Fluke Matcher uncovers a world of knowledge about whales
August 30, 2010
Southern Cross University has launched a powerful new software program that will enable researchers from around the world to collate humpback whale photographic catalogues and gain new understanding of the marine mammal’s biology, ecology and behaviour.
Fluke Matcher was developed by a team of researchers including Daniel Burns and Professor Peter Harrison, from Southern Cross University’s Marine Ecology Research Centre, and Dr Eric Kniest, from the University of Newcastle and was funded by the Australian Government.
Joshua lands the dream job bringing junior cricket to PNG
August 29, 2010
Joshua Mapstone is living the dream to which many young men aspire – getting a great education and leaping into an early career opportunity that combines business with adventure and travel.
The Goonellabah-based Southern Cross University Bachelor of Business in Sport Tourism student has won a prestigious internship with the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program. The 12-month internship has taken him to Papua New Guinea to help establish junior cricket as a sport.
A weekend of celebrating diversity in Australia’s Green Cauldron
August 29, 2010
The UNITY festival and the Caldera Artfest may share the same weekend – and a common goal of celebrating the amazing diversity within Australia’s Green Cauldron – but organisers say that each provides an exceptional insight into the uniqueness and complexity of region.
The UNITY festival on 2 October at the Murwillumbah Showground is all about celebrating the dance, music, cuisine and culture of the Tweed’s diverse heritage.
Gus and Katie sniff out foxes
August 25, 2010
Two highly-trained English Springer Spaniels will be visiting the Northern Rivers Region next week as a trial to locate fox dens in Arakwal National Park, near Byron Bay, and Broadwater National Park, north of Evans Head.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said that the dogs can be trained to search for pests such as foxes, cane toads, rabbits and cats.
Koalas in ‘real jeopardy’ on the Tweed Coast
August 18, 2010
The Tweed Coast Koala Advisory Group met for the first time last week and was presented with alarming results from a scientific study of local koala populations.
The group was formed to guide the development of a comprehensive Koala Plan of Management (CKPoM) to address growing concerns in the community and Tweed Shire Council about dwindling koala numbers.
New group will co-ordinate shorebird management
August 18, 2010
As migratory shorebirds make their way south towards our shores, a new group has been formed to co-ordinate shorebird management across the Northern Rivers Region.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said that the group hopes to improve shorebird management by sharing resources and ideas and developing effective regional strategies.
Volunteers sought for Unity Festival at Murwillumbah
August 18, 2010
This year’s UNITY Festival is celebrating diversity through global music, exotic dance, international food and market stalls and creative workshops on Saturday 2 October at the historical Murwillumbah Showground.
Over 80 volunteers are needed to roll out this exciting community event. Most jobs are required on the day of the event, with a smaller number of jobs required prior and post event.
Maclean flying-fox management strategy draft released
August 18, 2010
The draft Maclean Flying Fox Management Strategy has been released for public exhibition and the community is encouraged to comment on the draft Strategy.
Following a period of research, review and consultation with affected stakeholders, GeoLINK, on behalf of the Maclean Flying Fox Working Group, has completed a draft Maclean Flying-fox Management Strategy which includes actions to manage the impact of flying-foxes on the Maclean community.
Big yellow bird is back in the air
August 14, 2010
It was a proud day for everyone at Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter on Friday when LRH – the service’s second helicopter – was back in the air after undergoing extensive repairs following a landing-gear malfunction 18 months ago.
The aircraft’s body was repaired in Singapore, and then rebuilt at the Lismore Helibase. It was then flown to a specialist paint shop in Queensland to have a new coat of paint.
Environmentalist, league player win SCU Alumnus awards
August 8, 2010
A leading Lismore environmentalist, Gordon Fraser-Quick, has been named Southern Cross University’s 2010 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, while rugby league legend Steve Price has won the Young Alumnus of the Year award.
The awards, presented at a ceremony in Ballina on Friday evening, highlight the significant achievements Southern Cross University graduates are making in a diverse range of fields, both in Australia and internationally.
