Southern Cross Matters

It was particularly pleasing to have the opportunity for an engaging and in depth conversation about our ambition as an institution, and how we are seeking to translate that into positive impact through our revolutionary work in education and our research. The work we are now undertaking on engaging with the many organisations operating from our Lismore campus, the NSW Government and the broader community in relation to a new master plan for our Lismore campus is consonant with this approach.

By actively seeking partnerships through which we build on complementary strengths, there is the potential to do so much more to a far higher standard than we might accomplish alone. Importantly, although this approach can clearly yield enormous benefits to the University, it is equally predicated on driving measurable benefit for the community around us, a result deeply resonant with our purpose.

There is a gathering momentum across the University to seek out opportunities to work in this way and with similar results and this is very well represented in the pages of this month’s edition of Southern Cross Matters. Whether in respect of the exciting work being funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care, our agenda in Circular Economy, the outstanding research being conducted into coastal ecosystems or our commitment to supporting events like the Gold Coast Marathon, the themes of partnership, impact and community benefit are very clear indeed.

I hope you very much enjoy this month’s edition, and welcome continued feedback about the kinds of things you would like to hear about and learn about in future editions.

“I’m very excited to be part of this successful research grant, which will allow the Birthing on Country movement in Australia to be further explored and integrated with culturally competent smoking cessation care,” said Dr Clarke, Australia’s first Aboriginal Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist.

Professor Gould said coupling the already successful iSISTAQUIT program with a long-term plan to facilitate safe Birthing on Country will create a holistic pre-natal health plan for Aboriginal women living remotely.

The grant includes placement opportunities for midwifery students and research opportunities. Two positions associated with the project have been recently advertised with details of placements to be announced soon.

Principal Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Extraordinary Professor at North-West University South Africa, Professor Linda Godfrey, gave the keynote address. Speaking on SCU Buzz podcast, Professor Godfrey said it was a privilege to share learnings between Australia and South Africa.

“We are facing very similar challenges in terms of not only our understanding of the circular economy but where we are with regards to waste management,” Professor Godfrey said.

“Australia still predominantly landfills most of its waste, as does South Africa. There was a lot of discussion around waste plastic and how we manage waste plastic at end of life. So that for me was exciting in that we can walk this journey together as countries.”

Southern Cross University has positioned itself as a leader in circular economy through the Recirculator program, an initiative which works to facilitate the adoption of circular economy principles among local industry in the Northern Rivers.

Chief Investigator of Recirculator, academic within the Faculty of Science and Engineering and speaker at the Impact Forum, Professor Dirk Erler, said on SCU Buzz that a circular economy is more than waste management.

“We are dealing with a global transition to a whole different economy. It's not just about recycling and changing waste. It's about how the country uses resources, how we value resources. It's fundamental change to society,” Professor Erler said.

Other speakers included representatives from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority, Circular Australia, Circonomy, Revolve Your World, Lismore City Council and more.

Southern Cross University Vice-President (Engagement) Ben Roche said the University is committed to championing thought leadership that is of local and global benefit.

“Ideas become powerful when combined with action. Our ‘Live Ideas’ initiative focuses on transforming ideas into impact through collaboration. A key part of this requires establishing a platform for connection and collaboration around common issues, such that our researchers join with industry and government to consider a joint response. The Impact Forum turned this ambition into reality and accelerated our work towards establishing the Northern Rivers as a leading regional circular economy,” said Mr Roche.

The Impact Forum was hosted by Live Ideas and funded through the Investment NSW Boosting Business Innovation Program. 

“It’s a great prestige to be able to publish in a high-impact (5-year impact factor is 32) journal such as Nature Climate Change. Submissions are highly competitive with a 13% acceptance rate. The journal only publishes the most significant and cutting-edge research findings related to causes and impacts of global climate change. We anticipate our research to be highly influential and gain international recognition for the regional and global coastal greenhouse gas (GHG) budgets," said Dr Rosentreter.

This international research project was initiated by the Global Carbon Project to establish greenhouse gas budgets of large regions covering the entire globe, and for which the contribution of these coastal ecosystems remained unaccounted for.

“Since 2020, I have been leading the coastal vegetation and estuaries group as part of the REgional Carbon Cycle Assessment and Processes (RECCAP2) initiative of the Global Carbon Project. Together with a team of 14 International researchers, we synthesised regional and global coastal greenhouse gas budgets to help develop a complete picture of the global carbon cycle and to support policy debate and action,” affirmed Dr Rosentreter. 

Why is this knowledge important?

If we understand how our coastal ecosystems take up or emit greenhouse gases, we can target the most crucial ecosystems for preservation or restoration.

That’s why many researchers are interested in blue carbon as a way to boost long-term carbon storage. By protecting and restoring mangroves and salt marshes in nations rich in blue carbon, such as Indonesia, we can expand their ability to take these gases back out of the atmosphere and ultimately store some of the carbon long-term in their sediments.

And by reducing nutrient overload, organic matter and wastewater flows into our coastal waterways, we can cut the greenhouse gases emitted by polluted estuaries.

We shouldn’t just see our coastal ecosystems as a boon to carbon credit markets. They have much more to offer, including many valuable ecosystem services. Our coasts protect our shorelines from severe weather and tides. They are a nursery for many fish and plants. And they’re vital to us as a place to be in nature.

Protecting our coasts is good for us, for nature and for the earth system as it plunges into the climate crisis.

Offered at all three campuses and online, the Bachelor of Counselling will welcome its first cohort in 2024. Ebi said she expects interest from both school leavers and mature age students looking for a career change and good employment prospects. Students will have access to the latest research and approaches, ready to hit the ground running with a practical experience component of 200 hours.

“There have been tremendous advances in the counselling field over the last 10 years. The new degree integrates mental health and wellness/strength-based models, encouraging and equipping counsellors to work with the whole person. The course aims to produce self-reflexive counsellors.

“I anticipate graduates will find employment in a variety of fields from schools and hospitals to specialised fields like corrections with parolees, bereavement counselling and domestic violence and family centres, among others.”

In addition to her teaching work, Ebi’s research focuses on counsellor education, person-centred approaches, youth mental health and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

Exercise Science lecturer and Professional Practice Lead Dr Jena Buchan will also be providing pre-race health advice on Friday 30 June, 10am-1pm, and Saturday 1 July, 1pm-3pm.

On race day, make sure to check in at the Southern Cross Recovery Hub, which is back for another year! Osteopathy students will be providing supervised treatments with exercise science students facilitating stretching and rolling. 

Dr Buchan will be supervising the exercise science student placements and said it is an invaluable experience.

“Not only do the students get to interact with peers from a range of other health degrees, but also gain experience educating and supporting the community in an area they are passionate about. I’m very excited to be on the ground guiding the students as they partake in this incredible weekend,” Dr Buchan said. 

Faculty of Health lecturer and osteopath Kristy Buist said leading the osteopathy students is incredibly fulfilling. 

“Guiding them as they assist in providing care and support to the marathon participants at the recovery hubs has shown me the immense benefits this opportunity brings the students. It offers them a chance to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, collaborate with other healthcare professionals and witness the positive impact of osteopathic treatment on athletes’ recovery,” Ms Buist said.

Even if you’re not competing, you can still cheer on Team SCU at the Southern Cross University 10km Run on Sunday 2 July from 6:30am. Southern Cross University Vice-President (Engagement) Ben Roche will fire the starter gun and Deputy Chancellor Murray d’Almeida will present the Southern Cross University 10km Run awards. 

Or if you want to get yourself a snazzy Team SCU singlet, register to join Team SCU here.