Charles Sturt University respectfully acknowledges the past, present and future traditional owners and custodians of the lands on which we live and work together.
We acknowledge the continuity of cultures, languages, leadership and knowledge systems.
We pay respect to Elders within our First Nations communities and respect their culture and identity which has been a continuum with the land and sea for generations.
Thank you
The Charles Sturt University Foundation thanks you for your generosity in 2023.
Every gift made through The Foundation is deeply appreciated and has a profound impact on the education and lives of our students. Whether through scholarships, research funding, the provision of academic equipment, or academic infrastructure, each contribution adds significant value to our students’ educational journey and often ensures its continuation.
We are grateful for your ongoing support, generosity, and confidence in our work. Your belief in our students inspires them to reach higher and achieve extraordinary things.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the betterment of education. Your contributions are transformative and help shape the future leaders of our society.
Director’s statement
Looking back on 2023, I am proud to say that with your help we have been able to further our commitment to the provision of quality, accessible education and new opportunities and support. We continued to build a strong scholarship program, support research and assist with the provision of the latest equipment and facilitiesensuring our students have the best possible education and guaranteeing our research continues to have a significant impact on society.
A central focus of 2023 was the development of our new Philanthropic Case for Support, a philanthropic prospectus that outlines our commitments, capabilities, and priorities for the decade ahead. We look forward to working within our four interconnected priority areas: Opportunity for all; Resilient Communities; A Sustainable Planet; and Championing First Nations.
Our ability to back our students is reliant on a range of support. We therefore welcomed the Australian Universities Accord recommendation to introduce needs-based funding for students in order to achieve equity in education. We also welcome budgetary support for student placements, an ever-growing area of financial need for our students.
Through your support, in 2023 the Foundation welcomed 63 new donors who established 47 new Scholarships. We raised $6,465,676, with $2,834,122 coming from our new donors. Our 170 Staffgive donors cumulatively donated $39,132 of this total, providing a range of staff-funded scholarships.
We welcome continued support from our alumni and I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible circle of giving started by our predecessor teaching institution ‘Pioneers’ like Helen Egan. Ongoing fundraising through association scholarships by the Bathurst Teachers College Alumni Association,
Wagga Wagga Teacher’s College Alumni Association and Wagga Agricultural College Old Boys’ Union has allowed many students to reach their full potential and make it to graduation.
To help nurture the critical need for healthcare professionals in the regions, and thanks to a substantial gift of $1.4 million donated by Newmont Mining, we were able to open the Newmont Rural Health Simulation Centre in Orange. Equipped with the latest simulation technology, the Centre will advance the future of medical training both at our university and in our regions. We also partnered with the Ian Potter Foundation and industry partners through the ON-TRAC project, to support research focused on preventing depression amongst people navigating Australia’s residential aged care system.
Thanks to a generous gift of $500,000 from CSIRO our First Nations students will now have Scholarship opportunities in STEM-related degrees.
In November we launched our Legacy Society and were thrilled to induct our planned givers. The Legacy Society allows us to recognise and celebrate individuals whose commitments made today will benefit our students for generations to come. We are delighted to share that 13 new confirmed bequest donations were signed in 2023.
Thank you to everyone who supported us in 2023. I hope you enjoy this year’s report and the stories we have chosen to showcase the enormous impact you continue to have.
Sarah Ansell Director, Advancement Office CEO, Charles Sturt Foundation Trust
Gift Donations (Gift in Kind)
2022 $94,460
2023 $530,511 Total Funds Raised $6.5M
2022 $101,377
Staff Giving $39,132 Appeals
2023 $157,167 462% increase 55% increase Scholarships $2.8M Research $326,867
Making waves in regional healthcare education
Quality healthcare is vital to helping regional communities thrive. But with Australia’s critical shortage of qualified healthcare professionals disproportionally affecting our regions, lack of access to expert local care – particularly doctors and dentists – often means poorer health outcomes for those living outside our major cities.
Not-for-profit healthcare insurance organisation Westfund is tackling this challenge at the source. By annually awarding two full-time students in the Bachelor of Dental Science or Doctor of Medicine programs the Westfund Healthy Futures Scholarship, they have generously provided $60,000 to the scholarship program- which over three years will support regional students pursuing these degrees.
Westfund Chief Health Care Services Officer, Liz Casmiri, believes the partnership highlights Westfund’s enduring commitment to securing the wellbeing of the communities it serves. Working alongside Charles Sturt to support medical science students to study and build careers in regional areas, the company is helping close the skills shortage gap in rural and remote Australia and improve collective long-term health outcomes and nurture the next generation of doctors and dentists.
“By offering these scholarships, we aim to support talented individuals in pursuing their dreams and making a positive impact on the healthcare industry. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to regional areas, as it brings in new healthcare professionals who will contribute to the wellbeing of communities.
We are proud to be part of this initiative and excited about the possibilities it holds for the future of healthcare in our regions.”
“By offering these scholarships, we aim to support talented individuals in pursuing their dreams and making a positive impact on the healthcare industry.”
Westfund Chief Healthcare Services Officer, Liz Casmiri, pictured with Charles Sturt University Pro Chancellor, Megan Calinan.
By partnering with organisations like Westfund, Charles Sturt is securing future access to medical professionals in regional communities, training the workforce for modern regional Australia, and contributing positively to the local development of healthcare education.
“I appreciate your willingness to support my academic endeavours and look forward to giving back to my community as I begin my medical career”.
Annabel Burgess; and Westfund Regional Manager, Lisa Gibson.
Building world-class medical training facilities in the regions, for the regions
A transformative gift from Newmont is providing over $1.4 million from he Newmont Sustainability Fund to help bring Charles Sturt’s vision for a world-class simulation centre in Orange to life.
Simulation-based education is an essential aspect of medical training, enabling students and industry professionals to build clinical competence while maintaining patient safety. With full simulation centres largely located in major cities, those in rural and regional areas are often forced to travel long distances – a significant disadvantage in attracting and retaining skilled practitioners in our regions.
The Newmont Rural Health Simulation Centre, located at the University’s Bloomfield Health Campus, provides a much-needed regional hub for leading-edge immersive simulation technology. Newmont, one of the world’s
largest gold mining companies, with operations in the NSW Central West, has committed this generous gift whilst working in partnership with the communities it operates within, investing in initiatives that strengthen them and deliver meaningful change.
The centre delivers an advanced suite of vital training equipment including a simulation ward, resuscitation room, control centre, and training ambulance, alongside a variety of high-tech mannequins and an immersion room recreating the experience of working in real-world, multidisciplinary emergency scenarios.
“It shouldn’t matter where someone lives when it comes to being able to access first-rate health services.”
The facility is already generating unique learning experiences and revolutionising education in the Charles Sturt School of Rural Medicine. Students can gain confidence and consolidate learning in a safe environment, able to reproduce complex procedures and simulate a diversity of clinical and emergency situations without the need for human patients. Beth White, Newmont’s Chief Sustainability Officer, believes that a company like Newmont has a responsibility to ensure Charles Sturt’s vision for a rurally based medical school comes to life.
“It shouldn’t matter where someone lives when it comes to being able to access first-rate health services, and projects like this are a great way for us – as a major business and employer around Orange – to play our part in supporting the health of the local community”.
The Centre will also be utilised by practising industry professionals, from medical specialists, GPs, nurses, allied health, and hospital staff through to first responders such as police, ambulance, and rural fire services, and by community groups and businesses seeking to undertake training, scenario planning, and team-building activities.
Significant donations such as this from Newmont play a vibrant and fundamental role in our drive to create more resilient communities. For the company, it is about more than providing funding for state-of-the-art facilities that can transform student’s lives; developing and investing in programs that are designed for the community, by the community are at the heart of their partnerships.
As a result, Charles Sturt is able to nurture a critical pipeline of medical, allied health and nursing professionals, equipping a highly skilled workforce ready to transform the future wellbeing of our rural and regional communities.
Pioneering a legacy: empowering future educators through alumni circles of giving
Giving circles allow those with shared values to come together to make a greater philanthropic impact collectively. Small donations, pooled together as part of a larger gift and purpose over time create opportunities that make a life-changing difference.
For over two decades, Alumni associations from our predecessor teaching institutions – Bathurst Teacher’s College (BTC), Wagga Wagga Teacher’s College (WWTC), and Wagga Agricultural College Old Boys Union (WACOBU) - have been creating a lasting legacy for the next generation of educators through the creation and funding of scholarships. This tradition of giving is a cornerstone of their legacy, as they pass on almost 70 years of extensive expertise from diverse educational backgrounds.
Our experienced WWTC, BTC and WACOBU principals and teachers alike, united by their belief in the cause, understand the profound impact a scholarship can have
for a teaching student. Known as the ‘Pioneers’, these alumni groups are deeply committed to the educational journey of teaching students they sponsor, witnessing firsthand how they flourish and succeed. Extending their support far beyond financial contributions, they also offer invaluable mentoring and a wealth of knowledge accumulated from years in the teaching profession. These alumni follow their scholarship recipient journeys from the moment they receive their scholarships, through their initial years in the classroom, and on to the heights of their careers.
Left: BTC First Graduation Group with staff, 1952; Right: Mrs Dorothy Catts opening of DMG Memorial gates.
The Wagga Wagga Teacher’s College Alumni Association (WWTCAA) has been supporting students since 1997 and is comprised of more than 3000 members who collectively give to a Scholarship Fund in the same name. WWTC was the first wholly residential co-educational tertiary institution in Australia, and commenced classes in June 1947, with the college formally opening a year later. Many members from the inaugural cohort of WWTC students are now among the most passionate supporters of the WWTCAA scholarship fund, embodying a remarkable legacy of generosity and commitment to education.
Similarly, the Wagga Agricultural College Old Boys’ Union (WACOBU), nurtured foundational Alumni from 1949, who remain committed to Charles Sturt University. WACOBU stands as a testament to the enduring bonds formed within the college. Through their scholarship fund, WACOBU members honour their shared legacy, providing scholarship support and mentorship to students. This scholarship, like the WWTCAA scholarship, embodies the tradition of giving back, ensuring that the spirit of excellence and community cultivated at the predecessor institution of WWAC continues to thrive on Charles Sturt campuses today.
Established on the historic site of the Bathurst Experiment Farm, The Bathurst Teacher’s College (BTC) saw its first students beginning their training in March 1951. In 2001, Pioneer Helen Egan dreamed that if the BTC Alumni could raise enough donations, a scholarship could be presented in 2051- one hundred years after BTC first began in 1951. This vision gave rise to the Bathurst Teacher’s College Alumni Scholarship, with strong backing from the BTC Alumni Association. As the founding President of the BTCAA, Helen also championed other foundational initiatives, including the construction of a memorial fountain in the Alumni Common. Thanks to the persistent spirit of these early BTC alumni and Helen’s relentless drive, this legacy of generosity continues. The fund, like the WWTCAA and WACOBU funds, thrives on alumni donations, creating this beautiful circle of giving where former students support new generations pursuing careers in education.
The power of the circle of giving and the collective belief in this cause is what counts. Seeing students make it to graduation through their lasting legacy is their reason for choosing to donate through their associations. For the WWTC, BTC and WACOBU alumni, carrying in their footsteps and ensuring teaching students walk onto the graduation stage and into Australian classrooms is their reason ‘why’. One day, our ‘Pioneers’ will no longer be with us – but the legacy they maintain will always endure.
Top: Ted Wolfe and Stuart Kanaley, WACOBU, student recipient, Abby Klein Above: Left, Dale Dengate, and Wayne Bensley, BTC, student recipient, Imogen Vanderhel
Defenders of dreams: Dubbo RSL unleashing educational futures
When someone joins the Australian Defence Force (ADF), it is a selfless commitment to putting their lives on the line in service to our nation. But when the time comes to transition to civilian life, many lack a clear pathway for the future.
“I encourage anyone out there who has signed that line and wants to either continue on in postgraduate study or dive into university for the first time to give it a go.”
- David Hunt, Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch Vice-President and Charles Sturt Alumni
Higher education is the key to unlocking rewarding careers and outcomes beyond service in the armed forces. A new partnership between Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch, Dubbo RSL Memorial Club, and Charles Sturt is offering just that, in the form of a targeted scholarship program for current and former ADF members.
The Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch and Dubbo RSL Memorial Club Scholarships program will provide two scholarships valued at $5,000 each year for three years from 2024representing a total commitment of $30,000. Open to current and former ADF members residing in the Dubbo Local Government Area and studying at Charles Sturt, it will support veterans and serving members in their pursuit of higher education, relieving financial burden and enhancing post-service career opportunities.
These are the first new scholarships to be funded in Dubbo in several years. Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch Vice President and Charles Sturt Alumni David Hunt believes that supporting veterans to undertake tertiary education is a vital investment in creating a better future for those who dedicate themselves to service.
“Whether you have served, are still serving, fulltime, or a reservist – it does not matter. Anyone who signed the ‘dotted line’ to literally give their lives to the ADF and our country is considered an equal in our veteran community”.
Fostering education for veterans contributes to the well-being of the community whilst acknowledging the broader responsibilities toward those who have served our country. This collaborative effort showcases a shared commitment to building a better future for our veterans through education: acknowledging their sacrifices and providing empowered opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“I encourage anyone out there who has signed that line and wants to either continue on in postgraduate study or dive into university for the first time to give it a go.”
Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch and Dubbo RSL Memorial Club Scholarship recipient, Ji Carrol; Dubbo RSL SubBranch Vice-President, David Hunt; and Dubbo RSL Memorial Club VicePresident, Bill Greenwood.
Championing conservation: protecting species for the future
Australia has the unenviable title of being a world leader in the extinction of native species, placing our unique biodiversity under critical threat. But thanks to the support of visionary donors like the Albury Conservation Company (ACC), Charles Sturt researchers are charting a better future for our precious wildlife.
PhD researcher Dylan Lees is conducting important research into the effects of rapid urban development on the threatened squirrel glider (Petaurus Norfolcensis), a small gliding marsupial local to Charles Sturt’s Albury campus region.
The three-year study seeks to uncover the detrimental impact of urbanisation on the beloved species, relying on cutting-edge GPS trackers to gain valuable data on the population and movement of these nocturnal creatures. As their habitats are reduced and lost to urban expansion, this data will inform a Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) to conserve their population in AlburyWodonga into the future and provide fresh insights into how better to protect other threatened native species.
Thanks to a generous gift of $15,000 alongside a substantial $24,000 donation from Judith Boag, the purchase of 20 GPS tracker units was possible, enabling this essential work. The ACC are a nonprofit organisation established in 2006 to protect and enhance the natural environment in Albury’s major growth centres of Thurgoona/Wirlinga and are determined to strike a healthier balance between urban development and conservation. Funding this important research is one part of this larger mission.
Through his research, Dylan is building a clearer picture of the impact of urban growth on glider populations. ACC also runs a longterm squirrel glider monitoring program in the Albury-Wodonga LGA, so this donation further underscores their commitment to not only this particular species but to conservation more broadly.
“GPS tracking devices are more expensive than traditional radio tracking but can provide much more precise data. These donations have been hugely beneficial, enabling us to purchase the devices whilst also being able to cover other equipment and project-related expenses.”
With ACC’s generous support and Charles Sturt’s commitment to transformative environmental research behind him, Dylan is able to lay the foundation for more effective conservation of other threatened species as our environment evolves.
If you are interested in helping similar vital research projects to continue, visit: www.csu.edu.au/office/advancement/ contact-us-form
Vale: Remembering our donors
In memorium - Charles Boag
1943 - 2023
In celebrating the extraordinary life and generous spirit of Charles Boag, we are privileged to honour a remarkable individual whose profound impact extends far beyond the pages of his illustrious writing career.
Through decades of literary contributions, Charles’s work graced the pages of esteemed publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, the former Sydney Sun newspaper, and The Bulletin magazine.
His literary journey began with a humble story in Sydney University’s Honi Soit magazine, paving the way for a collection of short stories that found their way into the hearts of readers.
A recipient of the prestigious Walter Stone Memorial Prize for Literature, Charles Boag demonstrated a rare talent for storytelling in the Mister Rainbow series.
These books, including titles such as The Hood with No Hands, Death of a Ladies’ Man, Horses for Corpses, Bullets at the Ballet, The Cock Robin Killer, and The Morgue the Merrier, have captivated audiences and enriched the literary landscape.
Beyond the realms of literature, Charles’ journey took him across continents where he not only explored diverse cultures, but also embraced the challenges of life with resilience and humour. From renovating countless houses- to navigating the streets as a taxi driver- he wove a tapestry of experiences “too arduous to mention”.
Charles’ commitment to making a difference goes beyond the written word. As a former Sydney City Council councillor, he endured what he fondly refers to as a “chilling couple of years.” Yet, it was in his partnership with his wife Judith that his impact truly shone alongside hers.
Choosing to champion the cause of refugees, together they established
The Charles and Judith Boag Refugee Scholarship. Through this noble initiative, they empowered individuals like Nederah Khedri, a dedicated Medical Radiation Science student and the scholarship’s inaugural recipient, set to graduate in 2024.
This year, Judith chose to support an environmental research initiative which examines the effects of urbanisation on the endangered Squirrel Glider whilst also presenting two First Nations Education students with scholarships to help them with the costs of education.
In celebrating Charles’ life, we not only acknowledge his literary prowess, but likewise applaud his compassion and commitment to the well-being of others.
The Charles and Judith Boag Education Support Fund will continue to be testament to their enduring legacy, ensuring that their combined spirit of generosity and support continues to touch the lives of those in need.
In memorium - Allan Gordon
1963 – 2023
Allan Gordon’s generous spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of all who were touched by his presence. We are honoured to have had the privilege of witnessing him make an undeniable difference in the lives of our students, the Hastings Cooperative and wider community - leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service.
A man of profound integrity and timeless values, Allan embodied the essence of “a true gentleman”. His commitment to family values resonated deeply with those around him, earning him the admiration of many as he exemplified kindness, consideration, and honesty in every facet of his life.
Having assumed the role of CEO at Hastings Cooperative in 2013, Allan led the organisation with passion and purpose for a decade, transforming it into not just a business, but a beacon of community support and collaboration.
Allan’s profound impact on Hastings Cooperative was encapsulated when he coined the phrase ‘Hastings Co-Op family,’ a testament to his values and belief in the power of unity and collaboration.
Under his guidance, Hastings Cooperative flourished, touching countless lives within the company and beyond.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Allan’s selfless spirit knew no bounds. He generously shared his time, knowledge, and skills with all who sought his guidance, fostering a culture of mentorship and support at Hastings Cooperative and extending his influence to various organisations throughout the community. His commitment to nurturing others earned him the esteemed title of mentor and friend to many.
In reflecting on Allan’s life, we celebrate his unwavering commitment and dedication to his community, his exemplary leadership, and his genuine care for the wellbeing of others.
In honouring Allan’s life, we acknowledge his integrity and. His legacy of kindness and unwavering generosity will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to be touched by his remarkable presence.
Growing our future farmers
Agriculture is the backbone of our national economy. Whilst it remains one of rural and regional Australia’s largest employers, the sector faces a mounting challenge as it evolves: attracting a workforce with the necessary skills and capabilities to lead the industry into a new era of technological advancement and market complexity.
“When these people sit down for a conversation with a fifth or sixth generation farmer, their diversity in experience, perspective, and skillset elevates the solutions we can provide to our farmer customers. It’s these conversations that are truly progressing Australian agriculture.”
The number of students graduating from university agricultural courses in Australia falls alarmingly short of the industry’s needs, with as many as six job vacancies for every graduate1. A new scholarship launched in 2023 aims to bridge that gap through strategic investment in the education and development of future agricultural leaders.
The Nutrien Harvesting the Future Scholarship program is an initiative of Nutrien Ag Solutions, Australia’s largest distributor of farming supplies and fertiliser with 180 years of expertise in agricultural services and solutions. Nutrien Ag’s generous contribution to offer a $20,000 scholarship to one undergraduate agriculture student will invest in the education and development of our future agricultural leaders.
Shelley Nolan, Senior Director Human Resources at Nutrien Ag Solutions, knows firsthand how crucial pairing financial assistance with hand on mentorship is to harvesting a fruitful future for this industry.
“In 2023 we welcomed over 400 people to our business, and many have never actually stepped foot on a farm”.
- Shelley Nolan, Senior Director Human Resources at Nutrien Ag Solutions 1. Pratley, J., et al (2022). The employer of choice or a sector without workforce. Farm Policy Journal, Winter 2022, 32-42.
Nutrien business leaders will mentor the recipient of this Scholarship enhancing their agricultural studies with first-hand industry knowledge and leadership insights - preparing them for the workforce. Nutrien’s investment of $80,000 over the next few years, highlights the company’s insight into an area of high need as well as their commitment to sustaining rural communities by sowing the seeds of a diverse, highly skilled agricultural workforce of tomorrow.
“When these people sit down for a conversation with a fifth- or sixth-generation farmer, their diversity in experience, perspective, and skillset elevates the solutions we can provide to our farmer customers. It’s these conversations that are truly progressing Australian agriculture.”
“I am honoured to be a recipient of this scholarship and it will encourage me to strive to excel academically and achieve my goals to eventually make an impact on Australian Agriculture”.
- Lance McClelland, Nutrien Ag Solutions Harvesting the Future Scholarship recipient
Nutrien Ag Solutions Graduate Agronomist, Robert Bragg
Nutrien Ag Solutions Harvesting the Future Scholarship 2024 recipient, Lance McClelland and Nutrien Ag Solutions General Manager, Scott MacGregor.
Empowering First Nations scientists to elevate the future of STEM
Indigenous knowledge and voices deepen our understanding of the world around us and contribute to diverse perspectives. Yet, Australia’s First Nations peoples remain vastly underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) – a status quo that Australia’s national science agency CSIRO is determined to shift.
In a generation-defining initiative, CSIRO has donated $500,000 to Charles Sturt to endow a new scholarship supporting First Nations students to attain STEM-related degrees. To be awarded in perpetuity, the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship will be open to all students who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and study STEM fields at Charles Sturt at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.
At least one scholarship will be awarded annually, with scholars each receiving $10,000 per annum for the duration of their degree, to support First Nations students to focus more fully on their studies.
Wailwan/Wiradjuri man Frank Gafa, CSIRO’s University Partnerships Manager for Indigenous Science and Engagement, believes that connecting students to powerful networks across industry, government, and the research sector will amplify their career prospects and generate valuable opportunities for mentoring and collaboration.
“We’re working on opportunities for scholarship holders to undertake student placements with CSIRO while they study”.
CSIRO’s commitment to supporting Indigenous participation, perspectives, and impact across the sciences is profoundly embedded in its mission to
Source: CSIRO
solve the greatest challenges facing people and the planet. This investment is part of the agency’s broader contribution of more than $5 million to Indigenous scholarships in 2023 across the universities sector, with boundless potential to inspire, empower, and elevate a new generation of First Nations talent in STEM.
“At the conclusion of their university program, they may be considered for further opportunities with CSIRO to build a career in STEM. These initiatives not only empower Indigenous talent but also enrich the broader scientific landscape with diverse perspectives, driving innovation and inclusion.”
A family affair
Making a gift in your Will can leave a lasting legacy that will provide educational opportunities for future students and support vital research that transforms lives and communities.
For Craig and Kirstie Grady, leaving a meaningful gift means providing essential support to students and giving back to a community that has contributed positively their lives.
Craig and Kirstie’s family connection with Charles Sturt University runs deep. In his mid-forties, Craig embarked upon a career change, returning to study a Bachelor of Business through Charles Sturt University.
“It wasn’t always easy to study as I had the demands of a young family and full-time job. I told my boys, when you are considering your career as you finish school, you can either be the person planning the ditch or the person digging it.”
After attending their father’s graduation in 2010, both boys were inspired to undertake their own educational journey through Charles Sturt University. Liam, their eldest son, graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2018, whilst their youngest son Ryan is currently completing his final year studying a Bachelor of Communication.
For Kirstie, working at Charles Sturt University in the Foundation office for over 10 years has meant she has witnessed firsthand the real difference that financial assistance can make to a student’s educational journey.
Not only has she seen the impact financial assistance can make in a professional capacity, Craig and Kirstie’s son Ryan received a Regional Council Scholarship in his second year which enabled him to afford his work placement costs.
“I have read many stories of student hardship and how a scholarship can often make the difference between staying enrolled or having to withdraw in order to work and save more money.”
Craig and Kirstie are very proud of their affiliation with Charles Sturt, which has inspired them to choose to be bequestors and include Charles Sturt University in their Will.
A gift in your Will, also known as a bequest, is a donation that becomes a part of your comprehensive financial or estate planning after your passing. This generous gesture enables you to make a significant impact in an area you deeply care about and have been passionate about throughout your lifetime.
Pictured: Craig and Kirstie Grady with their sons, Liam and Ryan.
Celebrating tomorrow’s gifts through the Charles Sturt Legacy Society
A bequest is an extraordinary opportunity to create a positive ripple effect through the ages. It is a unique pathway to ensuring your legacy by supporting something close to your heart, from solving humanity’s greatest health challenges to protecting our environment and wildlife, celebrating arts and culture, and empowering the next generation through education.
Our vibrant donor community is home to many such visionaries who have made a commitment to include Charles Sturt in their will. By including the University in their estate plans, these shining advocates will play a transformative role in advancing education, research and vital programs for generations to come. It truly is the gift of a better future.
The Charles Sturt Legacy Society was created to honour those making this generous decision. Established in 2023 by the Charles Sturt University Foundation Trust, the Society is a unique forum to recognise and celebrate the vital contribution of our bequest donors and express our profound gratitude – now, during their lifetimes – for their future gifts and continuing commitment to our shared mission.
The Legacy Society was launched on 27 November with a celebratory lunch at the Bathurst campus, hosted by Society Patron Dr Peter Hodgson. Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon, Deputy Chancellor Dr Saranne Cooke, and Charles Sturt University Foundation Trust CEO Sarah Ansell warmly welcomed inaugural members to what will become an annual event uniting this very special community.
Current scholarship recipient, Isabella Smith shared the profound impact of how support from a bequest provided the scholarship that transformed her university experience.
Also attending to share insights into the types of initiatives that would benefit from the support of legacy donors, Dr. Libbey Murray, gave insight to the exceptional work being done at Charles Sturt to train the future teaching workforce through the Collaborative Teacher’s Aide Pathway program.
Members are recognised through many formal pathways and will also be able to attend exclusive events throughout the year to connect with like-minded peers, see the impact of giving, and learn more about key happenings at the University.
The Legacy Society is an essential forum to recognise the valuable contribution of donors such as inaugural members John and Laura Knight, who have included a bequest to Charles Sturt in their Wills to ensure that what they leave behind makes a genuine difference.
ls to ensure that what they leave behind makes a genuine difference.“I will say to those contemplating a bequest to Charles Sturt University that I recommend they turn their consideration into action and formalise a legacy in the form of a bequest of which they can be very proud.”
“We may not be there to attend with those whom we assist at their graduation, however we will be a silent partner in their success. A bequest is an important investment in the future.”
Thank you to all our Legacy Society members for including Charles Sturt University in your Will and leaving a planned gift. We would also like to extend a warm thank you to all those who were able to attend this heartwarming celebration of giving with us.
A bequest is a transformative way to leave a legacy in memory of yourself or a loved one and can create a lasting impact on the lives of others.
To learn more on how you can create a legacy of your own, please visit our website www.csu.edu.au/office/ advancement/giving-to-csu/leave-a-bequest or contact Kirstie Grady at kgrady@csu.edu.au
Pictured Left: (L to R) Jenny Blake (WWTCAA), Chris Blake (WWTCAA), Dr Libbey Murray, Dr Peter Hodgson (Patron Charles Sturt Legacy Society), Heather Fiala AM and Wayne Bensley (BTCAA)
Pictured Far-Left: Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon, Dr Peter Hodgson (Patron Charles Sturt Legacy Society) and Lim Hodgson
The road to better aged care
One of the most overlooked and difficult components of managing older adults in residential aged care, however, is addressing the impact of psychological distress during their transition.
Thanks to the Ian Potter Foundation, a generous grant of $600,000 has been awarded to the ‘Improving the mental health of Older Australians Navigating the Transition to Residential Aged Care’ (ON-TRAC) program, with the aim to improve mental health outcomes for older Australians making this life change.
Depression in older Australians living in residential aged care facilities currently sits at 52 per cent and is often concurrent with anxiety disorders. Comparatively, community dwelling adults in the same demographic have far lower rates of mental health diagnosis, When older adults transition to permanent residential aged care, many face immense challenges inside the confines of a sector already confronted with the demands of staff and funding shortages.
“The grant award not only recognises the importance of our work but also presents an invaluable opportunity to showcase Charles Sturt University’s commitment to advancing the public health of older Australians who are making the significant transition from living at home to residing in permanent residential aged care.”
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Shanna Fealy.
averaging at 10-15 per cent. Statistics like this speak for themselves, highlighting the dire need for an immediate framework shift in the industry.
Focused on prevention and racing toward solution, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr Shanna Fealy believes that industry endorsements coupled with findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety necessitates this project’s validity.
“The grant award not only recognises the importance of our work but also presents an invaluable opportunity to showcase Charles Sturt University’s commitment to advancing the public health of older Australians who are making the significant transition from living at home to residing in permanent residential aged care.”
Over the next five years, Charles Sturt’s Ageing well in Rural and Regional Australia Research Group, in collaboration with the Ian Potter Foundation, industry partners and collaborating research institutions will codesign an evidence-informed psychological intervention with the aim of improving mental health and wellbeing amongst older adults transitioning into permanent residential aged care. Hoping to see a reduction in rates of depression and anxiety, the ON-TRAC project will use early findings to focus on increasing awareness of the challenges faced by older Australians in residential aged care, before extending these findings more broadly across the industry through partnership with Australian aged care sites.
The hope is that once this research is complete, positive outcomes established during this critical transition phase may have long-lasting positive impact well beyond engagement in the project. It will be a long road ahead, but $120,000 funded from the Ian Potter Foundation grant each year over the five years will go a long way towards improving the mental health of older Australians.
Pictured above: Professor Melissa Nott and Associate Professor Belinda Cash.
Pictured left: Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr Shanna Fealy and Professor Suzanne Mclaren.
Pioneering First Nations support
Education is a powerful tool to create positive societal change and access brighter futures – but for First Nations communities, the playing field remains far from level.
“Being a recipient of the Yindyamarra Scholarship has reduced my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and achieve my academic goals ... it is an investment in my future goals of becoming a Registered Nurse and graduating at the end of the year.”
Cassandra Dukes – Yindyamarra Scholarship recipient, pictured with Sarah Ansell, CEO Charles Sturt Foundation Trust.
For 25 years, two visionary benefactors have been working quietly to empower a new generation of university students, driven by a passionate conviction that First Nations people should be given the same opportunities as their non-Indigenous counterparts.
The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, spent many years living on Wiradjuri Country. Here, they witnessed the need for meaningful support for First Nations students to complete higher education and were determined to make a genuine difference. Reaching out to the Charles Sturt Foundation, they established a capital fund in 2001 to provide targeted support and endow a scholarship in perpetuity.
Each year, the Yindyamarra Scholarship provides $10,000 to First Nations students from regional and rural NSW who are studying education, nursing or health at Charles Sturt. Aimed at students in their final year with a desire to work in areas of benefit to Koori communities, the scholarship is designed to support and encourage them to complete their studies and make a genuine and sustained impact through their careers.
Of the 45 students awarded the scholarship since its inception, a remarkable 98 per cent have gone on to graduate. The benefactors have generously provided additional donations on multiple occasions where there were more deserving recipients than anticipated, while a further 39 prizes have also been awarded to penultimate year students.
The impact on First Nations Australians for generations to come is immeasurable, with many graduates now working in Indigenous communities and showing those around them that they too can pursue their dreams and reach their potential.
Education is dear to the couple’s hearts – one spent a career as a dedicated teacher, the other’s father was a school principal working across various rural locations where Indigenous disadvantage was endemic – and they share a profound belief in its power to lift not just individuals but their families and entire communities to create grassroots change. As early adopters of First Nations support, making their first gift in 1988 and contributing regularly since 2001, the benefactors have created a singular legacy of great significance.
“We want to see Indigenous people given a better chance in life and access better futures than they have been able to previously,” they explain.
“Alongside bringing valuable skills and expertise to benefit their communities after they graduate, the students we support become shining examples to others around them to undertake higher education studies. We want to see this commitment to education transpiring amongst their families and future generations; that’s where lasting positive change can happen.”
The Yindyamarra Scholarship provides $10,000 to First Nations students from regional and rural NSW who are studying education, nursing or health at Charles Sturt.
“To say I’m grateful, is an understatement. I honestly don’t think I would’ve been able to go to university and achieve what I have so far, if it wasn’t for Birrang”.
- Billie O’Bryan, 2023 Birrang Enterprise and Development Aboriginal Scholarship recipient.
A First Nations student’s journey to Charles Sturt
Billie O’Bryan chased her dreams to study at university, not being certain on much, other than wanting to care for Country through her career. With a little support from Charles Sturt University scholarships and the First Nations centre at Port Macquarie, Billie has felt supported throughout her transition to university and beyond.
I had a dream, even as a young child, to go to university. My mum told me that as a toddler I would walk around the house repeating an advertisement I saw on TV repeating, “university education!”. I knew what I wanted.
When the time came to apply for university, going to university was a big step for me. Neither of my parents had finished high school- let alone gone to university. I had no idea what I was getting myself into or how I was going to go about it, but I knew I wanted to go to university.
I come from the small town of Condobolin in Central West New South Wales. The population is around 3,000 with a high Aboriginal population. Coming from a rural area, I knew that I wouldn’t necessarily feel seen, heard or supported at a metro university so in order to make my dream come true, a regional university was it for me.
I applied for a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management at the Port Macquarie campus through the Charles Sturt Advantage program and received my offer before I sat my HSC. When I applied, I honestly had no idea if this was what I wanted to do. I applied for this course because I love being outside. I feel at home in nature, especially on Country. I feel it’s my responsibility to care for Country and I could do that through this degree. My course was offered at the Albury-Wodonga campus or Port Macquarie. For me it didn’t matter how far from home I was, nowhere was going to be like home. So decided to try out the beach life.
Port Macquarie was a big change for me. I was moving nine hours away from home to a completely different environment, knowing next to no one. I was a little anxious. Being Aboriginal and from a community with a high Indigenous population, I was nervous to move somewhere where that is not necessarily the case, where I might be ‘different’. I was also moving out of home for the first time. My family helped as much as they could by gifting me second-hand pots and pans and I asked for things like towels and bedsheets for Christmas. I am very close with
my family I knew I was going to miss them, but they have supported me every step of the way. I worked hard to save up for university and applied for many scholarships because I didn’t want to be stopped from achieving my dreams due to a financial barrier.
I was lucky enough to be awarded the Birrang Enterprise and Development Aboriginal Scholarship. To say I’m grateful, is an understatement. I honestly don’t think I would’ve been able to go to university and achieve what I have so far, if it wasn’t for Birrang. Settling into university life was a challenge. I had to really put myself out there to make new friends and I’m grateful to call these people my family now.
Billie wrote about her personal experience receiving the Birrang Scholarship on Charlie - Charles Sturt’s student blog. The Birrang Scholarship is one of several initiatives designed for First Nations Students. For more Information on Charles Sturt’s commitment to Indigenous student support visit: http://study.csu.edu.au/get-support/indigenous
Cultivating the next generation of social justice advocates
Beth Montgomery Heath spent her life working for social justice and equal opportunity, fiercely advocating for society’s most vulnerable.
Born in 1935, Beth (pictured right), dedicated 26 years of her life to helping children as a social worker at Child and Family Services in New York and volunteered extensively across a range of social justice organisations.
Alongside the considerable demands of working as a social worker and being an active volunteer in the community, Beth raised four children and instilled a passion for education and travel through the subsequent generations, including ten grandchildren.
Beth’s granddaughter, Juliana Heath (pictured left), believed that establishing a scholarship in her memory was the perfect way to honour Beth’s life and extend her impact, creating a lasting legacy.
Juliana proudly remembers Beth as a trailblazer for women’s empowerment in her professional and family life.
“She managed to juggle family life while giving 26 years as a social worker, knowing if she ‘could just change one kid’s life, it was worth it’”.
Inspired by Beth and with her support, Juliana was able to study and travel abroad before attaining her Masters of Social Work at Charles Sturt. This support allowed
Juliana established The Beth Montgomery Heath Scholarship for Social Justice as a tribute to her grandmother’s incredible contribution to the world. Each year, it will provide $5,000 to one continuing Bachelor or Master of Social Work student, reducing financial stress so they can focus on gaining the skills to become the passionate social justice changemakers of tomorrow.
Juliana believes that Beth is an inspirational role model for the students her legacy will enable.
“I know she would be proud to know that her legacy of generosity towards future social workers is an investment in students who have so much to contribute to the social justice needs of our communities and world”.
A memorial scholarship is a fitting way to honour the memory of a loved one.
Charles Sturt University’s Advancement Office is on hand to assist you with all scholarship enquires. If you wish to learn more or would like to create a scholarship, please email advancement@csu.edu.au or call Justin Williams on 02 6338 4680.
Juliana to pursue a path where she could follow in Beth’s footsteps amidst the financial pressures of raising her own young family.
New donor scholarships 2023
We are deeply grateful to our new donors for your generous contributions in 2023. Without your immense support, funding much needed scholarship assistance for students at Charles Sturt University would not be possible.
Your contributions are more than simply financial assistance; they are a catalyst for change, empowering our students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
Each new scholarship provided by our donors significantly impacts the lives of our students, allowing them to pursue their education without the heavy burden of financial barrier. We often hear from our grateful scholarship recipients that the difference your support has made in their lives is profound.
Your generosity ensures students can focus entirely on their studies, free from the stress of covering costs for accommodation, placements, living expenses, textbooks, and other essential resources. Beyond financial relief, your support offers our students the invaluable gift of encouragement and belief in their potential.
Thank you for investing in the bright futures of our students and for being a beacon of hope and possibility. Your kindness and support are truly transformative, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact of your generosity on our community.
The Catholic College of Wodonga Scholarship
Charles Sturt Accounting Alumni Academic Prize
The Division of People and Culture RED Staff Scholarship
The Division of People and Culture Voice Student Scholarship
Fortitude - Doctors for the Future Scholarship
Glenray Commitment Scholarship
John Hamilton-Smith Memorial Environmental Scholarship
The Kerin Health Allied Health Scholarship
Lionel Allen Memorial Scholarship
Mark Lockyear Library and Information Scholarship
Mytilineos - Coles Australia First Nations Scholarship
NSW Department of Community and Justice-Stronger Communities Scholarship
NSW Ministry Health First Nations Workforce Scholarship
Olding Business Scholarship
Presentation Sisters Refugee Support Scholarship
RSM Wagga Wagga Accounting Scholarship
SAGE Internship Scholarship
SRC Wagga Student Support Scholarship
Therapy Alliance Group Allied Health Scholarship
Transgrid Civil Engineering Scholarship Fund
Western Sydney Schools Agriculture Scholarship
Women in Racing Canberra Prize
Honour roll
We thank our donors for sharing in our ethos - the Wiradjuri phrase ‘yindyamarra winhanganha’, which means the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in.
Legacy
Aileen Stewart
AK and IA Sutherland
Alexandra Hill
Carole and Stan Droder
Delwyn J. Nicholls
Dr Peter and Lim Hodgson
Dr Samantha Strong
Felicity Taylor Edwards
Geoff and Sheila Swain AM
Gerry Baber and Helen Baber
OAM
Heather Fiala AM
Helen Frost
Janet Roberton
Jenny Miller
John and Dilys Howell
John and Laura Knight
John Bowen
John Cassim
Malcolm Cant
Margaret Macpherson
Mark Smyth
Mavis Atkinson
Michael Trinidad
Moya Crowe
Olivia Masson
Percy Allan Foundation
Peter Andren
Rebekah Richardson
Robyn Stinson
Russell Selfe
Sarah Ansell
Sof Lee
Valerie Cox
VP Bragg Memorial Trust
William John Banks
Corpus donors
AlburyCity Council
Allan R. Olding
Angel Family Trust
Anne and Bernard Hart
Bathurst Teachers’ College Alumni Association
Bob and Pam Knight
Celia Bevan
Central West Medical Association
Chalmers Family
Charles Sturt Pharmacy Foundation
Chris Gordon
Copyright Agency
CSIRO
CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences
CSU School Nursing Midwifery and Indigenous Health
CSU Wagga Wagga Staff Social Club
Dr Bal Krishan
Dr Doug Stace
Dr Oliver and Mrs Heather Fiala, AM
FC Pye Rural Australian Foundation
Felicity Taylor-Edwards
Fitzpatricks Real Estate
Fortitude Foundation –Gita Ballin
George and Isabel Tuck
Goulburn College of Advanced Education
Hicks Family
NSW Stud Merino Breeders
Milan Family
National Tertiary Education Union - CSU Branch
Norske Skog Albury
Riverina Media Group (Fairfax Media)
Roger and Jean Morrow
Rotary Club of Albury
Rotary Club of Oberon
Professor John Carroll
Memorial Fund
Rural Australia Foundation
Sheila Gwynn-Jones
Sheila Walker and Family
Sustainable Agriculture
Research Group
Tarcutta and Wantabadgery
Toni Downes
Tony McGrane Committee
Vetafarm (Dr Tony Gestier)
VP Bragg Trust
Waerawi Farming
Wagga Agricultural College
Old Boys Union
Wagga Wagga City Council
Wagga Wagga Local Aboriginal
Land Council
Wagga Wagga Teachers’
College Alumni Association
Widgewa School
Organisational donors
Aggie T Pty Ltd (Agnes and Tansi McInerney)
AlburyCity Council
Albury Conservation Company
Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service
Anthony Costa Foundation
Aurecon
Aurora Dairies
Artspace Visual Arts Centre Ltd.
Australian Computer Society Foundation
Australian Farming Services
Australian Library and Information Association
Bathurst (Mitchell) Student
Representative Committee
Bathurst Regional Council
Birrang Enterprise Development Company Ltd
Boston Private Wealth
Bush Children’s Education Foundation of NSW
Bralca
Carrathool Shire Council
Casella Family Brands
Catholic College Wodonga
Centacare South West NSW
Central NSW Joint Organisation of Councils
Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Charles Sturt Campus Services
Coleambally Irrigation Co-op Ltd
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Country Women’s Association of NSW
CSU Football and Netball Club
CSU Residence Life
CSU Rugby Alumni
CSU Sports Council
Department of Education
Dimeo Cleaning Services
Dubbo Regional Council
Dubbo RSL Memorial Club Ltd
Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch
Essential Energy
Eurofins Foundation
Gilgandra Shire Council
Glenray Industries
Go Farm Australia Pty Ltd
Google Asia Pacific
Halal Certification Authority
Hastings Co-Op
Kerin Physio Co
Kooringal High School
Lions Club of Albury Inc
Lions Club of Coleambally
Lions Club of Port MacquarieTacking Point
Metka-EGN Australia Pty Ltd
Murray High School
Murrumbidgee Shire Council
North Fresh Pty Ltd - (Costa Group)
NSW Ministry of Health
NSW Public Libraries Association
Nutrien Ag Solutions
Online Study Student
Representative Committee
Precision Paper Coatings Pty Ltd
Rabobank
Racing NSW
Rennylea Pastoral Company Pty Ltd
Riverina Oils
Riverina Water County Council
Rotary Club of Albury North
Rotary Club of BelvoirWodonga
Rotary Club of Hall
Rotary Club of Liverpool West
Rotary Club of Sunrise Port Macquarie
Rotary Club of Tallangatta
Rotary Club of Wollundry,
Wagga Wagga
Rotary Club of Yenda
RSM - Wagga Wagga
Sally Conolly Psych Services
Sky News Australia
Snowy Valleys Council
Southern Queensland
Theological Library
St Martin’s College
Susan McKinnon Research
Theological Library Centre Ltd
Therapy Alliance Group
Transgrid
Trybooking
University of Tasmania
Veolia Mulwaree Trust
Wagga Wagga RSL Club
Wagga Wagga RSL Sub-Branch
Wagga SRC
Walter and Eliza Hall Trust
Warakirri Asset Management
Westfund Insurance
Women In Racing Canberra
Yirigaa Pty Ltd
YWCA of Canberra
Zonta Club of Orange
Individual donors
Adrienne Miller
Alen Basic
Alicia and Robert Howitt
Andrew Bowcher
Anjila Prasad
Ann Murray
Annett Finger
April Meredith
Ash Kumar
Barrie MacDonald
Barry McConville
Barry Yau
Becci and Steve Brabin
Bernice Camps
Beverley Bowyer
Beverley Moriarty
Bob and Kelly Holloway
Carol Quick
Cherrie Kendall
Chris and Gina Grubb
Christopher Duke
Colin Peake
Constace Kelly
Craig Johnson-Meader
David Craig
David Hoar
David and Sue Leigh
Debbie Clatworthy
Derek Walker
Dr Janelle Westerink
Dugald McKay
Edward Harpley and Wilma Emerton
Elizabeth Scahill
Frances Walker
Geoff Symonds and Family
Gillian Eshman
Gillian Geraghty
Graham and Nyet Fah Eagleton
Gregory Woods
Helen Egan
Helen Ferguson
James and Karen Hayes
Jennifer Nicholls
John Coughlan
Joseph Adams
Judge Kenneth Shadbolt
Juliana Heath
Ian Baird
Imelda Deller
Karen Hales
Karren Melhuish
Katie and Sidney Lin
Keith White
Kerryn Amery
Kevin and Pam Durick
Kevin Flynn
Kim Sung Jie
James Pratley
Judy Murphy
Laura McFarland
Leone Fairweather
Lisa Tait
Lyndell Murray
Malcolm McKenzie and the Estate of Maureen McKenzie
