The Watts family’s enduring bond with Charles Sturt University
Louie Liu’s incredible journey of redemption
Bright futures ahead
Cambodian Alumni create opportunities to empower the next generation
Welcome to the latest edition of our alumni magazine, where we celebrate the remarkable achievements and enduring connections of our Charles Sturt University community.
At Charles Sturt University, we are deeply committed to advancing student careers, fostering research excellence, and delivering regional outcomes with a global reach. Our dedication to regional education and innovation remains steadfast.
The stories in this edition celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumni - highlighting their outstanding contributions to their professions and communities. This issue showcases the many ways our alumni are making a meaningful impact in regional communities and beyond.
The Charles Sturt alumni community fosters relationships worldwide, connecting individuals across borders and time. This year, we have connected with many of our alumni at various events and reunions. We cherish these occasions of old friends reuniting and forming new bonds - our events celebrate the strength of our community.
We recently spoke to three generations of graduates who are maintaining a strong connection with the University (p4), shaping future leaders in the agriculture industry through their dedication to education and development.
After thirty years as a leading political and foreign correspondent, Chris Hammer tells us how he transitioned to writing crime fiction, achieving international acclaim with his bestselling novels (p8).
We proudly celebrate our 2024 Alumni Award Winners (p12) and encourage you to nominate yourself or an exceptional alumni you know for the 2025 Alumni Awards. Look out for when nominations are open through our communications, in early 2025.
Read about Louie Liu’s inspiring journey that took him from a path of crime, to becoming a registered physiotherapist and philanthropist (p22). His scholarship program for students affected by incarceration reflects his unwavering commitment to giving back.
We celebrate with graduates of the Master of Business program in Cambodia (p34), who share how they empower the next generation of women in business by providing them with skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has shared their expertise, energy, and generosity to benefit our students. There are many ways to contribute to the future of our alumni community, and our Alumni Give program is always seeking new volunteers. Learn more on page 44.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Charles Sturt University alumni community. Your accomplishments motivate us, and we’re thrilled to highlight these remarkable stories. We hope you enjoy this edition of Thrive. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you at alumni@csu.edu.au.
Naomi Ricketts Alumni Relations Officer
Sarah Ansell Director of Advancement
Naomi Ricketts
Alumni Relations Managing Editor, Thrive
“Collaborating with Charles Sturt for the wether challenge ensures we maintain an educational focus to ensure students have access to post-school studies that in turn, will increase the uptake of careers in agriculture.”
Brooke Watts, Bachelor of Business (Management), 2021.
Deep ties with Charles Sturt have inspired an alumni family of three generations to continue their University connectionlong after the ink on their degrees has dried.
Three generations of the Watts family have graduated from Charles Sturt UniversityMr Kevin Watts, his son Ben, and Ben’s wife Fiona - as well as their daughter Brooke.
Kevin studied at Mitchell College in Bathurst in the 1980s, completing a Diploma in Teaching and Psychology.
Ben completed a Masters of Sustainable Agriculture in 2009, whilst his wife Fiona graduated with a Master of Business Administration in 2003, and completed a Graduate Diploma in Vocational Education and Training in 2008.
The most recent Watts graduate is Brooke, who completed a Bachelor of Business (Management) in 2021.
Ben, Fiona and Brooke are all currently based in Molong, running the family business Bralca. Bralca was a traditional farming operation which has branched into training consultancy over the past 20 years to meet the growing needs of Australian agriculture. The name BRALCA is derived from the names of Ben and Fiona’s three daughters, BRooke, ALyssa and CAitlyn. Each daughter plays an active part in business decision making, reflecting Bralca's strong focus on family values.
Ben and Fiona are Bralca’s owners/directors, whilst Brooke is the current Business Operations Coordinator. Their services include pest animal mapping, drone system consultancy, drone pilot services and training, ultrasound, rural events management and business services.
A focus on sustainable agriculture and AgTech ensures Bralca is forward-thinking- an essential element to safeguard the future of farming. By prioritising sustainability, Bralca is not only investing in the long-term viability of operations, but also contributing positively to environmental conservation and stewardship. AgTech can enhance efficiency, productivity, and precision in farming practices - ultimately leading to better yields and reduced environmental impact.
Leveraging technology to gain insights into land management not only enhances productivity, but also ensures sustainability for future generations.
With emphasis on these areas, Bralca is committed to innovation and staying ahead of the curve in the agricultural industry. Whilst AgTech and sustainable farming is a focus for Bralca, Brooke has recently taken the lead on youth development programs within the company, including both the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge coordination and The UpGen Project
Investing in youth development in agriculture is crucial for the future of the industry. By engaging and empowering young people, we’re not only helping to address the aging workforce in agriculture but also nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators in the field.
The trio said it was important for them to maintain connections with the University after graduation.
“Alumni connections are important to my business as I rely on them for networking and knowledge sharing”.
Ben Watts Bachelor of Business (Management), 2021.
“Maintaining a connection to Charles Sturt University as alumni has presented a range of opportunities, including networking with fellow alumni, and now a partnership to benefit hundreds of high school students across NSW that are passionate about Agriculture and Animal and Veterinary Sciences,” Brooke said.
“This connection has been vital”.
“Collaborating with Charles Sturt for the Wether Challenge ensures we maintain an educational focus to ensure students have access to post-school studies that in turn, will increase the uptake of careers in agriculture.”
Ben said alumni connections are essential to his business as he relies on them for networking and knowledge sharing. Studying at Charles Sturt ensured he had the networks and depth of knowledge to excel in his career.
Executive Dean of the Charles Sturt Faculty of Science and Health Professor Megan Smith, said the relationship with Bralca allows collaboration with alumni to inspire the future of the agricultural workforce.
“We have a common goal – together, through education, we can build a strong agricultural workforce and help to address the sector’s workforce shortage,” she said.
“Bralca is a regionally located business, like Charles Sturt University, and both are dedicated to improving the skills of regional communities.
“The event is a hallmark of promoting interactive and competition-based learning in sheep and wool production.
“Charles Sturt University was eager to enhance the experience for students and teachers alike.”
Professor Smith said the University’s course portfolio in Agriculture and Environment and Animal and Veterinary Sciences aligns with future educational needs of the passionate high school students involved with the program.
In 2024, the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge was supported through funding and resources from Australian Wool Innovation, with coordination and logistics provided by Bralca. The purchase of the wethers was kindly donated by the Dubbo National Ram Show and Sale Association Committee.
The relationship between Bralca and Charles Sturt saw schools participating in the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge collect their wethers from the Wagga Wagga University campus in March.
Charles Sturt and Bralca hosted a mid-event challenge in June on the Wagga Wagga campus for up to 200 students from 69 participating schools.
The aim of the challenge is to educate high school students on the commercial production of Merino sheep. Each participating school is allocated six sheep for six months, after which they were judged in August during the according to meat and wool quality.
What better way to inspire and attract the next generation of our agricultural workforce!
A trailblazer in reviving and teaching First Nations languages, Aunty Elizabeth Wright, is transforming communities through connection to culture. As TAFE NSW’s first teacher of Aboriginal Languages and Culture, her Wiradjuri studies at Charles Sturt have helped shape the vibrant legacy of language and culture she is creating.
“The whole journey was eye-opening, a wonderful experience,” she recalls. “It really empowered us to upskill and take our programs to the next level.”
A proud Gamilaraay, Yuwaalaraay and Wayilwan woman and Elder, Aunty Beth describes teaching language as her “dreaming”. Fluent in seven Aboriginal languages and dialects – including her mother tongues, Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay – she joined Dubbo TAFE in 2010. She now teaches students in 15 northwest NSW communities, plus many more online worldwide. She has also built innovative learning programs, including a national and online course to preserve the Wiradjuri language, and delivered programs in correctional and juvenile justice centres.
By reducing barriers to education, training and employment for Aboriginal peoples and helping them reconnect with identity and culture, Aunty Beth is building vital pathways to stronger, healthier communities.
“Language reignites identity, our belonging to place and community. It is the spirit, the soul, the heart of who we are.”
Aunty Beth was a driving force in reviving the once-lost language of Wayilwan, the language of her father. She expertly navigated cultural protocols and worked tirelessly to unearth historical recordings and document words, developing educational courses to preserve and share the language for generations to come. Through her efforts, Wayliwan is now being spoken in Warren for the first time since the 1960s, and members of the newly formed Wayilwan Youth Choir proudly sing in their ancestral language.
“To see those boys and girls up there singing the songs from the soul, no words on paper… it’s amazing. I’m incredibly proud.”
In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to reinvigorating Aboriginal languages and communities, Aunty Beth was awarded the Public Service Medal in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours and the TAFE NSW Gili Award in 2018. A powerful catalyst for positive change, she is quietly laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow for First Nations people and our society as a whole.
“Language reignites identity, our belonging to place and community. It is the spirit, the soul, the heart of who we are.”
Aunty Elizabeth Wright Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage, 2018.
Charles Sturt University Alumni 7
From top journalist to a life of crime: Chris Hammer’s next chapter
Chris Hammer spent three decades as a leading political and foreign correspondent before bursting onto the global crime fiction scene with an instant bestseller in 2019. It all began at Mitchell College.
“I very much value that experience at Bathurst; they were three of the best years of my life,” Chris says.
“I didn’t have a burning desire to be a journalist – I was drawn to the video production and photography aspects –but it was a real journalist’s course, and I loved it. I got a job as a journalist right after graduation, and that eventually led to writing non-fiction and then fiction. In a way, I wouldn’t be a full-time crime writer now if I hadn’t gone to Bathurst 40 years ago.”
Chris graduated in 1985 amidst a golden age of journalism. Newspapers and commercial television channels were awash with money, and technology was transitioning from film to video. Opportunities were abundant in the expanding media landscape, and he landed his first job in the newsroom of Capital Seven in Canberra alongside several other Mitchell alumni.
“The reputation was that if you came out of Bathurst, you could be trusted to know the essential mechanics of sourcing and writing a news story.”
Chris reported on ACT local politics before landing a role as Federal Political Correspondent – and a shared office at Parliament House – in the heady days of the Hawke-Keating government. It was the start of three decades in the Press Gallery, where he had a front-row seat to nation-defining moments.
“In a way, I wouldn’t be a full-time crime writer now if I hadn’t gone to Bathurst 40 years ago.”
Chris Hammer Bachelor of Arts Communication (Journalism),
1985.
“I was there when the Mabo decision was handed down and Keating’s challenge to Hawke’s leadership. I witnessed the rise and fall of the Australian Democrats and the Liberal Party in-fighting between John Howard and Andrew Peacock.
It was an incredibly exciting and stimulating time.”
Chris carved out an impressive career spanning major networks and mastheads, including as a Senior Political Journalist for The Age. He spent many years as a foreign correspondent for SBS TV’s Dateline, reporting from more than 30 countries across six continents. A wave of redundancies at The Age in 2008 presented him with the longcraved opportunity to write a book, and he penned two narrative nonfiction works – The River (2010) and The Coast (2012).
Though critically acclaimed – The River was named ACT Book of the Year and shortlisted for the Walkley Book Award – neither garnered commercial success. He returned to Fairfax, this time as a video producer, but missed long-form writing. His sights set on writing a novel, he settled on the crime fiction genre, influenced largely by his former Bathurst lecturer and prodigious crime writer, Peter Temple.
“He made a huge impression on me, on everyone who did his courses,” he recalls.
“I didn’t think I was a good enough writer to write literary fiction, but if I could write a crime book with a good plot as its skeleton, that could support the rest. But Peter had demonstrated that you can do a lot more with a crime book beyond simply having a good plot; you can address issues of morality and ethics and produce some very fine writing.”
His debut novel Scrublands (2018), the first in his series following troubled journalist Martin Scarsden, catapulted to the top of the bestseller list in Australia and internationally. Chris was taken completely by surprise.
“I had fairly low expectations. In retrospect, that was quite liberating; I wasn’t trying to impress a publisher, sell lots of books or win a prize. I just wanted to write a good book.”
The series, to which he has since added Silver (2019) and Trust (2020), went on to win multiple major awards, and Scrublands took out the coveted Crime Writers’ Association Dagger New Blood Award for Best First Crime Novel in 2019. He has also authored a second series featuring homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan as protagonists: Treasure
and Dirt (2021), The Tilt (2022), Seven (2023), and The Valley, released in October 2024.
Known for their immersive Australian settings and layered plotlines, Chris’s novels tackle a diversity of contemporary issues, from water trading to corruption, gambling, climate change and Aboriginal dispossession. His books have sold over a million copies and have been translated into numerous languages. Scrublands has also been adapted by Stan into a hit television series.
“The opening scene where the priest shoots the parishioners is absolutely how I’d imagined it. It was so well done. The first episode totally sucked me in; I wanted to know what would happen next,” he says.
The second series, based on Silver, is in post-production, and the producers have optioned the Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan series for future adaptation. Now immersed in a national book tour promoting The Valley, Chris – who has written a book a year since Scrublands – is exploring ideas for his next novel.
“I’m considering writing another Martin Scarsdon book, but don’t hold me to that… check back in October 2025!”
You can read more about Chris's latest book, The Valley on page 42.
The tech landscape is light years from what it was in 1992 when Lynn Warneke graduated from Charles Sturt’s Library and Information Science degree. But as emerging technologies rapidly transform how we live, work and play, her early studies remain a valuable touchstone.
“An academic grounding in data structure, information management and search technologies has been so important to my career. It shaped my thinking around how we deal with data in a way that makes it useful and effective, but also accessible to all,” Lynn says.
Having left home quite young, being able to balance study with full-time work was essential for Lynn. Back then, Charles Sturt was one of few organisations offering distance education and she embraced the flexible learning model and supportive environment on offer. Working diligently to complete her degree, she was thrilled to graduate with the University Medal – a rarity in what was then an emerging field.
“I still look back with a great sense of pride on my time with Charles Sturt. That early experience and recognition sparked a passion for lifelong education that has rippled throughout my career and life.”
Today, as one of Australia’s foremost digital transformation experts, Lynn is deeply committed to advancing technology as a force for good in the world. She has enjoyed a vibrant 30year career at the forefront of purposeled digital innovation, including driving Deakin University’s early adoption of emerging technologies to develop award-winning personalised student support systems. She also led a strategic technology-enabled workplace and workforce transition program at Victoria’s Department of Premier and Cabinet, before shifting her considerable skills and insight to corporate governance in 2019.
“Looking back over my career, I can see that I’ve always been at the pointy end of technology-enabled change, working at the nexus of customer, business strategy, and technology. I’ve had a fascination and focus on how tech is used to support the customer experience and drive business outcomes,” she explains.
“All my years of practitioner experience leading digital transformations has enabled me to take a systemic view to governance. I have a hands-on understanding of how AI (artificial intelligence) and other emerging technologies will impact the things that we are concerned with at board level, such as workforce support and talent management, business competitiveness, resilience, risk management, and cybersecurity.”
Lynn was appointed Chair of innovative Victorian utility, South East Water in October last year, and serves on several other boards, including listed cyber security and ICT managed services company, Spirit Technology Solutions, as well as not-for-profit ASCO (Australian Community Support Organisation). She plays a key role in guiding organisations through the complexities, opportunities and responsibilities that disruptive technologies bring.
“AI is being integrated into enterprise systems rapidly, bringing with it an urgent need to educate and train staff – for instance, our staff need to be cognisant of the potential for inaccuracy in generative AI. We also need to think holistically about how emerging technologies will transform workforces in the medium term,
and the capabilities we’ll need as we navigate considerable disruption to roles, responsibilities and organisational structures.”
Lynn believes that AI will be the dominant technology of the digital era, one that is woven inextricably into other emerging technologies like the Internet of Things, augmented and virtual reality, blockchain technologies, and eventually, quantum computing. She is developing an integrated digital governance framework to support a holistic approach to complex technology governance and expand boards’ ESG (environmental, social and governance) frameworks to accommodate technology as a key economic driver.
“I don’t think a conversation about how business can make the world a better place is complete without considering the dual role of technology – good and bad – from a sustainability perspective. We must extend our thinking around sustainability and ESG to include technology considerations in a far more explicit, visible, dynamic way, fusing human rights, environmental, legal, regulatory and ethical perspectives.”
Shaping the future from the top down, Lynn merges practical knowledge and strategic nous. Her expertise in law andethics has been honed through her recently completed Master of Laws, in which she specialised in new technologies law, climate law and corporate law. She is also a vocal champion for greater diversity in tech and an inspiring mentor to tech startups, part of her deeper drive to meaningfully impact the people, organisations and sectors she works with.
“I love technology, but I also see its disadvantages and potential for negative impact; this fuels my determination to exploit the opportunities whilst minimising the risks. I care deeply about society and our world, and the legacy I leave for generations to come.”
“I love technology, but I also see its disadvantages and potential for negative impact; this fuels my determination to exploit the opportunities whilst minimising the risks.”
Lynn Warneke Bachelor of Arts (Library and Information Science), 1992.
We recognise the outstanding achievements of our alumni and celebrate the remarkable contributions they are making to their communities and professions, whether in their local region or the global stage.
Professor Pornsak Sriamornsak has dedicated his entire career to pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical research in pursuit of better outcomes for all.
Completing his PhD at Charles Sturt’s Wagga Wagga campus in 2002, Pornsak has become one of the world’s most influential academics and innovators in his field. At the leading edge of pharmaceutical ingenuity, his groundbreaking work with biopolymers – such as pectin and alginate – is advancing the green bioeconomy and enabling a new era of industrially sustainable practices.
He has also developed novel drug delivery systems solving long-term challenges in the administration of medicine, particularly among children and the elderly, and led important discoveries in pharmaceutical nanotechnology and 3D printing. With an impressive track record of over 250 highly cited publications and nine patents, his work has significantly advanced pharmaceutical knowledge and practices worldwide.
“The practical applications of our discoveries and pushing the frontiers of pharmaceutical research are the most exciting aspects of my work,” Pornsak says.
“Witnessing how our innovations and sustainable practices improve healthcare outcomes fuels my passion for excellence in pharmaceutical sciences.”
Pornsak is Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Silpakorn University in Thailand and the nation’s youngest full professor in pharmacy. An energetic leader, supportive colleague and award-winning educator, he is deeply committed to inspiring, motivating and empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders in pharmaceutical science.
A pivotal figure in the pharmaceutical community, Pornsak holds many influential positions including Vice President of the Thai Industrial Pharmacist Association, Vice President of the Asian Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Secretary General of the College of Industrial Pharmacy of Thailand. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in India, a sought-after conference speaker, and editor of several renowned journals.
He has won many prestigious national and international awards recognising his commitment to expanding scientific knowledge, encouraging sustainable practices and developing the next generation of pharmaceutical science professionals.
Pornsak says his time at Charles Sturt – the mentors, stimulating research topics and strong research emphasis – has underpinned his remarkable academic trajectory. He is proud to have been recognised for his contribution to pharmaceutical research, innovation, education, and commitment to advancing health outcomes.
“The Alumni Award for Research Excellence motivates me to continue aiming for greatness and making a positive difference in the world while embodying the principles and spirit of Charles Sturt University.”
“The Alumni Award for Research Excellence motivates me to continue aiming for greatness and making a positive difference in the world.”
Professor Pornsak Sriamornsak, PhD, 2002.
“I have actively fostered this positive dynamic, due in no small part to the inclusive and diverse ethos emphasised during my studies at Charles Sturt.”
Jenna Mayhew Master of Clinical Psychology, 2022.
In her flourishing cross-cultural psychology practice in Mexico City, Jenna Mayhew has created an environment where diversity and inclusion shape every interaction, reflecting the values instilled throughout her Charles Sturt degree.
“I have assembled a diverse group of talented therapists from around the globe; together we have created a work culture that thrives on difference, where diversity is not merely tolerated but sought out, celebrated and cherished,” Jenna explains.
“I have actively fostered this positive dynamic, due in no small part to the inclusive and diverse ethos emphasised during my studies at Charles Sturt.”
Jenna has spent almost 20 years in the social services sector. Beginning her career in clinical and advocacy spaces in Sydney, she moved to the UK in 2012, where she founded written word therapy service Write as Rain. She also spent time in Mexico offering individual therapy to English speakers, heading home in 2015 to work with Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia and Headspace.
Following the birth of her second child, Jenna returned to Mexico in 2019. Speaking little Spanish, she established Hola Therapy to offer psychology services to the city’s English-speaking population.
As Founder and Principal Psychologist, she now leads therapists from Australia, the US, the Philippines, Venezuela and Mexico in delivering ethical, evidencebased and progressive intercultural psychology.
Today, her team provides over 600 clients from around the world access to quality therapy, often in a mix of Spanish and English. Many are in bicultural or bilingual relationships or families, seeking help to navigate cultural nuances and the challenges and isolation of migration.
“We provide services to people who would be otherwise unable to access therapy in their native language. The perspective we bring is unique, as many of our therapists and clients have a shared experience of immigration and cross-cultural relationships.”
Hola Therapy promotes tolerance, respect and celebration in all aspects of life. Jenna has created a safe space for LGBTQ+ and nontraditional relationships – often difficult to find in Mexico. She also provides clinical, financial and fundraising support to Mision Mexico, a charity that supports vulnerable children and immigrants from Latin America.
Under Jenna’s professional excellence and vision, demand for Hola Therapy’s services continues to grow. Constantly evolving her offering, she plans to provide psychocognitive assessments in Spanish and to foreigners in their native language and conduct research on relocation, immigration, cross-cultural living and cross-cultural relationships.
“Being able to give someone a voice and have that lead to change or make an impact is special, and definitely the most fulfilling aspect of my job.”
Kamin Gock Bachelor of Communication (Journalism), 2018.
Kamin Gock was in Year 6 when he decided to become a journalist and hold authority to account.
Since graduating from Charles Sturt’s journalism program in 2018 he has achieved just that, shining a light on social, political and environmental issues and giving a voice to the voiceless.
“I owe so much to my time at this university, whether it be the opportunities afforded to me or the lifelong friends and on-campus experience I had.”
Juggling study, internships and casual work in the industry, Kamin joined Channel Nine’s Orange studios in 2018. He worked full-time as a journalist with Nine in Albury and then Perth, before moving to the ABC in Sydney in July 2021.
It was the beginning of a rapid ascent at the national broadcaster that took him from Multimedia Reporter to State Political Reporter, Andrew Olle Scholar, and now a reporter for 7.30 Reporting for seminal programs including 4 Corners, he has covered major events including the search for William Tyrrell, the Northern Rivers floods, COVID-19 lockdowns and state and federal elections.
But it is in the social justice sphere where his reporting has had the most vital impact.
“Telling people's stories is a great privilege and responsibility,” Kamin explains.
Kamin’s exclusive series of reports for Nine News on the death of seven-year-old Aishwarya Aswath in Perth Children’s Hospital sparked two investigations and major reforms, including the hiring of 400 additional new nurses and the implementation of a state-wide parental escalation system. His exposé on the deaths of two children following alleged inadequate care at Monash Children’s Hospital spurred a raft of structural changes, prompting a state-wide overhaul of patient escalation processes and paediatric emergency management.
He has also exposed countless political and institutional injustices affecting minority communities, including delay tactics used by the NSW Department of Justice against victims of institutionalised abuse. In the wake of his report, dozens of people received responses from the department after many months of silence and distress.
Through fearless and sensitive reporting, Kamin exposes inequities in society and holds politicians, businesses, organisations and individuals to account. Named Young Journalist of the Year in the 2023 Kennedy Awards, he is immensely proud of how far he’s come since his Charles Sturt studies.
Drawn to social work by a deep desire to help vulnerable people and communities, Sally-Anne Stollznow is making a significant impact through creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
For almost a decade, Sally-Anne has served her home region of Port Stephens as a tireless social worker with Services Australia, spanning everything from child protection, policy authoring, field education, out-servicing, families, disability, crisis support and disaster recovery.
“The broadness of social work has taken me in many directions, all with their joys and challenges. I have however found my passion in supporting families that enter the early intervention phase with disabled children,” she shares.
A Guppi Guppi woman living and working on Worimi country, Sally-Anne’s advocacy work is now focused on the social impacts of disability, particularly those with neurodivergence. She has lived experience of the challenges this brings; her young son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at age four.
Sally-Anne quickly identified a significant gap in the early intervention space: many very young children were engaging in therapies without understanding why. She poured her creativity into developing, authoring and publishing Sid Goes to Kitty Land, an innovative children’s book introducing autism and associated therapies to young children.
Published under the pen name Sally Marshall, the story takes children on a joyful journey through a neurodiverse land, explaining different types of brains and what they need to thrive.
Well-received by the neurodivergent community, the book has been distributed through schools, regional libraries and other community services across the Port Stephens area.
Sally-Anne’s commitment to making a difference in her local community was highlighted at Port Stephen’s Local Woman of the Year event in 2023. In 2024, she was awarded the Port Stephens International Women’s Day Scholarship. She used the funds to provide a copy of her book to every
local school library and publish a second book titled Sid’s Friend Belle, which explores autism and friendship.
Sally-Anne founded Wellness Through Fortitude in 2022 as a platform to offer her books, specially designed NDIS participant planner and other resources to support children and families.
“The sense of personal reward, of joy, when you watch someone advocate for themselves and meet their set goals is nothing short
of humbling and incredible.”
Sally-Anne Stollznow Bachelor of Social Science (Social Welfare), 2012, Master of Social Work, 2015, Master of Child and Adolescent Welfare, 2023.
Fiona Harrison’s drive to relearn ancestral ways and decolonise her thinking drew her to Charles Sturt’s Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage program. She embraces First Nations excellence through sharing language and Wiradjuri nation-building, fuelled by social entrepreneurship and a determination to meaningfully improve lives.
A proud Wiradjuri woman of the Galari (Lachlan River), Fiona’s journey from personal and cultural fragmentation to entrepreneurial success is one of resilience and vision. Her childhood was marred by intergenerational and personal trauma, suffering deep depression and PTSD in the wake of an armed robbery. Seeking healing through ancestral guidance, she discovered the therapeutic power of Australian native botanicals, becoming an aromatic medicine practitioner.
She was at a casual chocolate-making class when the inspiration to blend native ingredients with chocolate struck. In 2012, she became Founder and CEO of certified social enterprise Chocolate On Purpose, Australia’s first Indigenous chocolate company.
Fiona’s premium range fuses fine Belgian chocolate with premium Australian native botanicals, honouring the wisdom of the
ingredient custodians and ancient plant knowledge systems. Wiradjuri storytelling infuses each piece – from the owl shape representing Elders’ wisdom to the ‘Walking On Country’ chocolate bar – creating a bridge to understanding, respect, inclusiveness and reconciliation.
“My chocolate embodies the change I want to see, and knowing my efforts support equity in supply chains and contribute to sustainable communities makes every challenge worthwhile.”
Fiona Harrison Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, 2024.
As a business leader, speaker and advocate, Fiona shares the richness of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing while highlighting the inequity between Colonial Australia and First Nations peoples. Disrupting the artisan chocolate market, she embeds social impact in every business decision, from supply chain to sustainable sourcing and ethical production. The concept of Yindyamarra – in her words, “respect, honour and go slowly to do it properly” –underpins her vision.
“My chocolate embodies the change I want to see, and knowing my efforts support equity in supply chains and contribute to sustainable communities makes every challenge worthwhile,” Fiona explains.
“Every successful Indigenous business dismantles stereotypes in an economic sector we have historically been excluded from. I am committed to building a First Nations-led supply chain to increase Indigenous representation in Australia’s bushfood and botanical industries, where currently less than one per cent of leadership is Indigenous – and even fewer are women.”
For Fiona, it is about much more than chocolate.
“It’s about nurturing a legacy of Yindyamarra, healing and empowerment. A call to ask ourselves: what sort of ancestor do I want to be for the seven generations looking up at us, waiting for their turn to emerge?”
One of the first female students to graduate from Charles Sturt’s engineering program, Emmeline Rocks is blazing a trail for others to follow.
Emmeline hit the ground running early in her Bachelor of Technology/Master of Engineering (Civil) studies. She undertook her first two work placements in Wagga Wagga – an engineering traineeship at Riverina Water, and a building cadetship with Hansen Yuncken working on the construction of Estella Primary School. She moved to Albury in 2021 to join Zauner Construction, completing her remaining two placements while finishing her studies and master’s thesis.
Zauner Construction promoted Emmeline to her current role as Project Manager upon graduation in 2023. She has worked on some of the company’s leading projects, including the Northeast Health Wangaratta redevelopment, the Opal Fibre Packaging Plant and a five-level carpark. She is currently project managing the redevelopment of Jacob Toyota in Wodonga.
“The unique structure of the Charles Sturt Engineering degree enabled me to gain experience while studying and advance my career so soon after graduation, which would not be possible with a traditional engineering degree,” Emmeline shares.
“My journey as a civil engineer and project manager would not have been possible without the opportunities that the Charles Sturt Engineering degree offered me.”
Emmeline is committed to advancing opportunities for women in the male-dominated construction industry. She shares her experience freely with current and future engineering students through a range of Charles Sturt events, including Engineering Career Pathways and EngFest. Emmeline is an active mentor in Charles Sturt’s Connecting to Industry program and has facilitated student cadetships.
She has also spoken with girls from Albury-Wodonga high schools as part of Regional Industry Education Partnerships’ Girls Can Too initiative, reshaping their perception of construction as exclusively a ‘man’s field’. Her genuine passion for her work and determination to inspire a new, more diverse generation of engineers shine brightly through in every interaction.
“Through my involvement with these programs, I am committed to breaking down barriers and stigmas around women working in the construction industry.”
In recognition of her inspiring contribution and leadership in the industry, Emmeline was awarded the 2024 Women in Building Award for the Riverina Murray Region by the Master Builders’ Association. She has also been nominated for the Association’s NSW Graduate of the Year Award, to be announced later this year.
“The unique structure of the Charles Sturt Engineering degree enabled me to gain experience while studying and advance my career so soon
after graduation.”
Emmeline Rocks, Bachelor of Technology/Master of Engineering (Civil), 2023. Charles Sturt University Alumni 17
We love to recognise and share our alumni successes and inspire the next generation of Charles Sturt alumni. The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards will open early 2025 - we urge you to nominate yourself or a fellow alum.
Dale Hurley
Bachelor of Business (Marketing), 2007.
Dale Hurley is a visionary leader and serial innovator, redefining the interface between technology and finance to solve practical problems and improve everyday processes.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about personal success; it’s about creating value and making the world a little better,” he explains.
Dale’s contribution to the fintech sector is vast.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) in 2006, he co-founded credit management entity CreditorWatch in 2010. Under his leadership as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Innovation Director, CreditorWatch transformed how credit risk is assessed and managed, accelerated reporting processes and enhanced accessibility and affordability for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
In 2018 he co-founded Avenue Bank, an innovative digital bank for SMEs and Australia’s first and only bank specialising in bank guarantees. Securing over $70 million in funding, Dale steered it from startup to fully licensed banking institution and developed solutions that set sector-wide benchmarks for operational efficiency.
Dale is immersed in several other high-impact tech projects across diverse arenas and recently became CTO of Greener, working to shift our climate trajectory by making greener choices easier.
“I remain active in the startup world, advising multiple startups addressing global issues from climate change, to hate speech and affordable housing.”
Dr Heather McCormack Bachelor of Media Communication, 2017.
Dr Heather McCormack fuses research excellence with deep industry experience to transform the sexual health of communities.
“The motivating factor for me has always been the knowledge that my work contributes to a social good, that I’m making a positive difference to the world with what I do every day,” she explains.
A proud Wiradjuri woman, Heather’s novel research focuses on enhancing patient experiences within sexual health services and ensuring equitable access to prevention, testing and treatment for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses – particularly among Aboriginal, youth, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Throughout her Bachelor of Media Communication studies, Heather worked in health promotion across not-for-profit and frontline sexual health organisations. She joined NSW Health in 2016, leading high-impact sexual health initiatives including its flagship campaign targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
Heather’s PhD research at UNSW’s Kirby Institute was identified as a strategic priority by NSW Health, leading to $2.2 million in competitive grants and four journal papers. She was appointed to UNSW’s prestigious Scientia Program for high-performing researchers in February 2024, where she continues to design and lead innovative public health research.
“I find my work in public health research incredibly rewarding. My public health implementation experience gives me a strong understanding of the pipeline from research to policy and practice.”
Nadia Teong
Master of Psychology, 2018.
Nadia Teong served as a Senior Psychologist in the Australian Army for 11 years. Founding Veterans Psychology in 2021, the Master of Psychology (Clinical) graduate harnesses her personal experience to improve mental health services and outcomes for the military community.
“The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, especially when it comes to mental health,” Nadia explains.
“I wanted to create a space where veterans knew they could go to access mental health support, provided by professionals who also have lived experience of military life.”
Veterans Psychology is Australia’s only private psychology consultancy tailored to veterans’ unique experiences and needs. Nadia’s expert team is comprised primarily of veterans, bringing first-hand understanding of the military experience to foster trust, rapport and continuing engagement with mental health. It offers face-to-face services in Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and serves clients across Australia and overseas via telehealth.
A vocal advocate for veteran mental health, Nadia leverages Veterans Psychology’s online presence to reduce stigma, shape public discourse and influence policy. In 2023, her impact was recognised with the Prince’s Trust Australia Beyond Service Award (Power of One category) and Enterprise Accelerate Award. She was also a finalist in the 2023 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards
Dr Alexander (Sandy) MacQuarrie’s contribution to the fields of paramedicine, human performance and wellbeing over the past three decades is immense.
Sandy is a distinguished paramedic, educator and researcher. Excelling in numerous key leadership roles in emergency management in his native Canada, he served as Chief Flight Paramedic at Canadian Helicopters and Director of Educational Services at Medavie while completing his Charles Sturt MBA online.
Sandy relocated to Australia in 2013 as a lecturer and PhD researcher in Charles Sturt’s paramedicine program, and later spent five years as a senior lecturer and researcher at Griffith University. His outstanding innovations in program development and delivery, high-fidelity simulation and interprofessional learning have raised the bar in paramedic education and research internationally. He has shaped generations of paramedics and enriched health, wellbeing and performance across the profession.
“From my early career days, I have tried to foster a connection between paramedic care, education and health,” Sandy explains.
“The most fulfilling aspect of my work is knowing that the course of healthcare, education, research and practice may be slightly better because I was in it.”
In December 2023, Sandy founded The Edge Human Performance Group, specialising in educational design and research support across high-value projects internationally. He is currently designing the ambulance curriculum for Papua New Guinea.
First Nation Excellence Assoc. Professor Brett Biles PhD, 2020.
Associate Professor Brett Biles is living proof of the transformative power of education. With three degrees including a Charles Sturt PhD, the proud Murrawarri man is advancing First Nations health and wellbeing through research and academic leadership.
Brett’s academic career began in 2011 at Charles Sturt as Lecturer in Indigenous Health and Associate Head of School, Indigenous Studies. He transitioned to UNSW in 2019 as the inaugural Director of Indigenous Health Education and then Associate Dean Indigenous at UNSW Medicine and Health and Senior Scientia Lecturer. He is a 2024 Fellow in the University of Melbourne’s Poche Indigenous Health Leadership Program.
Brett was appointed UNSW's inaugural Pro ViceChancellor Indigenous Engagement and Research in February 2024. Through this pivotal leadership role, he is developing the University’s Indigenous Research Plan and working to improve engagement with Indigenous staff and communities.
Brett has spent 15 years transforming Aboriginal health and wellbeing through research. Since 2020, he has generated over $3.5 million in grant funding as Chief Investigator on multiple Australian Research Council Medical Research Future Fund projects in the field of Aboriginal health.
“Charles Sturt provided me with the foundations to build an academic career which has afforded me the opportunity to serve my community through education and research,” he says.
Master of Information Technology, 2018.
A passionate young ICT professional, Dilan Jayasekara is striving to create a thriving, sustainable and inclusive tech ecosystem for all.
Dilan arrived in Australia from Sri Lanka in 2017 as a newlywed international student with just $700 in his pocket. Completing his Master of Information Technology at Charles Sturt, he joined accounting and business advisory firm Pitcher Partners in Melbourne in 2019 as a data analyst, ascending swiftly to his current role as Assistant Manager –Data Engineering.
Inspired by his experience and driven to create opportunities for others, Dilan joined ACS (Australian Computing Society) in January 2022. He served two years as Vice Chair – Emerging Professionals Committee (EPS), driving the highimpact Student Support Membership program and a range of workshops, panel discussions and networking events to equip students with careerboosting skills and connections.
Dilan also championed the creation of ACS’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Special Interest Group. As Chair, he leads the group in bridging the skills divide between graduates and industry needs in partnership with education, business and government.
“By addressing this critical gap, we're fostering a thriving tech ecosystem in Victoria and ensuring a future workforce ready to meet the demands of the digital age,” he says.
Jody Unterrheiner was working in London as a journalist when a visit to the Northern Ugandan city of Gulu irrevocably shifted her path – and with it, the futures of generations to come.
“I first visited Uganda in 2006 as part of a charity mission through my local church, and it was an eye-opening experience” Jody recalls.
“I was struck by the critically low levels of education – many children in their final years of primary school couldn’t read a simple sentence or three-letter word. I decided to retrain as a teacher, hoping to return in the future and somehow help.”
Whilst teaching in London, Jody undertook a Bachelor of Primary Education online with Charles Sturt. Seeking primarily to transition her qualifications to Australia, she found much more.
“I enjoyed the flexibility and collaborative focus, and unique modules like Indigenous education. These have been valuable in the work I’ve done since.”
Returning to Gulu as a volunteer teacher with The East African Missionary, she used phonics to great
success in teaching children to read. When the time came to head home to Australia, the Schools Inspector asked Jody to run workshops training local kindergarten teachers to continue the good work. They became the impetus for Jody to found READ for Life, a notfor-profit dedicated to training Uganda’s teachers to deliver life-changing literacy education for generations to come.
Jody would spend the next eight years in Gulu, growing READ for Life to support almost 230 schools across the city and district. The results are astonishing.
“Since we started in 2016, oral reading fluency has improved from almost zero words per minute in P3 (Year 2
equivalent) to an average of 49 correct words – as many as 100 words in some cases. It’s amazing.”
In a system where success in every subject – not just English, but mathematics, science, and social sciences – depends on being able to read and write, early literacy is a powerful tool to lift communities from intergenerational poverty. Almost 1000 teachers have already been trained through READ for Life, each passing their knowledge on to their peers to ensure the model remains sustainable indefinitely.
To learn more about the incredible work being done by READ for Life, visit their website at www.readforlifeug.org
“Since we started in 2016, oral reading fluency has improved from almost zero words per minute ... to an average of 49 correct words. It’s amazing.”
journey and his scholarship for formerly incarcerated students
In an inspiring interview, Louie Liu, a registered physiotherapist and two-time Charles Sturt alumnus, shares his remarkable journey from a life of crime to establishing a scholarship for students who have experienced incarceration. Louie’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and a commitment to giving back to the community.
Louie Liu grew up in Marrickville during the 1990’s, a time when the area was notorious as the drug den of Australia. Despite having a caring family and a well-provided upbringing, Louie found himself drawn into a life of crime. By the age of 16, he was involved in gang activities, selling stolen goods and drugs. His descent into more serious criminal activities led to his first drug-induced psychosis at 20 years old, resulting in a three-month stay in a psychiatric unit.
In 2002, Louie’s criminal activities caught up with him, and he was arrested for a robbery-related offence. He was sentenced to five years, serving three years in gaol and two years on parole. However, this experience did not deter him from returning to a life of crime. After his release, he became involved in organised crime, importing drugs from overseas. This led to another episode of drug-induced psychosis in 2006 - and a subsequent suicide attempt.
Louie’s second incarceration in 2009, for drug importation, marked a significant turning point. Sentenced to seven and a half years, he served five years in prison and two and a half years on parole. During this time, the structured environment of prison helped settle his mental health issues and provided him with the opportunity to study. Louie completed his Certificate 4 in Cooking, which allowed him to find a job quickly upon his release.
A pivotal moment in Louie’s transformation was his involvement in the Pups in Prison program, now known as Defence Community Dog. This program, where inmates trained pups to become companion dogs for ex-defence personnel suffering from PTSD, allowed Louie to take on a positive role for the first time in his life. This experience showed him that even
people in special forces could suffer from poor mental health, inspiring him to pursue a new path.
After his release from prison, Louie saved money by working as a chef and started personal training at Bathurst TAFE. Encouraged by his head teacher, he applied for Exercise and Sport Science at Charles Sturt and was accepted. Despite the challenges of studying with a poor educational foundation, he persevered, eventually entering the Charles Sturt physiotherapy program. He credits his journey to hard work, persistence, and the support of his family.
“Education created a world worth living in for me, that is why I have approached Charles Sturt University to set up the scholarship, with the intention to give both a financial and morale boost to those who are facing similar challenges,” Louie explains.
Understanding the obstacles faced by formerly incarcerated individuals, Louie has established a scholarship to support students who have experienced incarceration. He believes that education and support can provide a pathway to a better future, just as it did for him. Louie’s scholarship aims to give others the chance to transform their lives, just as he did.
“For me, study was ten times harder than gaol. I believe people with similar experiences to me would likely have a very poor foundation in study, as our foundations are built on drug habits, poor concentration, poor stress management, poor technology skills and poor study habits,” he says.
“I firmly believe that the person that I can help change through this scholarship will change the world.”
Charles Sturt University hosted the ‘Breaking Barriers: a Breakfast for Reform and Opportunity’ event on Thursday, 14 November, at the Bloomfield Medical Centre in Orange.
The event served as a launch event for the scholarship. It was aimed to foster empathy and inspire action to support prisoner reform initiatives and promote higher education for individuals transitioning from incarceration to reintegration.
Alongside Louie, guest speakers included Bernhard Ripperger, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Community, Industry and Capacity and Charles Sturt University’s Dr John Gaffey, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, who provided insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by those reintegrating into society from incarceration.
The event also featured an auction of artworks from Girrawaa Arts Centre, an Indigenous Arts Centre in the Bathurst Correctional Facility, and participation from the Department of Communities and Justice alongside NSW Corrective Services, with proceeds supporting the Reformer New Start Scholarships
“I firmly believe that the person that I can help change through this scholarship will change the world.”
Louie Liu Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, 2018; Bachelor of Physiotherapy, 2024 .
Louie’s journey from crime to care is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of positive support systems. His scholarship for formerly incarcerated students offers a second chance to those who need it most. You can help Louie by contributing to the New Start Reformer Scholarship fund here: https://bit.ly/3CdVuKc
Around 300 Australian native species rely on tree hollows for breeding or shelter. It takes an average of 100 years for hollows to form naturally, and with many older trees lost to land clearing and bushfire, timber nesting boxes have long been the go-to though imperfect solution.
Charles Sturt graduate Mick Callan knew there had to be a better way. “Many nesting boxes aren’t grounded in a solid ecological understanding of the target species, and timber boxes typically last just eight to ten years,” Mick explains. “But the biggest issue is micro-climate; they get much hotter than ambient temperatures in summer, reaching levels often lethal to their occupants. They’re also colder than ambient temperatures on cold nights.”
While completing his Graduate Certificate in Ornithology at Charles Sturt, Mick met leading ecologist Professor David Watson. Determined to solve the problem and make a genuine difference in regional Australia and beyond, Mick persuaded him to supervise his honours work in the Bachelor of Science program. He started from scratch, examining the issues with timber boxes and building a better solution from the ground up.
“Using 3D printing technology, we developed several prototypes featuring a plastic outer casing for greater longevity and double-walled insulation, which we eventually tweaked to include an internal timber wall,” he says.
Mick co-founded Habitat Innovation and Management with fellow ecologist Carl Tippler in 2020 to commercialise the innovative design. Seeking a more durable and cost-effective alternative to 3D printing, the pair’s steep manufacturing learning curve led them to Allmould Plastics, a custom injection moulding factory in Orange.
“It would have been much more cost-effective to manufacture offshore, but we were adamant from the start that we wanted to manufacture in Australia, ideally regionally,” says Mick. “Working with Allmould and its industrial designers and engineers has truly enabled us to bring our vision to life.”
Combining significant investment in research and development with deep ecological knowledge, Habitat is the first company to deliver science-backed artificial habitat at scale, fully designed and manufactured in regional Australia.
Unlike traditional timber nesting boxes, Habitat’s solution uses organic shapes, textures and structures that closely mimic the physical and thermal properties of natural hollows. The modular system is customisable to various species, and features a unique mounting system that bonds to the host tree as it grows.
“We’re
always looking at new projects and products; that’s our passion. We aim to bring more solutions to the marketplace to support our precious biodiversity to thrive.”
Michael Callan Graduate Certificate in Ornithology, 2018.
Constructed from fully recyclable, UV-stabilised polypropylene, the boxes have an expected minimum lifespan of around 50 years and maintain humidity levels of approximately 80 per cent— essential for egg development and preventing life-threatening dehydration in vulnerable newborns.
The original range caters to a diverse array of hollow-dependent fauna, from small critters to large parrots. Habitat has since expanded its range to include larger nesting boxes for owls and black
cockatoos, as well as fire and flameretardant marsupial dens. Initially developed for northern quolls for a project with Fortescue, the dens have been adopted by a surprising variety of species.
“We’ve documented around 70 unique species using them—everything from target species like quolls and other small marsupials to echidnas, reptiles and even birds,” Mick notes.
Alongside its growing portfolio of artificial habitat solutions, Habitat— based in Bathurst and Wagga Wagga— provides nature-positive ecological consulting services to the government, nonprofit and private sectors. Among its high-impact projects is the holistic landscape rehabilitation of the Two Thumbs Wildlife Sanctuary near Cooma, devastated by the Black Summer bushfires, in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
Mick—who was recently appointed Adjunct Research Fellow at Charles
Sturt’s Gulbali Institute, formalising the ongoing research collaboration—and the Habitat team are constantly innovating. Among its latest developments is a bushfire recovery kit providing short-term refuge for native fauna in the critical post-fire phase. The artificial habitats will also be infused with beneficial microbes and fungi to replenish soil organic activity and kickstart plant regeneration.
“Our vision as a business is to be the leader in artificial habitat, and we're constantly driving towards that,” Mick explains. “We’re always looking at new projects and products; that’s our passion. We aim to bring more solutions to the marketplace to support our precious biodiversity to thrive.”
Visit www.habitatinnovation.com.au to learn more about how these unique artificial habitat solutions are restoring Australia’s biodiversity, from backyard gardens to major ecological projects.
Lenore Robertson AM found her tribe, passion and purpose in the performing arts. For over thirty years, she has dedicated herself to ensuring others can access the richness the arts can bring to the community.
“Everybody can gain from involvement in the arts; it helps you learn how to communicate, how to work in a team, be creative, disciplined and organised. It enriches individual lives, builds confidence, fosters diversity and enhances equality in the community,” Lenore says.
Lenore began her career as a teacher, completing her Graduate Diploma of Education via distance learning at Mitchell College while teaching full-time.
“The course was well structured and appropriate to my work. I was impressed by the close interest that individual teachers took. I loved the two-week residential blocks – the activities, faceto-face classes, meeting my peers and teachers. It was a great experience.”
Lenore graduated in 1984 and chose to take a break from teaching to care for her family full-time. Looking for a creative
involvement in the arts, she immersed herself in community theatre, spending 20 years performing in local musical society productions and entertaining senior citizens with the Dougherty Entertainers.
When her children had finished school, Lenore decided to become seriously involved in the arts.
A singing part in a play at Epicentre Theatre Company segued to an assistant director role in two plays. She went on to direct multiple plays and then become Artistic Director, curating and overseeing plays while completing a Graduate Diploma in Performance Studies at the University of Sydney. She also directed plays for Nautanki Theatre, a South-East Asian group that encourages cultural development and community engagement with contemporary Australia.
In 2013, Lenore joined the board of Milk Crate Theatre, which provides
opportunities for artists whose voices are under-represented to engage in artistic practice to build confidence, skills and connections. It shares bold and resonant stories to build empathy and break down barriers.
Lenore worked for nine years at this important intersection of arts, homelessness, mental health and disability, and was deeply moved by the stories she encountered.
“It is very powerful for our collaborative artists to be able to tell their stories and for other people to understand their lives. Milk Crate is going from strength to strength, and I’m incredibly proud of their work.”
She joined the board of Griffin Theatre Company in 2016.
Nestled in the heart of Kings Cross, Griffin has been Australia’s home for the exploration of new stories since 1979 and is its only theatre company devoted to the development and staging of new Australian writing. It has launched countless visionary works and the careers of many actors and practitioners.
“We are the launch pad for new plays, ideas and writing – work that is bold, visionary and risky. Plays like Prima Facie, Holding the Man and City of Gold all had their world premieres at Griffin before going out to capture the international imagination.”
Lenore sees her role at Griffin as “an absolute privilege and joy”, and is currently Co-Chair of its Capital Appeal.
“We’ve been through some pretty hard times with funding cuts, but we’re on
“Everybody can gain from involvement in the arts; it helps you learn how to communicate, how to work in a team ... and enhances equality in the community.”
Lenore Robertson Graduate Diploma of Education, 1984.
the verge of an exciting new period, having secured a $5 million grant from the NSW government to redevelop our theatre. We’ve also purchased the theatre and a neighbouring building with the Nielson Foundation’s support.”
The redevelopment ushers in a new era at Griffin, adding crucial facilities such as dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces and accessibility features. The theatre’s unique essence will be preserved, continuing to support intimate, nonmainstream work and shape Australia’s artistic future.
Griffin is one of many organisations that Lenore and her family have supported across the arts, social justice and education through the Robertson Foundation. Established in 2007,
beneficiaries include Social Ventures Australia, Human Rights Watch Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, The Old Fitz, Hayes Theatre, The Stella Prize, The Social Outfit, and education initiatives including City Link Mentor Program, The Story Factory and the Country Education Foundation
“I believe that education is the key to many happy outcomes, opening pathways and opportunities. My husband, Paul, and I were the first in our respective families to go to university and it transformed our lives, and that of our families.”
Lenore’s recent focus has been on children’s theatre, a perfect fusion of her belief in the arts, education and fostering an early love of theatre. Fresh off co-producing nationally touring hit children’s show JUST Live on Stage! with Red Line Productions, she is working towards a national tour of Tim Winton’s The Bugalugs Bum Thief in 2026.
On Australia Day 2024, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of significant service to the community and the arts.
“I am deeply humbled and extremely honoured to be recognised for my contribution to the arts and the community more broadly. I see it as recognition that countless people working in and for our community, day in and day out. It meant a lot to me,” she shares.
“In Australia, the arts have a critical role to play in helping us tell our many unique stories and I encourage everyone to seek out and support local arts organisations.”
The latest research news from Charles Sturt University
Global grant from PepsiCo and AgMission secured to fast-track climate-smart agriculture
Charles Sturt University’s Cool Soil Initiative has secured close to AU$2.1 million to spearhead research into sustainable agriculture and expand the initiative into new regions and commodities.
PepsiCo and AgMission, a global initiative co-founded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO), have partnered to unlock agriculture’s potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, awarding three grants to researchers in Australia, Mexico and Canada.
The total combined investment of US$6.7 million will support evidence-based research on the effectiveness of climate-smart agriculture practices that incorporate regenerative agriculture principles.
A grant of US$748,394 was awarded to Charles Sturt by AgMission, generously matched by PepsiCo and supplemented by the University.
The total investment of US$3,783,598 is set to significantly benefit Australia’s grain industry through enacting climate-smart agricultural practices.
The research initiative builds upon the foundation laid by the Cool Soil Initiative since its inception in 2018, collaborating with farmers to reduce GHG emissions and improve soil health through a scientifically credible and globally recognised framework.
AgriSciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) Executive Director, Nick Pagett, said the research was indicative of Charles Sturt’s commitment to driving innovation in agriculture.
“It’s not just about driving innovation, but also demonstrates our value in working with partners to find solutions to the challenges posed by climate change,” Mr Pagett said.
Human hair transformed into
Research Fellow at the Rural Health and Research Institute Dr Amandeep Singh Pannu, working with Professor Muhammad J A Shiddiky, has discovered how to turn human hair into graphite for lithium-ion batteries.
“There is an ever-rising demand for more energy production, and countries are trying to switch to renewable sources,” Dr Singh said. “However, to make that switch, one needs sustainable ways to store such energy; hence, there is an urgent need to sustainably manufacture high-energy density storage materials. Graphite is a key material used as a negative terminal for lithium-ion batteries, and its production is concentrated in a few countries, causing the material to suffer from supply chain and geo-political issues which affect the whole energy storage industry downstream.”
Dr Singh added that producing graphite sustainably from waste on demand and locally in Australia will hugely benefit our national energy sector. Additionally, as the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles increases, the need for lithium-ion batteries follows. However, Dr Singh said that producing graphite in these batteries can pollute and requires harsh chemicals, such as hydrofluoric acid (HF).
“One eco-friendly, carbon-rich source that is abundant and readily available everywhere is human hair,” he said.
“It’s an incredibly clean source throughout the process, with minimal pollutants or negative outputs.”
Sustainable Salons, a for-purpose organisation dedicated to diverting salon waste from landfills, collects hair clippings from salons and pet groomers across Australia and New Zealand.
Since 2020, Sustainable Salons Co-Founder, Paul Frasca, has been supplying hair clippings for Dr Singh to conduct his research.
“We envision a future where hair transcends its conventional status as waste and emerges as a sustainable resource of immense potential,”
Paul Frasca said.
“What sets hair apart is that it is an infinite resource—hair is constantly growing!”
Dale Nimmo, Professor of Ecology and fire ecology expert, named 2024 Australian Ecology Research Award winner
Professor Nimmo leads the Conservation in Human Landscape lab at the Gulbali Institute and has contributed innovative research on Australian mega-fires and conserving Australia’s biodiversity.
“Being nominated for this award is very humbling. It demonstrates the supportive culture among Australia’s ecological community. Recognising and celebrating the efforts of our peers is vital in our field and I am honoured to be the recipient this year.”
Edwin Song’s career journey is nothing short of remarkable - after 27 years in corporate management roles across Shanghai and Hong Kong, he returned to Singapore with a mission: to liberalise data for human good.
At the age of 50, Edwin stepped out of his comfort zone to become a tech start-up entrepreneur, turning his lifetime dream into a reality. The transition was not without challenges.
“Facing rejection from potential investors, clients, or partners was a common challenge,” he shares.
“I learned to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Each rejection and setback provided valuable lessons that contributed to growth and improvement.”
Looking back, Edwin credits his time studying Bachelor of Business (Marketing) at Charles Sturt’s Albury campus as a foundational period in his life. His favourite memories include the kindness of Ron, his 70-year-old homestay landlord who treated him like family, and meeting his now-wife, who was a fellow student from Hong Kong. The scholarships he received — the Australian Institute of Management and Border Mail scholarships — further fuelled his ambition and reinforced his determination to make a difference.
Today, Edwin is the founder of Moodie.ai, an AI-powered SaaS (Software as a Service) platform designed to revolutionise communication training. This groundbreaking tool mimics human coaching by analysing verbal and non-verbal cues, offering automated feedback in multiple languages. With applications ranging from public speaking to job interviews, Moodie.ai is reshaping how
students and professionals improve their communication skills.
This dedication has earned Moodie.ai widespread recognition, with twenty industry awards across Singapore and Hong Kong in just two years. Most recently, Edwin’s investor pitch on Channel News Asia’s reality show The Big Spark showcased his start-up as one of the top 15 in the competition. As Moodie.ai expands into new markets, including mainland China and Indonesia in 2024, its potential to transform the education and corporate sectors grows exponentially.
Edwin’s journey has been guided by his mission to use data for meaningful social purposes, bolstered by the support of entrepreneurial networks in Singapore and Hong Kong. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
“Stay resilient in the face of setbacks, believe in your vision, and be willing to adapt to changing circumstances.”
“I learned to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Each rejection and setback provided valuable lessons that contributed to growth and improvement.”
Edwin
Bachelor of Business (Marketing), 1995.
We have been fortunate to visit our alumni around the world, strengthening our global connections and fostering a sense of community across borders. A chance for alumni to reconnect with old friends while also making new ones!
With characteristic determination, Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate, Dr Grace Tan, has overcome significant obstacles on her path to entrepreneurial success.
“My life motto is: ‘Never give up; no pain, no gain’. You must believe in your abilities and overcome fear to make a difference in the world,” Grace says.
Grace completed her MBA in 2001 at HELP University in Malaysia and Charles Sturt’s Wagga Wagga campus. Throughout her diverse career, she has worked in banking, marketing, human resources, business consultancy, corporate training and translation. She built an impressive 23-year career as a professional trainer, delivering innovative training programs to over 20,000 employees across 38 countries and numerous industries.
“I love training; it enables me to inspire trainees to persist in chasing their career dreams.”
A certified translator, court interpreter and meeting and conference interpreter based in Malaysia, Grace founded Gemini Translation and Training Services in 2017. As CEO, she has led the professional translation, interpretation and training company to year-on-year growth with referrals from happy customers. Her ever-expanding team provides services in 22 languages, including interpreting at many United Nations and international conferences.
Grace has been included on Britishpedia’s Successful People in Malaysia list every year since 2018. But three years into her entrepreneurial success story, her life was forever changed when a fall in June 2020 rendered her bedridden for two years. Undergoing extensive physiotherapy, she slowly recovered her ability to walk. Despite being left with permanent injuries and enduring tinnitus, she returned to work at Gemini in June 2022.
“With determination and persistence, I believe I can overcome obstacles –and in doing so, inspire others and impact many lives.”
Grace, who recently added a PhD from the University of Malaya-Wales to her résumé, recalls her time in Australia and at Charles Sturt fondly.
“My Charles Sturt studies have shaped my career and achievements. I gained valuable knowledge and enhanced my soft skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving – all essential for my career advancement and effective collaboration,” she says.
“The MBA helped me develop a strong work ethic and grow my network, opening doors for collaboration.”
Chris honoured as one
Chris Colter, a Blue Mountains native, graduated from Charles Sturt's School of Information and Communication Studies in 2010 with degrees in Communication and Marketing, completing his honours in 2011. His award-winning career includes accolades such as the Global Cannes Young Lions, B&T 30under30, and Campaign Asia’s Young Achiever.
Currently the Managing Director (Media Strategy) at advertising agency Accenture Song, Chris’ latest accolade is one which acknowledges where his journey began.
“I feel very honoured and proud, and as a guy who grew up in a family where university was a pipe dream, this is a particularly special recognition,” Chris said.
“I would not be where I am today without my wife Claire who forced me to apply, my University and the many brilliant lecturers who believed in and coached me.
The ‘Five Decades of Advertising Graduates’ competition identifies an outstanding advertising graduate from each of the decades since. Candidates were scored across a set of criteria, including: Achievements, performance and client success; Number and quality of awards; Leading, advocating change, mentoring; and Application of knowledge and connections.
Part of Chris’ work to date has assisted some of Australia’s most prestigious brands to take the brave leaps necessary to impact their culture and growth, as well as leading some of the most famous campaigns in recent years such as Meat and Livestock Australia’s Spring Lamb, LEGO’s Star of Christmas, and Tourism Australia’s Aussie News Today and Dundee
Judges of the award noted Chris as a high achiever, creative, motivated and above all else, kind and willing to help.
It’s these qualities, coupled with his exceptional skills, which has led to Chris’ success, but if you ask him, he’d tell you he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for his time at Charles Sturt.
“I was lucky enough to receive two scholarships during my studies at Charles Sturt University – the 2010 CSUFT Scholarship by Radio 2BS and the 2009 CSUFT Scholarship sponsored by Dr Oliver and Mrs Heather Fiala, AM,” (pictured above), Chris said.
“I’m eternally grateful to those who granted me the scholarships because without them I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies.
“I actually still have the photo from the scholarship ceremony proudly hung on my lounge room wall, so not a week goes by where I’m not reminded of their generosity, and I will never take it for granted.”
“I’m eternally grateful to those who granted me the scholarships because without them I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies.”
Chris Colter Bachelor of Arts (Communication - Advertising)/Bachelor of Business (Marketing), 2011. Bachelor of Arts (Communication) (Honours), 2011.
Chris reiterated that his time at university changed the trajectory of his life, leading to the career of his dreams.
“I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in or have the lifelong friends I have it wasn’t for my time at Charles Sturt,” he said.
“Growing up in a small regional town in a family environment where further education felt so out of reach, I couldn’t be prouder to not only have completed my degree but to now be accepting such an incredible award like this.”
Annette Ruhotas AM has always been driven to mobilise humanity for the betterment of society.
“I believe that each individual, no matter how small or big their act, can make a positive change in the world if that’s their intention,” Annette explains.
Annette began her career as a civil engineer with Lendlease as a site and project engineer and was instantly drawn to the company’s socially minded ethos. A secondment as Community Development Manager at not-for-profit The Hornery Institute, established by former Lendlease Chair Stuart Hornery, proved pivotal.
“Stuart was all about making our built environment better for the people that live, work and play there. The experience showed me how corporates, if they have the will, can invest in people and communities and make a genuine difference.”
In 2010, Annette moved to the UK as Chief Executive of BeOnsite, Lendlease’s award-winning not-for-profit helping disadvantaged people access training and employment in property and construction. During this time, she completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary Science) online through Charles Sturt. While she didn’t pursue a career in teaching, what she learned still resonates.
“I was drawn to the idea of inspiring young people to have robust curiosity about all things scientific; to help them
to think in logical ways, like an engineer would, around problem-solving and fact-seeking,” she recalls.
“The flexibility and practicality of the course was fantastic, and the content still informs the work I do today.”
Annette returned to Australia in 2012, excelling as Social Sustainability Manager for Lendlease's Barangaroo project and later as General Manager, Social Sustainability and The Lendlease Foundation Australia/NZ. In 2017, she founded Be the Change, an ESG advisory practice, helping organisations with social strategies, Reconciliation Action Plans, Modern Slavery statements, and expert coaching.
Growing her business while raising young children, Annette’s first taste of governance came through Playgroup, serving as a director and chair on the NSW and national boards. Since then, she has brought her insight and expertise to several corporate and not-for-profit boards including One Door Mental Health, The Reconnect Project and Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises. She is also an adjunct to the celebrated Women on Boards mentoring program accelerating women into ASX board roles.
But her most cherished role is that she holds with Australian Red Cross. Last year, Annette was proudly elected as
the organisation’s Deputy President –the culmination of more than 30 years of dedication to its mission.
“Red Cross has a special role in Australian society and all around the world. Our fundamental principles of neutrality and independence allow us to rise above any conflict, opening doors where others can’t go to deliver help where it’s needed most. It’s a phenomenal organisation that will always be part of what I do.”
Annette was recently made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition for the vast impact of her for-purpose and governance roles. She sees board work as a privileged opportunity to influence positive social change, setting a tone that ripples down through organisations into wider society.
“Boards and leadership have an enormous responsibility to ensure organisations act ethically and morally, and without causing irremediable harm,” she says.
“But more than that, organisations can generate good. Boards play a crucial role in creating a communityminded culture where staff want to work together to make a positive societal difference – on a much greater scale than individuals tinkering away in the local community.”
“I believe that each individual, no matter how small or big their act, can make a positive change in the world if that’s their intention”.
Annette Ruhotas Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary Science), 2014.
Graduates from Charles Sturt’s Master of Business degree are now driving the next generation of women in business in Cambodia.
Through their Women Bright Program, they are ensuring that Cambodian women are equipped with the necessary confidence, skills and resources to adequately succeed in their academic pursuits, from a young age.
The program was first established in 2018 by the Charles Sturt University – Alumni Cambodia Association (CSU-ACA), who through a series of workshops and seminars, prepare young Cambodian women for a brighter educational future.
Focussed on ‘shaping skills and careers to empower women as the driving force of the economy’, the program helps them to set career goals, overcome obstacles and develop their talent. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and build on both hard and soft skills to enable them to achieve professional success in the future.
The Women Bright Program hopes to inspire women through personal growth and provide them with the tools to succeed so that they too, can contribute to the broader socioeconomic growth of Cambodia.
Program Director Leng Somaly believes that, “Empowering young women through the expertise of our Cambodian Alumni is not just about celebrating their past academic achievements- it’s about investing in future potential, giving back to the community and mentoring a new generation of change-makers. Together, we can create a network of women who uplift, inspire, and lead with confidence.”
The Women Bright Program has collaborated with many local organisations, including the Chamber of Professionals and Micro-Enterprise and
the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA), to deliver these workshops and seminars to more than 4,300 students since 2018. More than a dozen workshops have been held since its inception, with seminar themes such as ‘Strive for the Future’, ‘Women’s Value – Women Empower Women’, and ‘Family is Wealthier When Women Also Have a Job’.
As a fundamental part of the program, twenty-three university scholarships have been granted to Cambodian and overseas students. Without association and network members, local philanthropists, and company partnerships such as New Link Marketing, program resources and funding for the events would not be possible.
The CSU-ACA is a wonderfully active, not-for-profit, Alumni run organisation
formed in 2016. With a focus on strengthening relationships through charitable and community-oriented events, the association currently has 658 members and works continually to improve the value that Charles Sturt’s Cambodian Alumni have on the community around them. Annual gatherings between Cambodian Alumni and current students strengthen this connection and lay the foundation for a larger Alumni organisation when those students graduate from Charles Sturt.
Notably, His Excellency Keat Chhon, who holds an Honorary Doctorate from Charles Sturt University, has spent significant time ensuring support for the program and building cooperative and fruitful relationships. As the first person to introduce Charles Sturt University to Cambodia and as the founder of the CSU-ACA, the association’s development and growth has been one of great pride for him. He remains the association’s Honorary President. Similarly, the dedication shown by the CSU-ACA President, Oknha Sorn Sokna, will leave a lasting legacy for all Alumni who follow. As one of Cambodia’s most respected and leading businessmen, Oknha Sorn Sokna continues to build on the strong relationship between Charles Sturt and Cambodia, proudly leading the CSU-
ACA through its many humanitarian initiatives including The Women Bright Program and other programs such as Talent Development and Our Environment, Our Life.
Being a part of the Cambodia Alumni network enables those in the association to learn together, share expertise and work collectively to build stronger professional talent networks within Cambodia. Alumni in Cambodia hope to inspire future Cambodian students who may seek to follow in the footsteps of the many successful and generous alum who came before them. The association provides a valuable connection between Charles Sturt University in Australia, our Cambodian Alumni, local businesses and the community.
Charles Sturt University’s Director of Advancement said, “The university is incredibly proud of the work that our Cambodian Alumni do to create a difference in the lives of Cambodian women through the Women Bright Program. Organisations such as the CSU–ACA are a catalyst for change in their communities, donating valuable time and resources to ensure that their personal education and achievements positively impact and enrich the lives of others.”
“Empowering young women through the expertise of our Cambodian Alumni is ... about investing in future potential, giving back to the community and mentoring a new generation of change-makers.”
Leng Somaly Master of Business Administration, 2008.
A fantastic week was had in Wagga leading the Charles Sturt University Agriculture Teachers Professional Development conference with the campus hosting 110 agriculture and primary industries teachers from 75 schools across New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
A jam-packed program of keynote sessions, practical workshops, tours, AgTech demos and networking and plenty of delicious regional produce.
A key theme across the conference was, “Agriculture is not purely boots in the dirt - it’s technology, breeding, robotics, agronomy, consultancy, soil science, marketing and so much more. There is such a diverse range of careers in agriculture and we need to work together to inspire the next gen into the agriculture sector”.
The secondary and tertiary agriculture education sector joined together with industry partners to share common challenges and insights with the goal to collaborate moving forward, and to inspire and mentor future generations of the agricultural workforce.
Charles Sturt University is heading to Melbourne in 2025!
Initially the campus will offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate business, accounting and IT courses for international students – with our first cohort to commence in 2025.
Located in Australia’s most liveable city, on Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD, our new campus will be located in a modern teaching and learning space with excellent transport linkages, enabling students to easily access and navigate the city for their study day.
Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor, Professor Renée Leon, said students studying at our Melbourne campus will benefit from the same sector-leading outcomes our regional students enjoy, including nation-leading graduate employment rates and starting salaries.
“We are very carefully seeking to rebuild international student load, with added emphasis on our regional campuses and rejuvenation of our capital city presence,” Professor Leon said.
Building on the successful first intake of students at Charles Sturt University Sydney this year, the Melbourne campus will also operate in partnership with global education company Navitas.
Navitas Group CEO, Scott Jones, said not only do our two proud Australian organisations share the common purpose of transforming lives through education, we also share the same values, and recognise our important role in empowering people with the ability and belief to positively impact their own world and the world around them.”
With established education agreements in India and Bangladesh, Charles Sturt University continues to diversify and grow its student pathways into Australia.
During a recent visit to India, Charles Sturt representatives visited partner institutions to formally sign dual-degree agreements that allow students to divide their studies between the university in their home country and Charles Sturt. Upon completion of both the in-country and Australian phases of the course, students receive a degree from both universities.
Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor, Professor Renée Leon, said the dual-degree arrangements - which are proposed to be exempt from international student caps - demonstrate the value of international education opportunities to students, universities and nations.
“Agreements like these and, more broadly, welcoming international students to Australia, are important for maintaining Australia’s international relationships and economic prosperity," Professor Leon said.
“For Charles Sturt, whose network of regional campuses will always be its primary focus, the ability to deliver courses to regional students and generate regionally focussed research is underpinned by a strong cohort of international students.”
We have continued partnerships with the following universities:
• Jaypee Institute of Information Technology
• Yenepoya University
• Parul University
• Lovely Professional University
• Varendra University
• Nitte University
On Thursday, 10 October 2024, the Charles Sturt University Foundation hosted its annual Legacy Society Luncheon at the Wagga Wagga Charles Sturt Convention Centre. The event welcomed thirty-six guests, including friends of the Foundation, donors, and staff.
The annual Legacy Society Luncheon serves as an occasion to induct and celebrate both new and existing Legacy Society members. Donors who have been actively involved with the Foundation for many years attended, along with individuals interested in learning more about the University’s bequest program.
“Our Legacy Society allows the Foundation the opportunity to formally recognise the generous commitment of our donors. Bringing students together with our Legacy donors is a powerful way to show the impact their gift will bring,” said Sarah Ansell, CEO of the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Renée Leon, acknowledged previous bequestors whilst welcoming six new members who joined the Legacy Society in 2024.
Student guest speaker Ms Braeleigh Newton, a second-year Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management student and the 2024 Legacy recipient of the Carole and Stan Droder Scholarship shared her experience growing up on a beef farm and the financial hardships she faces in attending university away from home. Her story highlighted the direct impact of scholarships on students’ success in their educational journeys.
Guest speaker Professor Cameron Clark, Deputy Director of the Gulbali Institute, highlighted key research areas in agricultural innovation, biosecurity, cultural connection, environmental stewardship, and food and beverage innovation.
Alumni giving circles enable those with shared values to unite and make a significant philanthropic impact collectively. When alumni pool their small donations into a larger gift, they create opportunities that can make a life-changing difference over time.
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.
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 (pictured above right), 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, following 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.
This year we have had the honour of connecting with many of our amazing alumni around Australia, check out some of the events you were at!
Please continue to check the alumni website and social channels as we add events, reunions and professional developments opportunities.
Gyan Yankovich Bachelor of Media Communication,
2012.
Voice memos, care packages, hours-long phone conversations, treasured traditions that go back decades, glasses held aloft during wedding toasts, hands held at funerals, first cuddles with newborns, lunches with work wives, taking it to the group chat – our friendships touch and enrich every part of our lives. But how often do we stop to consider them deeply?
Just Friends explores modern friendship – what it means to be, to make and, sometimes, to lose a friend. It is a celebration of friendship, shining a light on the many different forms they can take and the comfort they provide, whether they exist within the workplace, emerge in motherhood, are uncovered inside our neighbourhoods or become our chosen family.
Just Friends is an ode to the people that shape us. It is a book to devour on the beach or with a book club, a book to return to again and again, and, most importantly, a book to press into the hands of the friends you love the most.
Jan Westerink
Master of Arts (Interpretive Writing), 2011, PhD, 2017.
Convicts making a start in a new land...
Based on historical documents, Starting Over is the story of William Guest and Martha Gregory, separately convicted of theft and sentenced to transportation to Hobart Town in 1843, where they later married. The novel charts their love story and journey from Van Diemen’s Land to New South Wales, where they struck it rich as miners and innkeepers.
A dramatic and moving account of the convict experience in colonial Australia.
Charlotte Wood
BA Communication (Journalism/Org Communication), 1993.
A woman abandons her city life and marriage to return to the place of her childhood, holing up in a small religious community hidden away on the stark plains of the Monaro. She does not believe in God, doesn't know what prayer is, and finds herself living this strange, reclusive life almost by accident. As she gradually adjusts to the rhythms of monastic life, she finds herself turning again and again to thoughts of her mother, whose early death she can't forget.
Disquiet interrupts this secluded life with three visitations. First comes a terrible mouse plague, each day signalling a new battle against the rising infestation. Second is the return of the skeletal remains of a sister who left the community decades before to minister to deprived women in Thailand - then disappeared, presumed murdered. Finally, a troubling visitor to the monastery pulls the narrator further back into her past. With each of these disturbing arrivals, the woman faces some deep questions. Can a person be truly good? What is forgiveness? Is loss of hope a moral failure? And can the business of grief ever really be finished?
Living Hot
Surviving and Thriving on a Heating Planet
Clive Hamilton and George Wilkenfeld
Living Hot tells the blunt truth about our current climate change predicament: it’s time to get cracking on making Australia resilient to intensifying climate extremes. If we prepare well, we can give ourselves a fighting chance to preserve some of the best of what we have, build stronger and fairer communities, find a path through the escalating pressures of a warming world – and even find new ways to flourish.
To get there, we must leave behind both the doomism and the wishful thinking currently holding us back. In Living Hot, highly respected Charles Sturt academic Clive Hamilton and policy consultant George Wilkenfeld shift the emphasis away from reducing carbon emissions and on to making Australia resilient, outlining a vision for an all-embracing and on-going program of investment and social change to protect ourselves from the ravages of a changing climate.
Living Hot is a sober assessment of the challenges we face, and a farsighted road map for what we must do next if we want to survive and even thrive on our heating planet.
Chris Hammer
Bachelor of Arts Communication (Journalism), 1985.
Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet.
A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell soon contend with cowboy lawyers, conmen, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it's when Nell discovers the victim is a close-blooded relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance.
What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell's mother doing there, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest?
The Valley features a page-turning plot, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place — where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands, Treasure & Dirt, The Tilt and The Seven, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller.
Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing, Jennifer Deger, Alder Keleman Saxena, and Feifei Zhou
Nature has gone feral. How shall we re-attune ourselves to the new nature? A field guide can help.
Field guides teach us how to notice, identify, name, and so better appreciate more-than-human worlds. They hone our powers of observation and teach us to see the world anew. Field Guide to the Patchy Anthropocene leads readers through a series of sites, observations, thought experiments, and genre-stretching descriptive practices to take stock of our current planetary crisis. Foregrounding nonhumans as world-changing historical actors, this book looks to nurture a revitalized natural history to address the profound challenges of our times.
This field guide shifts attention away from knowledgeextractive practices of globalisation to encourage skilled observers of many stripes to pursue their commitments to place, social justice, and multispecies community. It is through attention to the beings, places, ecologies, and histories of the Anthropocene that we can reignite curiosity, wonder, and care for our damaged planet.
Charles Sturt University officially launched our new cutting-edge Communication Precinct, where our students are at the heart of a world-class learning experience.
With the largest TV and production studio in regional NSW, industry-standard podcast and editing suites, and real-world communication workspaces, our students are gaining hands-on skills to excel in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Developed in partnership with industry leaders, this multi-million-dollar facility is a game-changer and will launch the next generation of communication and media professionals into a dynamic career.
The Precinct boasts six key areas, including:
• Strategic Communication and Newsroom Production spaces
• Podcast studios
• Editing suites
• Media Production Studio
• 2MCE Community Radio and NRN
• Equipment Stores and Specialist Support.
Beth Montgomery Heath spent her life working for social justice and equal opportunity, fiercely advocating for society’s most vulnerable.
Born in 1935, Beth, 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, 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 to pursue a path where she could follow in Beth’s footsteps amidst the financial pressures of raising her own young family.
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.
If you’re interested in giving back, there are many opportunities and we would love to hear from you. Check out our Alumni Give program at alumni.csu.edu.au/alumni-give
“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”.
Juliana
Heath Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying), 2022
