Posted: 14 April 2008
The highly regarded Rotary Murray-Darling School of Freshwater Research will operate for its 13th consecutive year from today (Monday 14th) to Saturday 19th April 2008. Fifty, predominantly Year 11 students, living in or near the Murray-Darling Basin will converge on Albury/Wodonga to increase the students’ understanding and appreciation of freshwater ecology. The School has attracted students from secondary schools in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and Queensland. Approximately 485 students have participated in the School since its inception in 1996. Professor Terry Hillman, former Director of the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) and now Adjunct Professor at the Department of Environmental Management & Ecology at La Trobe University, will officially open the School at a ceremony to be conducted in the Cultural Centre, The Scots School commencing at 4:45pm this afternoon.
Details:
When: Monday 14th to Saturday 19th April 2008
Event: 13th Rotary Murray-Darling School of Freshwater Research
Who: 50 Year 11 students from the ACT, NSW, VIC, QLD and SA
Location: The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Wonga Wetlands, Norske Skog, La Trobe University, Charles Sturt University and The Scots School.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Albury and the NSW Environmental Trust, the School is coordinated by scientists and mentors from the MDFRC, La Trobe University and Charles Sturt University – this event enables both Universities to showcase their environmental courses, and as can be seen by the number of sponsors for this event, the School crosses State boundaries easily. The students work in teams for five-days. One of the aims of the School is to introduce students to the process of scientific investigation and the role that research plays in living in a sustainable environment. By combining problem solving activities with intensive support and advice from staff from the MDFRC, the students gain a realistic and fun introduction to freshwater ecology, conservation and the environment.
Ms Sylvia Zukowski, Scientific Program Coordinator, said “to assist the students in their research, they will be lectured, demonstrated to, field tripped, advised and assisted by the mentors and staff.” Participants will work at a number of sites including the outdoor research site of the MDFRC, at Wonga Wetlands, near the River Murray, (which is operated by AlburyCity); Norske Skog in Albury; La Trobe University at Wodonga; and Charles Sturt University at Thurgoona. The concluding highlight of the five-day School is the presentation of their findings by each group to a meeting of scientists and Rotarians, further enhancing the students’ communication and teamwork skills. The participants also complete the School with a greater understanding of the role of scientists, their methods and the place of scientific research in Australian society.
Interviews and Photo Opportunities:
During the School, the Scientific Program Leader, Ms Sylvia Zukowski can be contacted via her Mobile on 0438 815 489. The best opportunity for filming or photo shoots with the students will be on Wednesday 16 April at 9:30am in the main car park at Wonga Wetlands. Wonga Wetlands is a five minute drive from the centre of Albury along the Riverina Highway (Howlong/Corowa Road). For any additional information please contact Sylvia.
2008 RMDSFR Media Release (168 KB)
