cods, at the Astor Hotel, Albury on Friday, March 16, was picked up by the Border Mail, General News, and in its Fishing Report “Fishers, hunters at ready”, March 17. Before the event, the story featured in the Central Western Daily, and Matt did TV interviews on Prime TV Wagga Wagga and Albury, https://www.prime7.com.au/news/1350-hunt-for-stuffed-cod and a radio interview with ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, March 16.  The story was then picked up by hit 104.9 Albury, ABC Riverina, ABC Mildura-Swan Hill,  ABC Broken Hill, Triple M The Border, Bendigo, ( including Triple M’s online news) March 19  and by Mildura Midweek newspaper, March 20, and the Weekly Times, Walgett Spectator, the Riverine Grazier, March 21. His radio interview was also broadcast on 5CC Port Lincoln, ABC Riverland, Renmark, SA, 2NM Muswellbrook, NSW, March 21 with a mention on ABC Ballarat breakfast,  and in 2GB’s and ABC’s Radio Adelaide online news http://www.abc.net.au/radio/adelaide/programs/afternoons/murray-cod-trophy/9573306 March 21 following his interview with Sonya Feldhoff, ABC Radio Adelaide (Late Afternoons). His interview was broadcast by Sinead Mangan ABC Ballarat, March 23. Country News insert, Shepparton, March 27, ABC Goulburn Murray Online March 28, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-28/researcher-scouting-local-pubs-for-clues-about-murray-cod/9596692 ABC TV News Sydney, April 2, Triple M Goulburn Valley, April 3, ABC Radio South East SA, April 5.

Poor quality water in private supplies

An article in the Barrier Daily Truth, Broken Hill features Institute Adjunct Professor Peter Waterman talked about the problems of water supply at a public meeting as part of the Secure Safe Domestic Water program, March 19. There was also radio coverage about the meetings on ABC Broken Hill, March 19. A follow-up story about the public meeting in Broken Hill was then published in the Barrier Daily Truth, Broken Hill, on March 20 with further interviews on ABC Broken Hill, ABC Central West, ABC Radio Sydney, The World Today,  and ABC Online news, on March 20. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-20/professor-encouraging-rural-communities-to-treat-their-water/9567366 And the blog fssalerts, March 21. https://fssalerts.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/brain-eating-parasite-among-the-dangers-of-unsafe-rural-water-says-professor-battling-complacency/

Nine ways to fix Australia’s draft ‘strategy for nature’

Associate Professor Dale Nimmo was one of the authors on Australia’s poor conservation record for a wealthy and politically stable nation, that was originally in The Conversation and has now been published in Open Forum, March 19 http://www.openforum.com.au/nine-ways-to-fix-australias-draft-strategy-for-nature/ It was also picked up by the kevinwildside blog on March 20. https://kevinswildside.wordpress.com/2018/03/20/australias-draft-strategy-for-nature-doesnt-cut-it-here-are-nine-ways-to-fix-it/

Students helping a water system

Prime TV Albury ran a story with Dr John Rafferty on how CSU’s students at the Albury-Wodonga campus at Thurgoona are helping to implement one of Australia’s best water management systems, March 19.

Water Forum

Professor Max Finlayson was interviewed on current and future issues of water management in the region by ABC Riverina for the North East Regional Water Forum in Wodonga on March 22.

Colombian politics

Professor Oliver Villar was interviewed for a story “On Brink of a Stable Peace, Colombia Faces Familiar US-Backed Right-Wing Elements Seeking to Subvert It," in  Mint Press News, March 22. https://www.mintpressnews.com/on-brink-of-a-stable-peace-colombia-faces-us-backed-right-wing-element-forces-seeking-to-subvert-it/239389/

Talking politics

In his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan shared with Joseph Tomsen the Sydney Morning Herald's discussion NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's Sydney Stadium proposals and the lack of public support for them. He then discussed the ALP's position coming into next years election.  He then commented on the Tas and SA elections and the fact that the minor parties did not poll very well on March 23.

War on foxes to protect Turtles

Charles Sturt researchers were mentioned in an article in the Gannawarr Times March 23 and then on ABC online news regarding a fox baiting program to assist with survival rates for turtles in Victoria's north, March 27.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-27/baiting-program-at-gunbower-saves-turtle-nests-from-preying-fox/9586878

A week in Politics

A/Prof Dominic O'Sullivan discussed the latest news poll suggesting the Sydney Stadium build will influence around 40% of Liberal voters with Joseph Tomsen on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast.  A/Prof Sullivan says the election season has highlighted what the priorities are for the two major parties with Labor focused on Schools, Hospitals and TAFE. March 29

I've always wondered: can two chickens hatch out of a double-yolk?

Dr Maggie Watson answers the double-yolk to chicken question in The Conversation series "I've always wondered...." where readers send in questions they would like an expert to answer.  March 30 https://theconversation.com/ive-always-wondered-can-two-chickens-hatch-out-of-a-double-yolk-egg-94165

Murphy's report n Covenant Farms

A/Prof Dave Watson was interviewed by Sean Murphy on ABC Rural News TV about the Bioblitz at Woomargama Station, a property passionate about conservation and farming. March 30

April

Hope as endangered fish found booming in NSW creek

A story in The Border Mail Online on Dr Luiz Silva's  discovery of a population of the endangered Murray Perch in Mannus Creek, NSW, April 3, The Daily Advertiser Wagga Wagga and The Border Mail and Tumbarumba Times April 4 ; Prime 7 Albury TV, April 4, Tumut and Adelong Times, April 6  http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5321415/hope-as-endangered-fish-found-booming-in-nsw-creek

Year 9 Students devising wastewater solutions at the David Mitchell Wetlands

Around 60 Year 9 high school students are hand in hand to devise a solution for wastewater in the local region as they investigated how the Greywater Treatment System at Albury-Wodonga's Charles Sturt University campus could be put to good use. Dr John Rafferty was interviewed by Prime7 Albury and Win Albury, April 3 and the story appeared in The Border Mail, April 4.

The Nursing and Midwifery Codes of Conduct: Privilege, Prejudice and the Indigenous Citizen

A/Prof Dominic O'Sullivan argues a society that needs to debate the merits of a professional body instructing its members to avoid biased, discriminatory or racist practice is likely to have wide differentials in health outcomes across population groups in his article in The Policy Space, http://www.thepolicyspace.com.au/2018/04/241-the-nursing-and-midwifery-codes-of-conduct-privilege-prejudice-and-the-indigenous-citizen April 4

Knuckle cracking leads to arthritis myth exposed

Dr John Rafferty's myth-busting session with Joseph Thomsen on ABC Goulburn Murray included the one-hour swimming rule after eating, thistle juice doesn't cure warts, and the validity of body parts being used for measuring things. April 4

Ecological Thinning Trials

A/Prof Peter Spooner, a researcher involved the trials, was interviewed by ABC Riverina on the outcome of the ecological thinning trials of the southern Riverina's Red Gum Forest and said the first results of the research will be released mid year. April 11

Support for national inquiry

Dr Kath McFarlane did an interview with ABC Central West, April 12, based on her CSU Media Release http://news.csu.edu.au/latest-news/business-and-commerce/support-for-national-inquiry-to-break-care-to-prison-pathway supporting a national review of the child protection laws and processes affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The Week in Politics

A/Prof Dominic O’Sullivan discusses the PM’s 30^th consecutive Newspoll loss; possible replacement for the leadership position being Julie Bishop and the tensions between the two in relation to the possibility of China establishing a military base in Vanuatu; NSW Premier’s announcement to plant 5m new trees in Sydney; and the Opposition leader Luke Foley’s argument for states to have more say in immigration policy, on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, April 13.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers challenge to NSW Nats

A/Prof Dominic O’Sullivan comments on the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party first salvo in the 2019 state election campaign, taking aim at the Nationals, in the Daily Advertiser, April 14 and The Area News, April 15

https://www.areanews.com.au/story/5342825/shooters-take-aim-at-nats-over-regional-business-taxes/

Conservation in Action conference

A story about an upcoming conference “Conservation in Action” at Bathurst May 15-17 with Professor David Watson a keynote speaker appeared in the Mudgee Guardian, April 13.

Kiska Battlefield Exhibit

A story about an exhibition at the Alaska Aviation Museum featuring photographs taken by Associate Professor Dirk Spennemann ran in Alaska Business, April 16. The photography is featured in a new Kiska Exhibit which commemorates a little-known Alaska battlefield of global significance, Kiska Island.  A slice of Alaska World War Two history, the Kiska Exhibit includes both historic and modern images of Kiska’s battlefield landscape. The Kiska Exhibit opened on Thursday, April 12, 2018 and runs until January 27, 2019.  http://www.akbizmag.com/Education/Nonprofits/New-Kiska-Battlefield-Exhibit-Opens/ The story was also published in Alaska Business, April 16 http://www.akbizmag.com/Education/Nonprofits/New-Kiska-Battlefield-Exhibit-Opens/

Solution to issues within the aged care sector

Associate Professor Maree Bernoth says that that Federal Government’s new aged care industry monitor will fail to fix the sector and what was required was a Royal Commission on the sector in an interview on ABC Riverina, and ABC Mid North Coast Taree, NSW Statewide Drive, April 23.

Media reporting on women in the military is preserving a male dominated culture

The Conversation article by Dr Donna Bridges on how the media reporting of women in the military is preserving a male dominated culture, was picked up by Australian Business, http://www.businesses.com.au/general-business/427471-media-reporting-on-women-in-the-military-is-preserving-a-male-dominated-culture and dailybulletin.com; viw.com.au; Women’s Agenda; modernaustralian.com; April 24.

Scrapping of Medicare levy

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discusses the scrapping of the Medicare levy and revenue forecasting on ABC Central Victoria, April 25.

Politics with Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan

In his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discusses the Federal Government’s decision to scrap the Medicare levy; the fact that Admiral Harry Harris will no longer be the US Ambassador to Australia and that South Korea is more important to the US than Australia; and the delay of the Banking Royal Commission, April 27.

May

It will take decades, but the Murray Darling Basin Plan is delivering environmental improvements

"Our main reason for writing this article was to try to let people know that within the operating environment we’ve got (the volume of water, restrictions on release rates, limited ability to get water onto floodplains, etc.) good things ARE being achieved for the environment. That seems to be a message being lost in much of the media."  An article in The Conversation co-authored by LTIM leaders including ILWS's Prof Robyn Watts, A/Prof Skye Wassens, May 1.

The article was republished in the North Queensland Register https://www.northqueenslandregister.com.au/story/5375245/it-will-take-decades-but-the-basin-plan-is-delivering/, Queensland Country Life, Stock & Land, May 2; in kevinswildeside blog, https://kevinswildside.wordpress.com/2018/05/04/it-will-take-decades-but-the-murray-darling-basin-plan-is-delivering-environmental-improvements/, May 4.It was then picked up and published in the Property Observer, May 18.

The Stuff of Science

Dr John Rafferty spoke with Joseph Thomsen, ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast on a wide range of topics including Australia’s high rate of animal extinctions and what we are and are not doing about it including efforts to conserve regent honeyeaters, mountain pygmy possums and why we should look at supporting organisations that are trying to do something about it, on May 2.

New industry watchdog for aged care sector

Associate Professor Maree Bernoth believes that a royal commission, not a new industry watchdog, is the only way to reform the aged care sector, in an interview on ABC Broken Hill, May 3

Politics with Dominic O’Sullivan

In his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discusses the NSW Government’s decision to install speed cameras to catch mobile phone users; the debate about Australia’s immigration policy; and free TAFE fees following the announcement of the Victorian state budget, May 4.

Women in male-dominated trades

Dr Larissa Bamberry is leading a project looking at how women can help address the problem of a lack of skilled workers in traditionally male-dominated trades as interviewed on ABC TV News Sydney, ABC TV National News, May 4 with an extensive radio interview on ABC Goulburn Murray mornings, May 7.  Dr Bamberry was also interviewed by Prime TV  for Albury, and Wagga Wagga  May 8 and on 2MCE Orange, May 11.

Feral cats

Border cat owners may be contributing to the region’s feral cat crisis which is endangering native animals and spreading deadly diseases according to Professor Dave Watson, on Prime TV Albury, May 9 and Prime TV Wagga, May 10.

Autumn colour

Dr John Rafferty spoke about the autumn colour of leaves on Prime TV Albury, May 9.

It’s a small world for migratory birds

Dr Andrew Peters says migratory birds remind us that we live in a deeply connected living world in a piece he wrote for World Migratory Bird Day in Open Forum, May 12. http://www.openforum.com.au/its-a-small-world-for-migratory-birds/

Drought myth holds Murray Darling back

Institute Adjunct Dr Mallen-Cooper has written an Opinion Piece  “Drought myth holds Murray Darling back: New hope springs across Basin” that appeared in Queensland Country Life and The Land, May 10 which was based on a paper in the scientific journal Ecohydrology. The Opinion Piece was then published in The Land, May 16 https://www.theland.com.au/story/5403621/drought-myth-holds-murray-darling-back/?cs=4963; Farm On Line, North Queensland Register, Queensland Country Life, Stock & Land, Stock Journal, and Northern Daily Leader, May 17.

Itchy Wombats

Dr Maggie Watson spoke on GWN7TV Perth about wombats scratching themselves to death because of a skin disease caused by mites, May 11. The story was then run on Prime TV North Coast, Lismore, May 23.

Cutting carp numbers

Dr Keller Kopf was on air on Prime TV news, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Tamworth, speaking about the carp issue and the potential release of the carp herpes virus as part of a meeting of 70 people from various agencies who got together in Wodonga (North East Water) to discuss the issue, May 11. https://www.prime7.com.au/news/2116-carp-plan

Hatching a turtle plan

Dr James Van Dyke and his plans to save turtles presented at a community information evening at Wonga Wetlands on Friday evening, May 11, were presented in a story in the Border Mail, May 12. All three native species, the broad-shell turtle, the Murray River short-neck turtle and the Eastern long-neck turtle, were falling victim to foxes, road accidents and other challenges. https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5396031/hatching-a-plan-to-save-the-murrays-turtles/?cs=11

There was also a short story in the Border Mail, promo for the evening with Dr Van Dyke on FM Radio Triple M, The Border, hit 104.9, Albury,  and TV interviews on Win TV Albury and  Canberra and Prime TV Albury,  May 11.

Talking about Politics

A/Prof Dominic in his regular slot with ABC Goulburn Murray Breakfast spoke about the Federal Budget’s tax cuts for low and middle income earners and NAPLAN not achieving its goals, May 11.

Economic health of the region

There was a short piece in the Border Mail, May 14,  about a collaborative study (led by Professor Mark Morrison) by CSU and Regional Development Australia-Murray, on the economic health of the region, details of which will released at community meetings in Jindera and Corowa, May 15. https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5399391/new-economic-study-shines-light-on-health-of-the-murray-region/

Murray Darling Medical School

Professor Linda Shields was a member of a team made up of a number of CSU professors including the Vice-Chancellor, and Western Sydney University’s rural health director Professor Ross Wilson, that met with the Member for Calara Andree Gee and Federal Regional Health Minister Bridget McKenzie’s visit to CSU Bathurst, as reported in Stock and Land, and Queensland Country Life, May 15 https://www.stockandland.com.au/story/5399512/we-felt-surrounded-by-enemies/, Daily Liberal, Dubbo, May 15 , Central Western Daily, Western Advocate, North Queensland Register, May 14 & 15;  on Win TV Orange, May 14; and Western Magazine, May 16

Women in the Trades

Dr Donna Bridges says it will take time to break down the social and cultural barriers faced by women wanting to work in the trades industry on ABC Mid North Coast, Taree, May 14

The Week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan, in his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray discusses the NSW Government’s plan to declutter the school curriculum; and the Government’s plan to introduce a bill to reduce third party spending on election campaigns, May 18.

Heritage of the Snowy Mountains brumby

A move by the New South Wales Government to recognise the heritage value of the Snowy Mountains brumby has received scrutiny from environmentalists. Ecologist Professor David Watson, says if passed, the new laws will be harmful to the country's alpine zones on Win TV Wagga Wagga, May 21. https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsRiverina/videos/vb.113992652021218/1720584151362052/?type=2&theater and further comments on ABC Radio Canberra, Drive, May 21

Academic high flyers

Professor Linda Shields presented the Dean’s Awards to Faculty of Science students as reported in the Central Western Daily, May 22.

The Week in Politics

Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discusses the five by-elections coming up on July 28 and the possible impact on the Labor National Conference including a test on Shorten’s leadership; the personal Tax cuts bill proceeding to Senate including Pauline Hanson’s backflip on support for the bill, on ABC Goulburn Murray mornings, May 25.

University funding debates should be broadened to reflect their democratic purpose

"The university’s most important strength is its intellectual independence, and the academic freedom that assures that independence. Research for government or for industry is not independent"  A/Prof Dominic O'Sullivan argues that the funding is too narrowly focused and needs also to consider the university’s democratic purpose in his latest article in The Conversation, May 29. The piece was then republished in Modern Australia http://www.modernaustralian.com/1673-university-funding-debates-should-be-broadened-to-reflect-their-democratic-purpose, viw.com.au, daily bulletin, Australian Business,  May 29.

Study reveals that low income households are using 70% less electricity than similar households

Dr John Rafferty did an interview on ABC Goulburn Murray re the Powering Down project which has found that low income households in Albury are using 70% less electricity than similar households, and the hardships some people endure. The project helped people with understanding their electricity bills and to find out how to tap into NSW Government programs that subsidise energy efficient items like fridges. He also promoted the project’s prize day on Tuesday, June 5, which is World Environment Day. May 31.

Melbourne bird species decreasing

A study led by Associate professor Dale Nimmo has found that Melbourne bird species are decreasing in proportion to the density of human occupation, as reported in a story in Guardian Australia, May 31. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/31/chronic-inaction-call-for-planning-overhaul-as-population-growth-threatens-biodiversity

June

Women working as tradies

Following an opinion piece in The Conversation titled “The female tradie shortage: why real change requires a major cultural shift” and a corresponding CSU media release, Dr Donna Bridges did a radio interview on the subject on ABC Radio Perth, Late Afternoons, June 1. The original article was  republished in OnLine News services including modernaustralian.com , Australian Business, viw.com.au, newspronto.com, dailybulletin.com.au, smartcompany.com.au (print version as well), June 1,  tagg.com.au https://tagg.com.au/the-female-tradie-shortage-why-real-change-requires-a-major-cultural-shift/ , June 2 and Property Observer, June 8 https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/84901-the-female-tradie-shortage-why-real-change-requires-a-major-cultural-shift.html.Donna also did an interview on the subject on ABC Radio Sydney, Focus; and Radio Adelaide breakfast, June 4 http://radioadelaide.org.au/2018/06/04/lack-of-women-tradies-in-the-industry/ The researchers’ findings were also reported on as part of a report on the 2018 Victorian State Budget on ABC Mildura-Swan Hill, June 6 following an interview with Dr Donna Bridges on ABC Mildura-Swan Hill Breakfast, June 6.

Week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan in his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast  discusses the troubled One Nation party; former deputy PM Barnaby Joyce’s up-coming Channel Seven Interview and his decision to take a fee from the broadcaster; that the NSW Government and the Commonwealth have reached an NDIS funding agreement; the record NSW Police budget; and record funding for the Independent Commission Against Corruption, June 1.

Liberal citizenship, sovereignty, democracy and the UN declaration on the rights of indigenous people

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was drafted by an indigenous working group and adopted by the United Nations in 2007. Only four member-states were opposed – Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. While these states subsequently reversed their positions, it was only after ‘reading down’ the Declaration’s significance to view it as merely ‘aspirational’.  Associate Professor Dominic O'Sullivan discusses current implications for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People in his article in Discover Society, June 5. https://discoversociety.org/2018/06/05/liberal-citizenship-sovereignty-democracy-and-the-un-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples/

Low-income homes households lead power saving, at a cost

Drs Helen Masterman-Smith and John Rafferty were interviewed by Prime7 about their Powering Down project at the Salvation Army Hall where the project team were holding a free ‘Bring Your Electricity Bills’ day on World Environment Day, Tuesday 5 June. https://www.facebook.com/Prime7NewsBorder/videos/1759909630769232/. This was followed by a double-page spread on the project with the heading “Empowered empathy helps counteract human cost of rising power” (three separate stories)  in the Border Mail , June 9 https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5452179/empowered-empathy-helps-counteract-human-cost-of-rising-power/

High school girls and stem

Brief report on a social entrepreneurship course for female high school students organised by CenWest Innovate in partnership with Young Change Agents in the Western Advocate, June 5 with TV Southern Cross Nine Central West Orange, running a report June 7 and on line bathurstcitylife.com.au June 13 http://www.bathurstcitylife.com.au/events/helping-develop-female-job-creators/

Science with Dr John Rafferty

In his regular segment on Science Dr John Rafferty discussed plastic bags and their impact on sea life, that changes are being led by communities, not politicians, answered a range of questions from callers, the Powering Down project which was completed yesterday with a celebratory luncheon on ABC Goulburn-Murray, breakfast, June 6.

The Week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan talks about the backlash of former Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce’s decision to sell a media interview; the Coalition’s presentation of themselves as better economic managers than Labor; and a Parliamentary Select Committee considering Indigenous Constitutional recognition on ABC Goulburn Murray, June 8

Resignation from the NSW Government’s Threatened Species Scientific Committee

Professor David Watson’s announcement that he was resigning from the NSW Government’s Threatened Species Scientific Committee following that Government’s passing of its “brumby bill” which gives horses special dispensation to roam freely in the Kosciuszko National Park  and that the decision showed a wilful disregard for science, was widely reported with articles and interviews in/on ABC Radio Canberra, ABC Radio Adelaide, ABC Newcastle, ABC Radio Sydney, ABC Ballarat, ABC TV News Afternoons, June 7;  on line news and blogs beneaththewisteria.blogspot.com, The Age theage.com.au, https://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/wilful-disregard-scientist-quits-nsw-panel-over-wild-horses-bill-20180607-p4zk19.html, Sydney Morning Herald, Canberra Times , Brisbane Times, WA Today, ABC Online http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-07/government-scientist-quits-over-nsw-protection-of-feral-horses/9845142 , tendaily.com.au https://tendaily.com.au/news/australia/a180606awp/government-refuses-to-cull-destructive-feral-horses-20180607 June 7 and on June 8 printed articles in The Western Advocate, https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/5456345/fears-for-natives-as-brumbies-given-free-rein-in-national-parks/, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Border Mail.

There was a follow up story: ”Brumbies on Kosciuszko National Park could spill into ACT and Victoria", in ABC online news, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-10/brumbies-feral-horses-nsw-law-could-hurt-environment/9850546, June 11.

Professor Watson also wrote an Opinion Piece for The Guardian, Feral horses are incompatible with a world heritage area. It’s one or the other, published June 11. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jun/11/feral-horses-are-incompatible-with-a-world-heritage-area-its-one-or-the-other

Interest in the topic continued with another article ‘ACT concerned by brumbies protection’, mentioning Professor Watson's  resignation letter, in the Canberra Weekly, June 21.

Australia relies on volunteers

An article in The Conversation on June 11  Australia relies on volunteers to monitor its endangered species, which was co-authored by Professor David Watson, was republished by kevinswildside.wordpress.com on June 13 https://kevinswildside.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/australia-relies-on-volunteers-to-monitor-its-endangered-species/

Call for Royal Commission

Associate Professor Maree Bernoth, who has been calling for a Royal Commission into the aged care sector for years, was mentioned in a story with Opposition leader Bill Shorten on ABC Riverina, June 12.

This Week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan talks about Brian Burston’s relationship with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and says One Nation has a very poor candidate selection process; the trailer made by US President Donald Trump for the Summit with Kim Jong-un; and the electoral seat of May in SA, on ABC Goulburn Murray mornings, June 15.

Dodgy decisions when experts are ignored

Professor David Watson has written a strongly worded Opinion Piece condemning the decision by the NSW Government tom pass new legislation to protect feral horses in a World Heritage area for the Sydney Morning Herald, June 22 which was also published in Online news, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times, Canberra Times,  June 21  https://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/dodgy-decisions-follow-when-experts-are-ignored-20180612-p4zl2h.html

This Week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan talks about One Nation leader Pauline Hanson being indecisive in her party’s support for the Government’s company tax plans which will take until 2024 to implement and the plan overall including the Green’s and Labor’s points of distinction; the Liberal Council’s vote to privatize the ABC and that criticism of the ABC for not being a political cheerleader was fundamentally undemocratic on ABC Goulburn Murray mornings, June 22.

Fuelling shark fear

An Opinion Piece in The Conversation by Associate Professor Peter Simmons, Feeding frenzy: public accuse the media of deliberately fuelling shark fear, June 22, was republished in online news services dailybulletin.com.au , modernaustralian.com June 22;mumbrella.com.au June 25; openforum.com.au, June 29. After the Conversation article was published Peter was interviewed by ABC Radio Sydney, Late Afternoons, ABC Bega and Radio New Zealand, June 25 and ABC Radio Melbourne, Breakfast, June 26.

Victoria’s treaty with Indigenous peoples

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan’s opinion piece in The Conversation “Victoria’s treaty with indigenous peoples must address vexed questions of sovereignty, was published in online news services viw.com.au, and Australian Business, June 23; dailybulletin.com.au June 25.Dominic was also interviewed on the subject by Sydney Radio Station 2ser107.3 https://2ser.com/victorian-government-to-begin-treaty-negotiations-with-indigenous-victorians/

Research ensures fish life

Dr Lee Baumgartner’s project to ensure the sustainability of freshwater fish in South East Asia was featured in the Border Mail, June 23. The project, the building of fishways across the Mekong River and other locations in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, will allow fish to swim upsteam past obstructions such as dams, levee banks and weirs.

Lady Tradies

The study done by Dr Donna Bridges and Dr Larissa Bamberry is getting plenty of airplay from interviews with the founder of Lady Tradies, Wendy Pinch on ABC Radio Melbourne Afternoons, June 27

Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission

CSIRO has issued a media release with respect to a research project assessing the potential ecological, social and economic benefits of the proposed Basin Plan which included CSU on June 29. https://www.csiro.au/en/News/News-releases/2018/Murray-Darling-Basin-Royal-Commission

NSW community services quiet on apology

An Australian Associated Press release was run on 7News which mentions the research CSU is doing to develop a workforce wellness indicator, on June 28. https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw-community-services-quiet-apology-014227005--spt.html as well as in The Australian; Adelaide Now; Herald Sun; Northern Territory News; Geelong Advertiser;  Gold Coast Bulletin;  Weekly Times Now; Cairns Post; Daily Telegraph Australia; Brisbane Courier-Mail; The Mercury; Townsville Bulletin; NEWS.com.au, also on June 28

Carp caution

Dr Keller Kopf was featured in a report about the potential release of the carp virus on Nine News Riverina, June 28.

This week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan’s discusses the government’s company tax cuts and the NSW Government’s acceptance of the Royal Commission’s recommendations re repeat sex offenders during his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray June 29.

ESA Bulletin

The June issue of Ecological Society of Australia Bulletin included a story on Dr Maggie Watson’s appointment as the Bulletin’s book review editor, and a piece by Professor David Watson about “The secret to conference success” on page 9 of the Bulletin. https://www.ecolsoc.org.au/files/bulletins/bulletin_june2018.pdf

July

This week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan talks about the latest Newspoll which shows the closest Labor lead against the Government yet and  Bill Shorten’s week including his ‘captain’s call’ on company tax cuts without discussing it first with his party, on ABC Goulburn Murray, July 2.

Travelling Stock Routes (TSR)

Dr John Rafferty talks about the degradation to TSRs which has led to the extinction of several native animals and plants in response to the NSW Government’s $1M increase in funding to upgrade the TSRs, on Prime TV Albury, July 4.

Science of Stuff

Dr John Rafferty, in his regular science segment on ABC Goulburn Murray, spoke about the world’s population, that Australia over consumes and wastes a lot of its resources, that advances in technology will help the population rate, and World Population Awareness Day, July 4. ABC Radio Hobart picked up on the content of the segment and Dr Rafferty then did another extensive interview on the subject for ABC Hobart, Drive, on July 9.

Fifth Annual Cyber Security Symposium

Professor Stephen D’Alessandro was interviewed regarding a cyber security symposium held in Wagga on Win TV News Wagga Wagga, and Win TV News Orange, July 5 and Win Canberra, for its Win’s All Australian News, July 6.

Carp virus

Dr Keller Kopf says there is a good chance that the virus to control carp will spread on ABC South East NSW, Bega; ABC Western Victoria, Horsham; ABC Gippsland, Sale, ABC Ballarat, Country Hour, and ABC Online July 6 http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-07-06/carp-control-plan-herpes-virus-talk-halted-exports/9942798

There was another report, focussing more so on the effects the introduction of the virus might have on Australia’s relationships with international trading partners, including Papua New Guinea, on Radio Australia (Asia Pacific), July 9.

Iconic River Sites

Institute Adjunct Richard Loyn spoke about the comeback of the Regent Parrot in the Hattah Lakes for an in-depth report in the ABC Series ‘Iconic River Sites’ on ABC Mildura-Swan Hill’s Rural Report, July 6. The report was replayed on ABC Illawarra, Wollongong, NSW Country Hour, July 9 and ABC Ballarat, July 13.

Aged care symposium

Associate Professor Maree Bernoth spoke about an aged care symposium coming up in Wagga next month on ABC Riverina, Wagga Wagga, on Prime TV Wagga Wagga News;  Southern Cross TV News, July 6, and the symposium was again mentioned in news bulletins on ABC Riverina, July 9. There was more about the symposium quoting Associate professor Maree Bernoth in SeniorAu.com.au http://www.seniorau.com.au/8104-inspiring-ageing-in-regional-australia-csu-symposium, July 13. More publicity about the symposium was in Australian Ageing Agenda https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2018/07/25/less-expertise-in-rural-areas-affects-seniors-to-age-well/ July 25. Coverage of the event included a news report on Prime TV Wagga Wagga, August 9.

Racism in Australia

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan’s article in the Conversation Racism, citizenship and schooling: why we still have some way to go was republished by online news services dailybulletin.com.au; modernaustralian.com; Australian Business; viw.com.au July 6. He was interviewed on racism in Australian schools and what can be drawn from New Zealand neighbours for Radio Adelaide’s breakfast program, and the station’s Online News, July 9. http://radioadelaide.org.au/2018/07/09/racism-in-the-australian-school-system/

Effects of feral animals on national parks

Professor David Watson continues to be sought be media for his views which are that horses are an invasive animal and should be kept outside national parks which is contrary to the NSW Government’s passing of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Bill. Interview on ABC South East NSW Bega, July 11.

Renters left out in the cold

Dr Helen Masterman-Smith was featured in a story in the Border Mail about the poorest residents being the ones who often pay the most to stay warm in winter, on July 14

Wagga MP Daryl Maguire

Wagga MP Daryl Maguire will be able to keep his seat as an independent as long as his conscience allow says Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan in the Daily Advertiser, on line July 16 and with further comment in the Daily Advertiser, July 17.Dominic also spoke about the issue on WIN TV Wagga Wagga, July 17 and 18. There were further reports in the Daily Advertiser, July 20, 21 and  22, as the story unfolded including a TV interview with WinTV Wagga, July 23, when Maguire actually confirmed that he would be resigning from Parliament.

Differently abled staff

Dr Kim Thompson was one of the authors of a magazi8ne article - Muir, R., Thompson, K. M., & Qayyum, Differently abled staff welcomed by library recruiters. Published in the July/August, 2018 issue of InCite: Magazine of the Australian Library and Information Association.

Migrant resettlement research

Reference was made to research undertaken by CSU (Associate Professor Branka Krivokapic-Skoko) on migrant resettlement in an interview with an academic from Central Queensland University on ABC Capricornia, Rockhampton, July 17.

Walkability project

Dr Rachel Whitsed did an interview with FlowFM, talking about her new Walkability project (index of walkability for older Australians) on July 19.

This week in politics

In his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan talks about Wagga MP Daryl Maguire’s resignation from the Liberal Party, comparing it with the ALP’s Sam Dastyari’s resignation, on July 20.

Multicultural Communications Awards

Professor Steve D’Alessandro, who is a judge at this year’s NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards, remembers a time when Australia wasn’t a country known for its diversity as reported in on line news mumbrella.com.au https://mumbrella.com.au/how-to-win-this-years-all-new-nsw-premiers-multicultural-communications-awards-530610, July 23.

The Week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan spoke about the merger of Fairfax and Nine which he says will lead to a reduction in the role the media plays in the democratic process; cuts to ABC funding and the implications of that; and Wagga MP Daryl Maguire’s situation on ABC Goulburn Murray, July 27.

Expunging criminal records of kids in care

Dr Kath McFarlane is the author of an Opinion Piece in The Conversation “Expunging the criminal records of kids in care does not absolve the state’s injustices against them “ which responded to legislation passed in Victoria parliament to address “a serious historical injustice” published July 31. The piece was picked up by on-line news services newspronto.com.; Australian Business; modernaustralian.com; the dailybulletin.com.au; viw.com.au, August 1; and 2ser.com, August 9.

Life ready financial skills

Senior lecturer in Economics Dr Yapa Bandara was quoted in an article about the launch of the Life Ready Program, saying that the program (which is about financial skills) should be taught from year seven, in the Daily Advertiser, July 31.

Maori Party’s future

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan talks about how well Maori voices are being represented in New Zealand in a TV Interview on New Zealand’s Newshub, July 31 https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/shows/2018/07/interview-dominic-o-sullivan.html

Global Cooperation Newsletter

Professor Manohar Pawar’s presentations at the IASSW and ICSW Joint Symposium: Social development and social work education – interaction and synergy , as part of the joint World Conference on Social Work and Social Development in Dublin, Ireland, were featured in the July 2018 issue of the International Council on Social Welfare’s Global Cooperation Newsletter http://www.icsw.org/images/docs/GlobalNewsletter/2018/2018_07_Global_Cooperation_Eng_July.pdf

August

Environmental impact of pet ownership

Dr John Rafferty talked about the environmental impacts of pet ownership and responsibility and benefits of owning a pet on ABC Goulburn Murray, August 1.

Back to our roots

A story that trees may prove a real solution for urbanites who are lacking connections to nature featuring Institute Adjunct Dr Shelby Gull-Laird, appeared in the Daily Advertiser, and the Law Society Journal, August 1.

Promised lands

A story on the German settlers who travelled from the Barossa Valley in SA to the Riverina mentioned Associate Professor Dirk Spennemann, in R.M. Williams Outback magazine, Aug-Sept issue.

The week in politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan, in his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, discusses the implications of the Super Saturday by-election and that the Nationals will not contest the seat of Albury now that Albury MP Greg Aplin has announced he is retiring, August 3.

Alzheimer’s vaccine

Professor Linda Shield’s had a letter “I hope for a vaccine against Alzheimer’s” published in New Scientist magazine, Issue 3189, August 4

Snowy Hydro 2.0 raises concerns for environmental scientists

ANU’s Dr Jamie Pittock raises concerns about the proposed Snowy Hydro 2.0 in which Snowy Hydro’s CEO responds by saying research is being done by CSU to address the possible risk of dispersing redfin, in ABC Online, August 5. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-05/snowy-hydro-plans-raise-enironmental-concerns/10075224 and then online news services, The New Daily.

Recycling hospital waste

Professor Linda Shields spoke about a new project she is leading which is looking at ways to recycle hospital waste including using it to grow plants or filter water in reports on 7 News https://au.news.yahoo.com/medical-waste-needs-recycling-researchers-042105356--spt.html on line news University of Queensland, uq.edu.au https://www.uq.edu.au/news/node/122178, The Australian, Yahoo! News Australia; getstem.com.au; Northern Territory News; Gold Coast Bulletin; Geelong Advertiser;  Adelaide Now; Herald Sun; Brisbane Courier Mail; Daily Telegraph; Cairns Post; The Mercury; Townsville Bulletin; Weekly Times Now; NEWS.com.au;  August 6, and in the Courier Mail and the Barrier Daily Truth, Broken Hill, August 7.Follow up story about what happens to hospital waste after it has been used on Yahoo 7 news https://au.news.yahoo.com/disturbing-truth-happens-hospital-item-used-055928944.html later in the day.More coverage on Inside Waste Weekly, August 8;  2BS Bathurst, August 9 and in miragemewscom, August 12.

River blackfish

The July-August issue of the Wild Australia magazine contains an article written by ILWS technical officer John Trethewie on River Blackfish.

Soils CRC

Charles Sturt University (including some of our ILWS members) are involved in projects for the High Performance Soils CRC. Chief Executive Officer of the Soils CRC Dr Michael Crawford mentioned our involvement in an interview on ABC New England North West, Tamworth, on August 7.

Sloane’s froglet habitat

A revegetation activity to help a small population of Sloane’s froglet on the Albury-Wodonga campus involving CSU Green, Dr Geoff Heard and volunteer helpers from the School Leavers Employment Support program was featured on hit104.9 Albury, Triple M The Border, The Border Mail, on-line August 7, print version August 8 . The story also made Win TV Albury News, and Prime & Albury Local News August 7, and Win TV  Canberra August 8.

Dementia films

ABC Riverina promoted the free films on dementia that were being shown in Wagga as part of a symposium into ageing, on August 7.

Australian Awards alumni

A story about Australian Awards alumnus Dr Kuenga Namgay: Cultivating linkages between Australia –Bhutan, was featured on the Australia Global Alumni web site, August 7. https://globalalumni.gov.au/AlumniStories/Details?ArticleId=2892

Short by-election campaign

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan says that Wagga is set for a short by-election campaign that could help the government reclaim the seat (following the resignation of Wagga MP Daryl Maguire) as reported in the Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser on-line August 7 and in print August 8.

The Week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discusses NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's calls for the army to help in the drought situation; the Wagga by-election Sept 8; the National Energy Guarantee, and funding for a faster rail between Canberra and Sydney, on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, August 10.

Cowra Business Hub

Report in the Cowra Guardian about the establishment of Cowra’s first Business Hub which will be used for a variety of programs including the Business Accelerator, an online-based program in conjunction with Charles Sturt University, CenWest Innovate and the Next Stage Growth Program to support business growth, and the Business Incubator, run in conjunction with “Upstairs” Business Incubator and CenWest Innovate in Bathurst, August 10. https://www.cowraguardian.com.au/story/5575690/cowra-business-chamber-establishes-cowra-business-hub/ Further reports about the financial assistance the Cowra Shire Council will give to establish the hub appeared in the Cowra Guardian, August 29 and 31.

Digitalization of Border Mail newspaper

A story in the Border Mail about newspaper editions to be digitalized thanks to the efforts of the Albury and District Historical Society and Institute Adjunct historian Professor Bruce Pennay appeared in the Border Mail, August 11.

Red Panda education

A report describing the work ILWS researchers are doing with Merak primary school children in red panda education in Bhutan was published in the August Issue of the Darwin Initiative Fund's newsletter http://www.darwininitiative.org.uk/assets/uploads/2018/08/Darwin-Newsletter-August-2018-International-Youth-Day-FINAL.pdf

National Science Week

As part of National Science Week, Dr John Rafferty was featured in a story in the Port Macquarie News urging people to embrace all things science, August 14. https://www.portnews.com.au/story/5584451/dr-john-rafferty-urges-people-to-embrace-science-during-national-science-week/

CenWest Masterclass

A piece about a free masterclass being offered by CenWest Innovate in Orange (presented by Dr Stacey Jenkins, August 30 ) was in the Western Advocate, and the Central Western Daily, August 15.Also presented by Dr Jenkins, are free recruitment masterclasses for business in Cowra and Young, August 29, as reported in the Cowra Guardian, August 15  https://www.cowraguardian.com.au/story/5586680/free-help-with-recruitment-for-businesses-in-cowra/ and in the Young Witness, August 17, as well as in mirage.news.com, https://www.miragenews.com/csu-presents-recruitment-masterclasses-for-businesses-in-young-cowra-and-orange/.

Connection to water

Dr Julia Howitt and Dr Amelia Walcott shared their connection to water stories as part of the Office of Environment & Heritage NSW collection of stories of rural women and their connection to their local landscape and water on line in August https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/water-for-the-environment/tell-your-story

Putting sustainable tourism on the map in Myanmar

A CSU media release on Associate Professor Rosemary Black’s efforts to out sustainable tourism on the map in Myanmar by educating tourism students appeared in Online news service, miragenews.com https://www.miragenews.com/putting-sustainable-tourism-on-the-map-in-myanmar/ August 15

Nagle Royal Commission

Mention of a public lecture, looking at the Nagle Royal Commission, to be presented by Dr Kath McFarlane, Centre for Law and Justice, Dr Kath McFarlane, Deputy Director - Centre for Law and Justice, Charles Sturt University, on August 23 at CSU Bathurst, in the Western Advocate, August 16 on line, and in print, August 17. https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/5577942/lecture-looks-at-reform-over-40-years-for-nsw-corrective-services/Bill Walsh, who was the first police officer on the scene at the Bathurst Jail riots in the 1970s, also addressed the audience, as reported on ABC Central West, Orange August 23. He said the treatment of prisoners has dramatically improved since the inquiry.  CSU media release on the event was put out by miragemews.com on August 24 https://www.miragenews.com/csu-hosts-international-academic-and-first-nations-activist/

The Week in Politics

Associate professor Dominic O’Sullivan discussed the National Energy Guarantee issue; MP Fraser Anning’s statement in parliament about wanting a ban on all Muslim immigration which O’Sullivan describes as the ‘most unchristian speech delivered in Senate’; and the NSW Government’s 20 year vision for a thriving regional NSW on ABC Goulburn Murray, August 17.

Australian wetland research

Summaries of two articles co-authored by Institute Director Professor Max Finlayson have been published in the Department of the Environment and Energy’s Celebrating Australia’s wetland science: World class research for wetlands 2018 . http://www.environment.gov.au/water/wetlands/publications/celebrating-australias-wetland-science They are: Balyliss, P., Finlayson, C.M., van Dam, R., Bartolo, R. “Risks to floodplain wetlands in Kakadu National Park under a changing climate”, a summary of an article published in Marine and Freshwater Research; and Lukasiewicz, A., Finlayson, M., Pittock, J. “No magic bullets for conservation in a changing climate”, which was a summary of a NCCARF report https://www.nccarf.edu.au/sites/default/files/attached_files_publications/Lukasiewicz_2013_Low_risk_climate_change.pdf and an article in Regional Environmental Change.

Career as a park ranger

Dr Alexander Knight was featured in a story “Dreaming of a career as an Australian Park Ranger?” which appeared in Wild magazine, August 22.  https://wild.com.au/featured/career-australian-park-ranger-environmental-management/

Commentary on the PM leadership challenge

CSU political commentator Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan was in media demand for his views on the challenge to the PM leadership i.e. Riverina MP Michael McCormack’s silence about the issue as reported in the Daily Advertiser August 24, and that Peter Dutton as Prime Minister wouldn’t solve Australia’s leadership instabilities, with coverage on ABC North Coast, Lismore; his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, August 23;ABC Mid North Coast, Taree; 2BS Bathurst, August 24.

Impact of drought

Dr Julia Howitt spoke about the impact of the drought on the likely recurrence of blue green algae in Lake Albert, Wagga Wagga on Win TV News, Wagga Wagga, August 23. https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsRiverina/videos/318714438692685/UzpfSTg4ODM0OTMyNzk2MDAzMzoxNjU4NzkzMTAwOTE1NjQ4/

In the aftermath

In the aftermath of the Liberal Party’s leadership ship, Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan says the fractures in government stem from different ideologies and conflicting egos, on 2BS Bathurst, August 27. He was also quoted in a story in the Daily Liberal, August 28 (one line) and in Press, August 29 https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/5611620/stability-issue-bigger-than-party-leadership-rules-csu-expert/

New book on Sport and Physical Activity

A story about  a book co-edited by Associate Professor Rylee Dionigi, Sport and Physical Activity Across the Lifespan,  argues that the benefit of sport and physical activity accrue to individuals but cannot solve many complex interrelated social problems,  in the on-line news service miragenews.com, https://www.miragenews.com/sport-as-leisure-not-as-panacea-new-book/ on August 28.

Feasibility study about passenger rail service for the Riverina

Institute Adjunct Associate Professor Ian Gray was quoted in a story in the Daily Advertiser about the Wagga City Council wanting to develop a feasibility study about passenger rail service for the Riverina, August 28.

Professor Nick Klomp’s new appointment

Former member of the Institute professor Nick Klomp and Director of the Institute’s predecessor the Johnstone Centre for Natural resources and Society has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor and President of Central Queensland University as reported in the Coffs Coast Advocate; the Daily Examiner; NewsMail; Queensland Times; Morning Bulletin; Gladstone Observer; Daily Mercury News; Warwick Daily News;  Fraser Coast Chronicle; Gympie Times; Sunshine Coast Daily;  Lismore Northern Star; Cairns Post, Adelaide Now, Daily Telegraph Australia, Northern Territory News, Brisbane Courier Mail, Herald Sun, Townsville Bulletin, The Mercury, Gold Coast Bulletin, Geelong Advertiser, August 29, and My Sunshine Coast ABC North Queensland and other ABC radio stations August 30 https://mysunshinecoast.com.au/news/news-display/cquni-appoints-new-vice-chancellor,56191

Planned closures of charter schools in New Zealand prompt debate about Māori self-determination

The New Zealand government’s decision to close charter schools has prompted criticism from Māori leaders because some of the schools have predominantly Māori rolls. Professor Dominic O'Sullivan discusses the complexity of the politics of Maori policy issues which are larger than just the charter schools in The Conversation, August 30. The piece was picked up and republished by modernaustralia.com, viw.com.au, Australian Business.

People and climate change

Dr John Rafferty, in his regular spot on ABC Goulburn Murray mornings breakfast, discusses climate change modelling, on August 30

Mentoring opportunities for two CSU researchers

Dr Jessie Lymn, a lecturer and researcher in CSU’s School of Information Studies in Wagga Wagga, has been awarded a place in the prestigious 2018 Kathleen Fitzpatrick Laureate Fellowship Mentoring Scheme, as reported in mirage.news, August 30. https://www.miragenews.com/mentoring-opportunities-for-two-csu-researchers/ and on the Western Advocate, August 31

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September

The ‘snake oil’ behind shared services

Professor Linda Shields is the co-author of an opinion piece commenting on the fashion in universities and other public sector organisations for ‘shared services’ and centralising administration in the magazine Campus Review. Sept 1

The Week in Politics

In his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast Associate Professor discussed Australia’s new Prime Minister Scott Morrison and what he sees as a need for the PM to raise his profile; Peter Dutton’s troubles regarding au pairs; the upcoming Wagga by-election; and the appointment of 20 new farm gate counsellors as part of the Government’s response to the current drought, on Sept 7.

Wagga by-election

Prior to the Wagga by-election Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan was quoted his views on preferences in the Daily Advertiser September 1; letters sent by the Liberal Party to voters in the Daily Advertiser Sept 3; re preference deals in the Daily Advertiser, and did an interview on the subject with Prime TV Wagga Wagga, September 5. In the aftermath of the Wagga by-election which saw a 30% swing against the Liberal Party, CSU political commentator Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan commented on some of the reasons why in the Daily Advertiser, September 10.More about the Wagga by election on Prime TV Wagga Wagga Sept 13.

Frogs ‘ Fish Workshop

The Corowa Free Press ran a story Sept 6 about a Frogs ‘ Fish Workshop, held at the Rivergum Holiday Park,  Corowa, August 15 and 16, where  77 students from four local schools – Corowa, Corowa South, Lowesdale and Howlong public schools – participated in Corowa District Landcare’s Junior Landcare program. As part of this they learnt more about finding and locating frogs from ecologist Dr Alexandra Knight. http://www.yarrawongachronicle.com.au/@corowa-news/2018/09/05/222648/frogs-n-fish-workshop Also reported online in the Seymour Telegraph, Benalla Ensign, Deniliquin Pastoral Times, Riverine Herald, McIvor Times, Campapse News, Shepparton News, Kyabram Free Press, Cobram Courier, Southern Riverina News, Tatura Guardian, September 6.

October

New use for hospital waste

Professor Linda Shields was quoted re a CSU/James Cook University and University of Queensland project exploring ways to transform hospital waste into something useful in the Nursing Review, Oct 1

How living in regional Australia can do wonders for your career – ABC Life

A/Prof Damian Candusso was one of three interviewed by ABC Life on the benefits of regional living and career opportunities possible due to technology, October 3. https://www.abc.net.au/life/career-growth-and-opportunity-in-regional-australia/10297844

This week in politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan says the coalition’s best chance of getting the seat of Wentworth back is through a National’s candidate on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, October 5.

Cooperation with Balranald Shire

Mention of a potential partnership with CSU (through professor Finlayson’s involvement in SEGRA) and a forum around its integrated waterways and wetlands management planning on ABC Mildura, Oct 10. This followed an earlier report on ABC Riverina, Sept 20. There was another report about the shire’s plan to prepare an integrated waterways and wetland management plan in the Swan Hill Guardian, Oct 31.

Mental health burden

Research by Associate Professor Russell Roberts has found that people living with mental illness in Australia are at double the risk of early death and three times the risk if they live in rural Australia as reported a media release that went out on October 11 on Medianet https://www.medianet.com.au/releases/168550 , miragenews.com, Rural Health Alliance, and then picked up in online news: Adelaide Now, Brisbane Courier-Mail, Herald-Sun, Daily Telegraph Australia, Northern Territory News, The Mercury, Geelong Advertiser, Gold Coast Bulletin, Cairns Post, Townsville Bulletin, October 14 and print media Sunday Telegraph, October 14.  There was also another story, with a South Australian focus, quoting Associate Professor Russell Roberts in the Stock Journal, Oct 11. https://www.stockjournal.com.au/story/5692818/calls-for-support-within-rural-sa-in-tough-times/

Index of Walkability

The launch of this ILWS project with researchers Dr Rachel Whitsed and Dr Ana Horta was picked up by Prime TV Albury October 11, and WIN TV Albury, October 12. The project is developing an index of walk abilities through the use of GPS devices that will monitor where people are walking in Albury across two weeks.

This week in politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discussed the horse race ad on the sails of the Sydney Opera House on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, October 12.

Women in trades

Ahead of an industry consultation meeting in Albury on Friday, October 12, Dr Larissa from CSU’s Women in Trades team was interviewed re a shortage of skilled women working in trade in regional cities  on Prime 7 TV Wagga Wagga,  Prime 7 TV Tamworth, Prime 7 North Coast,  Lismore , Prime 7 TV Albury,  and Prime 7 TV Orange, October 8. On the day of the event there was a story with Dr Donna Bridges on Prime TV Albury and Wagga Wagga, and WIN TV Albury, Oct 12.  After the event, there was an interview with Dr Bridges on WIN Canberra, October 13, and interviews with Dr Larissa Bamberry and Dr Donna Bridges on ABC Goulburn Murray, Oct 15.

Free masterclass

The Lithgow Mercury ran a small piece on a free masterclass to be held in Lithgow, October 10, by CenWest Innovate, October 9.

World Mental health Day

As part of the publicity for World Mental health Day, Wednesday, October 10, stories were run on Equally Well, an initiative which ILWS researchers are involved in and which shares space as CSU Orange in the Central Western Daily. The launch of the Equally Well website was featured at the Australian Rural and Remote Mental health Symposium (Oct 15 to 17) in Hobart by the symposium’s chair, Associate Professor Russell Roberts. The Equally Well website and social media campaigns also involved Dr Felicity Small, Dr Michael Mehmet and Dr Tahmid Nayeem, as reported are in the online news service miragenews. Oct 15. https://www.miragenews.com/equally-well-website-relaunched-to-improve-mental-health/

Global Wetland Outlook

The Global Wetland Outlook: State of the World’s Wetlands and their services to people https://www.global-wetland-outlook.ramsar.org/outlook/ the work of Professor Max Finlayson and a number of ILWS adjuncts was released in September and will be presented at the next Ramsar Triennial Conference in Dubai at a plenary, Oct 23. Since its release, the GWO has been featured in more than 700 online articles. Media outlets examples include: Daily Mail (UK), Le Monde (France), BBC Mundo, CNN Espanol, El Tiempo, Yahoo News in USA, France, Australia, Japan, Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Stern (Germany), Spiegel (Germany), Le Temps (Switzerland), Tribune de Geneva (Switzerland), Le Matin (Switzerland), Voice of America, AFP (Agence France Presse), Kyodo News (Japan), Daily Nation (Kenya), and South China Morning Post.

Water literacy

Dr John Rafferty says that learning water literacy – the understanding of water’s impact in daily life – is crucial because of the drought, in his regular segment on ABXC Goulburn Murray mornings, October 18.

Dingo dinners: what's on the menu for Australia's top predator?

The dingo is Australia’s largest land-based predator, occurring across most of the mainland and on many nearshore islands. Associate Professor Dale Nimmo et al's new research has found what dingoes eat depends on where they live. A new paper published in the journal Mammal Review, reveals the breadth and diversity of dingo diets across the continent and the dingo's varied diet is described in the article in The Conversation, October 19. Follow-up stories were on ABC Rural, https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-10-26/drought-a-chance-to-make-dent-in-feral-animal-numbers/10425056; on-line news Weather Zone, October 26

Birds are back in Holbrook

A story ran in the Border Mail ‘Loving the Land’ from Holbrook Landcare which referred to the work of former ILWS PhD student Dr Rebecca Peisley, October 20.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Border Mail ran a story “Australia ‘must do better on sustainable development goals’ featuring Institute visitor Patricia Garcia, National Program Manager for UN Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations Association of Australia. Patricia was in Albury to attend an ILWS workshop organised by Professor Manohar Pawar on SDGs, October 20.

The butterfly and its goldilocks ant

In the OffTrack episode Ann Jones and Dr Don Sands, Entomologist explore the unique conditions needed for the survival of one of the world’s rarest butterfly and its connection to a species of ant, the mistletoe bird and a parasitic plant. Ann mentions research by Dr Dave Watson of CSU on mistletoes, October 20. https://www.abc.net.au/…/…/bulloak-jewell-butterfly/10390982

Albino quoll found at Port Headland

In an interview with Dr Judy Dunlop, from WA’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions she talks about a white albino that was found at Port Hedland as part of the collaborative research she is doing with CSU – Harry Moore’s PhD project – on 6PR Perth; ABC Radio Melbourne, Drive; ABC Radio Darwin, October 23. There was also a TV interview on Channel 10, Perth, October 23.

Regional labour market study

Professor Mark Morrison spoke about a new $100,000 study funded by CSU to look into the lack of both skilled and unskilled workers in rural and regional areas over the next 18 months. The study will expand on research already done which, according to Mark, has found that regional businesses should connect with schools to promote career opportunities in the region. Reports on 2BS Bathurst, ABC Central West NSW, ABC New England North West, ABC Goulburn Murray, breakfast, October 25.  Further reports on ABC Mid North Coast, Taree; ABC Goulburn Murray; ABC Coffs Coast, October 26, ABC North Coast NSW, Lismore, October 30.

Drought a ‘chance to make a dent in feral animal numbers

Interviewed by ABC Central West on feral pests and the drought, Friday 26 October, ILWS researcher Associate Professor, Dale Nimmo, said for many species moving around was a matter of survival.   https://www.abc.net.au/…/drought-a-chance-to-make-…/10425056

Hope Springs

Adjunct Professor David Mitchell appears in Hope Springs, discussing the restoration of the landscape using Peter Andrews methods in The Australian Story, on October 29,  https://www.abc.net.au/austory/hope-springs/10395974

Social Work Educator of the Year

There was a report on Prime TV 7 Wagga Wagga re three CSU academics being named Social Work Educators of the Year by their peers at an Education Research Symposium which included Professor Manohar Pawar, October 31.

November

Native reptiles are smarter than thought

Associate Professor Dale Nimmo reported on findings recently published in  the Royal Society Open Science Journal that revealed native lizards can identify foxes and wild cats as predators, even though they have not evolved alongside them on ABC Online, November 3 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-03/lizards-evolve-to-detect-invasive-species-as-predators/10460926 with earlier interviews on ABC South East SA, Mt Gambier, ABC Eyre Peninsula and West Coast, November 2 and  online news after the CSU media release went out in mirage.news https://www.miragenews.com/native-lizards-know-a-predator-when-they-smell-one/, November 1. There was also a story in the Border Mail, “Lizards can outfox their predators” November 2. Dale was also interviewed on the subject on ABC Goulburn Murray mornings, Nov 7.

The week in politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan shared his insights on speculation that Senator Bridget McKenzie is looking to contest the seat of Indi against Independent Cathy McGowan after announcing her plans to move her office from Bendigo to Wodonga on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, November 2.

World Teacher’s Day

Among the six academics from CSU Port Macquarie recognised at this year’s Wold Teacher’s Day Awards are ILWS members Dr Prue Gonzalez and Associate professor Rosemary Black, as reported on ABC Coffs Coast, ABC Mid North Coast, November 2.

World losing wetlands

A CSU media release about the importance of the world’s wetlands, as addressed in the Global Wetland Outlook: State of the world’s wetlands, quoting one of the authors of the Outlook Professor Max Finlayson featured in the Online news service miragenews.com https://www.miragenews.com/world-losing-wetlands-3-times-faster-than-forests-major-report/ November 2.There was a follow up TV interview on Prime7Albury, November 5.  Max was also interviewed by 2BS Bathurst Radio, Friday Nov 9.

Discovery of white quoll

ILWS PhD student Harry Moore’s discovery of a white quoll while researching Northern Quolls in the Pilbara resulted in an interview with Harry aired on ABC Mid North Coast, November 6.

Koalas predicted to go extinct by 2050

Report on Prime7Albury with Professor David Watson predicting that koalas will go extinct by 2050 as we lose more and more of their habitat due to the urban sprawl and land clearing, on November 6.

Re-imagining the sovereign: An Indigenous case study in citizenship, self-determination and democratic inclusivity.

In his recent article, Associate Professor Dominic O'Sullivan says “Sovereignty is the embodiment of real political power. People should not feel perpetually excluded from it and there are ways in which public authority can be distributed more fairly and to recognise Maori self-determination.” in the Discover Society, November 6.

Native fish numbers' dramatic decline

ILWS researchers are currently working with a number of groups looking to improve native fish numbers which like the Murray cod are nowhere near as abundant now as they were before European settlement in the Murray-Darling Basin. Dr Lee Baumgartner's interview was on Radio Hit 93.5 Dubbo, Triple M Central West Orange, November 13,  104.9 Albury

Two past coup leaders face off in Fiji general election

Associate Professor Dominic O'Sullivan explores the issues as Fiji faces a general election on Wednesday, just as Australia’s main political parties devote more attention to the western Pacific, driven by worries about China’s growing influence in his opinion piece in The Conversation November 12, https://theconversation.com/two-past-coup-leaders-face-off-in-fiji-general-election-as-australia-sharpens-focus-on-the-western-pacific-106347 His article was picked also up the same day by the online news services  dailybulletin.com.au , businesses.com.au November 12 and viw.com.au on November 13. He also discussed the election on ABC TV News Sydney November 14 and 15.

Sustainable management of native fish population

Dr Lee Baumgartner says since European settlement, numbers of native fish have declined significantly and a range of measures will be needed to rebuild their numbers. He explained that his team is currently working with several groups to come up with solutions in radio interviews on FM Radio hit93.5 Dubbo News and Triple M Central West Orange on November 13, ABC Radio Broken Hill and Western Plains November 14 and Hit104.9 Albury, Triple M Bendigo, Triple M The Border, Dubbo Newspaper November 15.

Brumby deaths blamed on drought and mismanagement

Professor David Watson was quoted in a story on the condition of Brumbies in the Guy Fawkes National Park appearing in ABC News, Coffs Coast, November 14 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-14/brumbies-at-the-mercy-of-drought-and-mismanagement/10495374, ABC online news, The New Daily and Weather Zone News, November 14

Using the arts to create quality care for people living with dementia

A research proposal aiming to enhance the quality of life of people living with dementia in the Mid North Coast region by examining their experiences in creative and arts-based programs presented at the 10th Annual International Arts and Health Conference in Port Macquarie by Associate Professor Rylee Dionigi was reported by Miragenews.com, November 15.

New Labor Leader NSW

A/Prof Dominic O'Sullivan discussed the election of ALP's Michael Daley as the new NSW Labor Leader and the timing of Luke Foley's resignation, up coming by-elections and the Greens' chances at the NSW State Election with  Sandra Moon on ABC Goulburn Murray Breakfast Radio, November 16.

Bainimarama wins again in Fiji, helped by muzzling the media, unions and the church

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan’s analysis of the results of the Fijian election argues that restrictions on free speech mean that there is no way of testing popular Fijian opinion.  He says “It may have been a free vote. But the conditions for an informed vote – scrutiny and robust debate - were not present” in his piece appearing in The Conversation, online news AustralianBusiness, November 20, and in online news modernaustralian.com, November 21   https://theconversation.com/bainimarama-wins-again-in-fiji-helped-by-muzzling-the-media-unions-and-the-church-107192

The Science of Stuff

Joseph Thomsen and Dr John Rafferty in their regular science chat discussed the water cycle, the fact that all water we engage with is recycled, desalination and solar-driven desalination plants, with John answering some questions sent in by young listeners questions on ABC Goulburn Murray Radio on  November 22.

Political Insights

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan spoke about how parties’ policies on climate change and renewable energy are likely to be portrayed going into the election campaign, and also immigration policy, on ABC Central West, Nov 23.

The Week in Politics

In his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray mornings Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan commented on the upcoming Victorian State Election, the NSW State Election on March 23, and the upcoming Federal Election with an emphasis on the rise of Independents and the States having more say on setting immigration levels as cutting immigration intake in NSW would have extraordinary economic costs for the state, November 23.

Threatened birds in Australia

Professor David Watson is a co-author in an article in the Conversation “For the first time we’ve looked at every threatened bird in Australia side-by-side” which describes a metric of progress created by scientists from Australian universities and private researchers around the world to understand how to manage threats of different intensity and how well that management has been implemented, published November 27.  It was then picked up by online news services, miragenews.com on Nov 27 and property observer, Nov 28.

Gene editing

Professor David Watson spoke about how long we as humans as a species have left, species extinction, and gene editing and its use to control invasive species based on his presentation at the Ecological Society of Australia conference in an interview that went to air ABC Sunshine Coast, ABC Coast FM, ABC North Queensland, ABC Far North Queensland, ABC Southern Queensland, ABC Sunshine Coast, ABC Radio Brisbane, November 27.

Carp Herpes Virus

Institute Adjunct Dr Martin Mallen-Cooper was quoted in a story about the introduction of the carp virus saying that the potential gains in inland waterways from releasing the virus were so significant that they must be considered in full, in a story written by Martin Foley that ran in Stock Journal Australia, Queensland Country Life, Stock & Land, North Queensland Register, Farm Online, The Land Australia, November 28. https://www.theland.com.au/story/5782074/carp-herpes-support-flows-as-controversy-swamps-carpinator/He was again mentioned in follow-up stories about Matt Barwick resignation as the national coordinator of the National Carp Control Plan in the Stock & Land and in the Border Mail, November 29, the Bendigo Advertiser, December 1 and North West Magazine , December 3 and 6, Daily Advertiser, Wagga Wagga, Dec 5.

Politics of the Week

Associate Professor Dominic O‘Sullivan discusses MP Julia Banks’ resignation from the Liberal Party and party bullying,  the possibility of cuts to personal income tax in the next Federal Budget,  and that while the results of the Victorian State Election last week isn’t a good omen for the Government,  on ABC Western Plains, and ABC Central West NSW, Nov 30.

Lessons from New Zealand

A Conversation article, Lessons from New Zealand on the ‘duty to consult’ First Nations – CP, was published in the Canadian Conversation and then rerun in The Canadian Press, Nov 30.

Bring clean water to the world

A CSU media release about Dr Miao Li’s passion to contribute to save the lives of 1.5 million children and improve the quality of lives of 663 million people world-wide has earned her third place at a recent national research ‘pitching’ competition. Story was picked up by Online News service, miragenews.com, November 30. https://www.miragenews.com/bring-clean-water-to-the-world-csu-engineering-pitch/and again by the Bathurst Western Advocate, December 19.

This Week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan in his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray discusses the situation Benambra where it is still too early to call who has won that seat in the recent Victorian State elections, liberal incumbent Bill Tilley or Independent Jacqui Hawkins, November 30.

December

Snakes and Turtles

New ILWS member Dr Damian Michael was on ABC Riverina talking about turtle populations in the Murray Darling Basin and the damage being caused by foxes predating on their eggs, and snake populations, December 3.

Changing the rules

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan, in a chat with Bronwen O’Shea, ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, talked about the Liberal Party’s decision to change the rules re leadership spill as a means of offering the public a period of stability, the significance of the Wentworth by-election, Voices 4 Indi and a potentially similar movement in Tony Abbott's seat of Warringah, December 4. Interview also ran on ABC Shepparton.

Problems of plastic

The Border Mail ran a story about a seminar at the Albury-Wodonga campus by an international expert, Dr Alex Bond, senior curator in charge of birds at the Natural History Museum in London, on the problems plastics pose for the environment, with quotes from Dr Maggie Watson, December 5. He was also interviewed Prime TV Albury, December 5.

Politics

In his regular segment on ABC Central West Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discusses negotiations going on between the crossbench and the government on passing legislation to do with a bill to move the children off Manus Island and Nauru. Dec 7.

This Week in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan, in his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast talks about NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s announcement about the fast rail between Canberra and Sydney ahead of the Federal Government election; that the Federal Liberals are not helping the NSW Liberals with their failure to consider the bill to move the children off Manus Island and Nauru; and trading on Boxing Day, December 7.

Children missing in care

There has been a big media response to researchers Dr Emma Colvin and Dr Kath McFarlane’s paper in the Howard Journal of Crime and Justice on the poor co-operation between police and care agencies as well as a punitive approach to runaway children as reported in the Katherine Times, Ararat Advertiser, The Stawell Times, the Newcastle Herald, Bega District News, Bathurst Western Advocate, Manning River Times, Milton Ulladulla Times, Great Lakes Advocate, Bateman’s Bay Post, Lithgow Mercury, Central Western Daily, Maitland Mercury, Daily Liberal, Port Macquarie News, Southern Highland News,  The Armidale Express,  Inverell Times, Macleay Argus,  The Advocate, Bendigo Advertiser, The Border Mail, South Coast Register, Namoi Valley Independent, Tasmanian Examiner, Warrnambool Standard, Ballarat Courier, Leeton Irrigator, Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser, Eastern Riverina Chronicle,  Gloucester Advocate, Walcha News, Fairfield Champion, The Senior,  Grenfell Record, Collie Mail, Wollondilly Advertiser, Moree Champion, Busselton Mail, Esperance Express,  Flinders News, Camden Advertiser, Redland City Bulletin, Boorowa News, Advertiser Lake Times, Wingham Chronicle, Port Lincoln Times, Mandurah Mail, West Coast Sentinel, Narromine News, Blayney Chronicle, Nambucca Guardian News, Hawkesbury Gazette, St George & Sutherland Shire Leader,  Murray Valley Standard, The Advocate, Port Pirie Recorder, Whyalla News,  Donnybrook Bridgetown Mail,  Crookwell Gazette, Canowindra News,  and 51other regional newspapers across Australia, December 10. The story was also published in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, December 7 and WEB MSN Australia, Brisbane Times, WA Today, Canberra Times, December 8.

Fish Passage Conference

Pre-conference publicity included:

• in mirage.news, December 7 https://www.miragenews.com/dams-migrating-fish-and-sustainable-development-csu-meeting/ ,
• the Border Mail “Murray Cod guru shows expertise”, with quotes from Dr Lee Baumgartner;  radio interview with Dr Baumgartner for ABC Big Fish, https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/thebigfish/ December 8
• interview with professor Max Finlayson, 2BS, December 8

Coverage of the workshops on the first day of the conference, Monday, December 10, included:

• a general news report on 2AY Albury, with Dr Lee Baumgartner’s  interview with Libby Price for Country Today also airing on 3WM Horsham, Triple M The Border, hit 104.9 Albury
• a report on Win TV Albury, with Professor Max Finlayson and a representative from the FAO re the SDGs workshop at CSU Albury-Wodonga
• a report on WIN TV Albury with Professor Max Finlayson
• general news report on ABC Riverina FM.

On Tuesday December 11, WIN TV interviewed Dr Lee Baumgartner, special conference guest Dr Zeb Hogan and Professor Jurgen Geist, from the Technical University of Munich. Prime TV interviewed Dr Lee Baumgartner, Dr Zeb Hogan.

On Wednesday, December 12, ABC Goulburn Murray did interviews with Dr Lee Baumgartner, Dr Zeb Hogan, and Uncle Phil Duncan which went to air the following day, with the interview with Dr Zeb Hogan, also going to air on ABC Riverina, December 13.

On Thursday, WIN TV Albury interviewed Uncle Phil Duncan.

The World’s Wetlands Book

As part of the promotion for the World Wetlands Books that he co-edited, Professor Max Finlayson spoke about wetlands and their importance on ABC Goulburn Murray, December 11.

Award for fish passage research

A research team led by Charles Sturt University (CSU) has received the Distinguished Project Award for an international project seeking to protect the health and livelihoods of millions of people living in the Mekong Basin of Southeast Asia as reported in online news services, Dec 12. https://www.miragenews.com/csu-team-wins-top-honour-for-international-fish-passage-project/

Masters student part of CenWest Innovate program

There was a report in about Tracie Robertson, Managing Director and Principal of Ray White Real Estate in Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin graduating and being part of the CenWest New Growth Program in the Forbes Advocate, December 13.

Soil CRC poised

An article on the Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Spoils (Soils CRC)mentioning the program “Investing in High Performance Soils” , led by Associate Professor Catherine Allan appeared in Forge, December 14.

Final chat

In his final chat for the year with ABC Central West NSW, Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discusses indigenous policy development and the current political situation in Canberra, on ABC Central West, December 14.

This week in politics

Associate Professor in Political Science Dominic O'Sullivan says NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is concerned the City of Sydney's infrastructure will not be able to accommodate the growing number of migrant students. He states international students bring $10b to the NSW economy. He maintains attracting them to the regions will require careful planning, on ABC Goulburn Murray breakfast, December 14.

Mistletoe Christmas story

Kissing under the mistletoe is a widely known Christmas tradition since the first century. Professor David Watson, who claims to have the largest collection of mistletoe paraphernalia in the world, says the original story was every berry removed from a hanged mistletoe will give people the right to have one kiss as reported on Prime TV Albury, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, December 17.

Walkability project

Dr Ana Horta was on ABC Goulburn Murray talking about the Assessing and developing a walkability index targeted to older Australians in regional cities project and her search for volunteers over 65 to wear a tracking device as part of the project, December 18.

Running while pregnant?

A CSU Media release with comments from Professor Rylee Dionigi as to the safety of women who are pregnant running was picked up by mirage.news https://www.miragenews.com/is-it-safe-to-run-while-pregnant/ Dec 19, a news story quoting Professor Dionigi appeared in Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser December 27.

Innovation recognition for Bathurst

Bathurst’s growing reputation as a “smart city” has been confirmed as one of seven emerging innovation precincts in NSW (helped by CenWest Innovate activities) as reported in the Bathurst Western Advocate, Dec 20. http://www.mediaportal.com/0fk1294760937

This year in Politics

Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan, in his final session with ABC Goulburn Murray talks about the political issues of the day, December 20 and ABC Shepparton the same day..

Animal movement in fire-prone landscapes

Associate Professor Dale Nimmo is the lead author of a new article in Biological Reviews providing in-sights on animal movements in fire-prone landscapes which was publicised by Alpha Galileo and John Wiley & Sons. Dr James Turner was a co-author, December 20.The story was then picked up by Cosmos magazine in an article titled “Alerted fire patterns put species at risk”, January 8, 2019.

Mistletoes and Macadamias

A research investigation, led by mistletoe expert Professor Dave Watson from Charles Sturt University, is investigating the significant effect that native mistletoes are having on the production of macadamia nuts in Queensland was reported on the Hort Innovations Facebook page and their website news and events, December 21

Australian Mistletoe

Professor Dave Watson was interviewed by Anne Delaney on ABC Riverina Regional Statewide Breakfast on the differences between mistletoes found in Australia and the northern hemisphere mistletoes seen during Christmas.  The story was also broadcast on ABC Central West, ABC Mid North Coast NSW, ABC South East NSW, ABC Newcastle, ABC Coffs Coast, December 24.

Panel Discussion on Aged Care

Cathy Van Extel hosted a panel discussion with Stephen Duckett, Health Program Director, Grattan Institute, Karen Curtis, advocate for aging issues, and Associate Professor Maree Bernoth, Associate Professor, Charles Sturt University on the aged care sector and the forthcoming Royal Commission into the Aged Care system, ABC Radio National, Canberra, December 28. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/aged-care-panel/10671198

Learning Opportunity in Myanmar

A story on Associate Professor Rosemary Black’s involvement supporting the development of a degree in sustainable tourism at the National Management Degree College, a public university in Yangon, Myanmar, appeared in the Port Macquarie online News, December 24, PM Facebook December 26 and Port Macquarie Print News December 31.