Southern Cross University

05/06/2026

🌏🐟 This , we’re thinking about rivers, Sea Country... and the people who know them best.

Indigenous rangers have been caring for Country for generations. Now, new research is building on that knowledge, with a PhD opportunity to be part of it.

Led by Dr Maarten De Brauwer and co-funded by Minderoo Foundation and Southern Cross University, this project will see a PhD candidate working alongside Indigenous rangers using eDNA sampling across NSW estuaries.

It builds on earlier work that created the first biodiversity map of NSW estuaries using environmental DNA, detecting hundreds of species from just a bucket of water. It’s a powerful, cost-effective way to monitor ecosystems, especially after floods or fires.

Importantly, Indigenous rangers aren’t just involved - they’re leading the sampling.

There’s also another exciting PhD opportunity led by Professor Kirsten Benkendorff, in partnership with Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation and Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation. This project focuses on strengthening estuary management on Gumbaynggirr Sea Country, combining eDNA, underwater video and deep cultural knowledge.

📍 Interested? Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/4b83se53

📧 Or reach out: [email protected]



Pictured: Kait Harris (DPIRD), Maarten de Brauwer, Yaegl rangers Shaun Laurie and Amos Ferguson.

04/06/2026

Healing after climate disasters looks different for everyone.

That’s why Southern Cross University researchers are exploring a new approach that combines compassion, nature and creativity to support recovery from trauma, as well as emerging M**A-assisted treatment.

In this Research, explained profile, Associate Professor Janet Schloss shares the stepped model approach that has been shaped by the Northern Rivers experience, with potential impact far beyond.

👉Research, explained: https://tinyurl.com/2e8bpwjs

Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

04/06/2026

🎓 One graduation. Thousands of hours of research.

Among the Class of 2026 celebrated at Southern Cross University's Sydney graduation ceremonies were our newest PhD graduates, including Dr Tracy Tabvuma and Dr Isabelle Taye.

Dr Tabvuma's research explored ways to improve physical health outcomes for people living with mental illness, while Dr Taye investigated innovative naturopathic approaches to chronic pain management.

Congratulations to our newest doctors and all recent graduates, we can't wait to see what you do next! 👏🔬

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/msdjm9sa

03/06/2026

What does it take to teach?.. We kicked off Future Teachers Club with a biscuit, a toothpick, and an archeology question as clues.
With a toothpick as their only tool, high school students dug precious choc chips out of centuries of biscuit sediment. Rush it and damage a choc chip? The dig is over!
That's the Future Teachers Club - real curriculum concepts, hands on.
The next sessions are open now - get in touch! https://tinyurl.com/2s4ykptr
📍Coffs Harbour (1 July), 📍Lismore (23 July), 📍Gold Coast (28 July)
Know a Year 9 or 10 student who'd love this? Tag them or share this with their school.

03/06/2026

🐾How have animal rights evolved in law – and where are they headed next? ⚖️

Join us for our monthly - topical conversations on contemporary legal issues hosted by Professor David Heilpern.

🐶This month’s topic: ‘From Property to Personhood: The Legal Evolution of Animal Rights.’

📅 9 June | 🕐 1pm-2pm
📍Campus Grind, Lismore Campus

Free to attend – no need to book.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/apaf6xb4

02/06/2026

🌱 Who knew could take you around the world?!

Southern Cross University Bachelor of Science student Melita Ross is currently in Nanjing, China, representing Australia at the 5th International Soil Judging Contest.

Think of it as the Olympics of soil science, where students from around the world put their skills to the test by analysing and classifying soils in the field. 🌏

We're incredibly proud to see Melita representing Australia among the world's best emerging soil scientists. 👏

👀Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/3snz5fxv

02/06/2026

Your teen doesn’t have to figure university out alone.

Parents and carers of Years 11 and 12 students are invited to an information evening at Southern Cross University, designed to help you understand the pathways ahead and support your teen’s next step with confidence.

📅 Wednesday 10 June, 5pm-7pm
📍Northern Rivers campus

On the night, you’ll learn about:
✅ How to apply and our Early Offer (early entry) program
✅ Why students choose Southern Cross Uni, including our unique six‑week term model
✅ Scholarships, fees and understanding the cost of uni
✅ Student support, campus life and global study opportunities.

There’ll be plenty of time to ask questions — and leave with clear, practical information to help guide the conversations at home.

Register now: https://tinyurl.com/ybrz229d

02/06/2026

We're excited to join Caldera Environment Centre again this year to host the World Environment Day festival in Murwillumbah!
​
When: Sunday, 7th June | 10am – 3pm
Where: Murwillumbah Showgrounds
Entry: FREE!

​Powered by the SCU Sunflower Solar Trailer, our stage and grounds will be buzzing with activity including inspiring talks and live music.
​
Bring your own cup, bottle & cutlery – it's a waste-wise event!

02/06/2026

Sometimes trauma sounds like rain… or looks like a weather warning.

For people impacted by climate disasters, these everyday moments can bring everything back, even years later.

But many don’t speak up. In a culture that values resilience, people often feel they should just “push through”.

This article explores how Southern Cross University researchers are challenging that idea and the way we heal from the trauma, by exploring arts and nature-based compassion interventions as well as emerging M**A-assisted treatment.

👉 Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3ax8yyzp

👉 Research, explained: https://tinyurl.com/2e8bpwjs

Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

When catastrophic floods devastated Australia’s NSW Northern Rivers region in 2022, followed by landslides, the physical damage was undeniable.

02/06/2026

We were proud to support the Our Kids Winter Ball over the weekend 💙

An incredible night for an incredible cause, with more than $50,000 raised for life-saving paediatric equipment.

It means a lot to stand alongside our local community and support our health system — thank you to Our Kids and Northern NSW Local Health District for the important work you do.