Southern Cross Matters

Whilst these ceremonies represent, in some respects, an ending point to an important set of journeys of discovery and development, they also serve to remind us of how our university exists only in the context of the community of which it is a part and of the constant and ever renewing cycle of work in learning, teaching and research which defines the rhythm and purpose of our institution.

This month as you peruse the contents of Southern Cross Matters, you will catch fascinating glimpses of just some of the world changing research that our colleagues and talented research students undertake, and also a gain a sense of the momentum that is gathering around the development of our capabilities in the domain of veterinary medicine and technology. Both of these themes speak to the way that we are changing as a University, informed by our purpose and values, and delivering more impact for community and industry as well as wider choice for students. Our approach to education in the domain of Veterinary Medicine is genuinely revolutionary in the Australian context and something we can all be proud of and of course, tell others in our community about!

We are developing real momentum this year, even in the context of such extraordinary policy and political volatility bearing on Universities right around the world. I know how hard our teams have worked to generate and reinforce this momentum, and I express both my admiration and gratitude for the spirit in which this is all being done, and the results that are consequent upon it.

We continue to build a remarkable institution of which we and our community can be justifiably proud.

I hope you very much enjoy the pages that follow - and the journey that lies ahead of us all for the remainder of 2025.

Tyrone  

Led by Southern Cross University in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and local Indigenous ranger networks, researchers collected samples from more than 34 estuaries along 1,000 kilometres of coastline on 234 separate sites in both summer and winter. 

Lead investigator Dr Maarten De Brauwer said the data set paints a fascinating picture of the species living in and around NSW coastal tributaries, including birds, native mammals, plants, fish, sharks, and invasive pests.

“This data can show what is actually happening to our biodiversity in estuaries following disasters like floods and bushfires. This can inform management agencies, biosecurity responses and help the ranger network manage these complex and dynamic systems after major disasters to support species recovery,” he said.

View results here.

After four years completing her research at Southern Cross University, Marian reflects positively on her experience. 

“What truly distinguished my experience was the rare combination of academic rigour and genuine care for students,” she said.

“During challenging times, the university made sincere attempts to support student wellbeing.”

“Nothing quite like discussing ancient primate diets with mentors who understand both the academic significance and the personal toll of doctoral research,” Marian joked.

Katie Rose, another PhD graduate, focused her research on the realities of ageing in place in Australia.

Her mixed-method study explored the lived experiences of older Australians and revealed deep structural challenges in the home care system.

Katie credits her dedicated supervisors for making the journey deeply rewarding. 

“After moving from a large Sydney university to complete my honours, I was struck by how different the student experience was,” she said.

“I didn’t feel like just another number, I felt supported and encouraged.”

“That sense of support played a huge role in my decision to stay on for my PhD, and it continued throughout my postgraduate studies,” said Katie.

For Marian, Katie, and countless others, this graduation is the culmination of years of dedication, and a testament to the guidance and care provided by their academic mentors.

“The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology is a very interactive course, so we get a chance to know the students quite well. We’ve enjoyed teaching them so far,” Professor Cobbold said.

New veterinary clinical laboratories are under construction at U Block, forecast to be completed by the end of the year.

“We will have a clinical skills suite with models that students can practise procedures on, including full-size horses and cows, injection simulations and simulated spays on cats and dogs,” Professor Cobbold said.

Work-integrated learning is a core component of the suite of degrees, with professional placements embedded throughout the Veterinary Medicine program aiming to produce practice-ready graduates.

“A lot of existing programs are based on historical models of veterinary training that are very theory based with practical clinical training at the very end. We are trying to turn that on its head by introducing clinical practice and skills development very early,” he said.

“The key thing that differentiates us is our distributed model of clinical training. Rather than having an on-campus vet hospital, we are distributing our students out into real world practices. The students will be getting their core clinical training in a very authentic setting through people who are practising veterinarians.”

“The most exciting part is the opportunity to develop new courses to educate future veterinary technicians and veterinarians on animal behaviour and welfare – teaching them how to handle animals humanely, with low-stress and fear-free approaches,” Barbara said.

Barbara’s aim is to establish a strong research team for veterinary science at Southern Cross and supervise the next generation of animal health and welfare experts. 

“As veterinarians, we take an oath to enhance animal health and welfare, and I feel privileged to educate my future colleagues on what will be their mission. I hope to inspire them and equip them with the tools to protect the welfare of all animals – wild and domesticated – whether on farms, during transport, or at the end of life.”

Barbara’s research publications are available to view here.

Many employees, both on the academic and professional sides, choose to build their career path at Southern Cross. 

Associate Professor of Law and Research Associate of the Centre for Children and Young People Georgina Dimopoulos is one of them: 

“My academic career has flourished at Southern Cross. I credit this to a collegiate, supportive environment and ongoing opportunities to learn and grow in teaching, research and leadership,” Georgina said.

“I have found a ‘home’ for my research both within the Law discipline and as an associate of the Centre for Children and Young People. As a recipient of an ECR Fellowship through the Research Accelerator Scheme, I have benefited from research funding, training and mentoring.” 

Gill Matthews joined Southern Cross in 2021 as a Project Manager to lead the Digital Experience Project (DEP), an ambitious, transformational initiative spanning web, design, marketing, user and customer experience and automation. 

“It was a unique role that allowed me to work across teams and disciplines, drawing on my broad background while learning the nuances of the University, its systems, people and aspirations. This cross-functional exposure laid the foundation for what became a natural internal career pathway. As the project evolved, so did my opportunities. I was encouraged to step beyond the brief, contributing to strategic work in marketing and performance, and in 2023 I was appointed Senior Manager, Brand and Digital. 

“I'm now in a newly shaped leadership role as Director, Customer Experience, Marketing and Digital. I’m still learning, but proud to be trusted to help lead an incredibly talented team. It’s not about filling someone else’s shoes - it’s about walking your own path with the support and respect that makes growth possible,” said Gill.

Congratulations to all our team members furthering their careers through Southern Cross University!

“The Osiecki Family Foundation is proud to support the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine’s Giving Day campaign. We’re honoured to help create a lasting impact through this important initiative,” Michael Osiecki said.

Professor Jon Wardle, Foundation Director of NCNM, says these opportunities are vital: “Naturopathy can help so many people, but it is often unavailable for those who really need it most. This generous gift helps us take naturopathic medicine to communities that can receive the most benefit from it, that have historically been cut off from these services”

NCNM has also received a generous $25,000 donation in student scholarship funding from an anonymous donor. Provided over five years, this support will assist Indigenous students and those undertaking placements in Indigenous communities. The contribution will help create greater opportunities for students passionate about First Nations health and community-centred care.

Donate today and help NCNM build a future where holistic, person-centred care is at the heart of healthcare - NCNM Giving.

Can trees talk? Monica Gagliano co-leads new research revealing a forest-wide phenomenon where spruce trees not only respond to a solar eclipse but actively anticipate it by synchronising bioelectrical signals. The discovery generated national and international news media interest. Plus a video where Monica describes the natural event has been viewed around 6,200 times. Highlights: The Conversation (more than 52.8k reads); Cosmos magazine; AOL; Yahoo; Independent UK; ABC North Coast; Wood Central.

Coffee researchers Tobias Kretzschmar and Ben Liu featured in a SBS World News story about Australian coffee growers. Meanwhile David Heilpern weighed in on NSW Forestry Corporation’s logging of old growth forests for Nine Newspapers (SMH; The Age; Brisbane Times; WA Today) and The Guardian.

Alana Gall’s new research calling for the decolonisation of healthcare by including bush medicines in Australia’s mainstream healthcare generated significant interest, mostly across Indigenous news media nationally. More than 150 articles with an audience of more than 2m. Highlights: Koori Mail; National Indigeous Times; Koori Radio; National Indigenous Radio Service; 2SER radio; The West Australian; AAP; Daily Mail; 2GB radio.

Keep up to date at scu.edu.au/news where you will find the University’s media releases, feature articles, podcasts, videos and more.