In late November 2007, Girri Girri Academy Members travelled to Dubbo from Bathurst, Kelso, Cowra and Canobolas. Academy Members arrived at the Charles Sturt University campus mid-morning. CSU Dubbo Campus

Gary Shipp, Head of the Dubbo Campus and Director of the Centre for Indigenous Studies, welcomed the Members to the campus and shared stories with them about his life. http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/educat/cfis/index.htm

Academy members were given a guided tour of the campus residential units. The individual bedrooms, well appointed kitchens and welcoming lounge/dining rooms were explored with great interest. Even the bathrooms attracted attention!

Ray Eldridge, the Manager of the Indigenous Support Unit, together with Sharon Lane and Therese Reid, gave a brief overview of the type of special attention and assistance that is given to indigenous students studying at Charles Sturt University.John Nolan

An opportunity to taste the food on campus was given to Academy Members at lunchtime. Sarah, Josh and Jarrod from Cowra thought the outdoor tables and chairs provided a great place for eating lunch.

Bathurst Members, Jasmin, Denise, Gail, Edith, Keelan, Katon and Tye, thought the inside eating areas would be the best place to be in really hot weather.

Good reports on the food were given by Sandon, Natasha, Matt, Jack, Anthony, Haley, Keegan, Damon and Damien from Orange. Lunch at Uni

Before leaving the Dubbo campus of Charles Sturt University, Academy Members from Kelso, Vincent, Yvonne, Ronald and Carryn, helped John Nolan, the Community Consultant at the Centre for Indigenous Studies, to distribute sample bags which contained take away information about the University.

After lunch at Uni., all Academy Members hopped back on the bus and headed over to the Dubbo Zoo. At the Zoo Education Centre we talked about the types of workers that are employed at the Zoo. Not only are there animal keepers but there are also electricians, plumbers, builders, cleaners and vets. A whole range of workers are needed to keep the animals safe and well. We had the chance to meet some of the animals living at the Zoo before returning home. Blue tongue lizard Echidna
"I must remember this!"