Southern Cross University's Whale Studies

New research which investigates the migratory movements of humpback whales between Antarctica, the east coast of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and the west coast of Australia, has been presented to the International Whaling Commission.

The three reports were prepared by Southern Cross University’s Whale Research Centre using photo-identification catalogues of humpbacks from Hervey Bay, Ballina, New Zealand, Western Australia and Antarctica. The research involved collaboration with scientists from the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, The Centre for Whale Research, Western Australia, the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries, The International Fund for Animal Welfare and Greenpeace International.

You can find more details here.

Southern Cross University, Richmond Valley Council combine to support economic development

Southern Cross University has formed new links with the Richmond Valley Council to support and promote the economic development of the region.

The University and the Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 8 that will pave the way for joint projects in the areas of economic development, tourism and the environment. A ground breaking student internship scholarship is one of the proposals being discussed. Professor Paul Clark, Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor, said he looked forward to working closely with the Council.

"We have a strong commitment to the communities in our region and are delighted to formalise this arrangement with the Council,” Professor Clark said.

“We will now be looking at opportunities for research, and social, environment and economic development in the Richmond Valley.”

Southern Cross University has formalised arrangements with a number of councils throughout the Northern Rivers region and is working closely with councils in the Mid North Coast area.

Richmond Valley Council Mayor Cr Charlie Cox said the Council welcomed the opportunity to engage with and develop the relationship with Southern Cross University.

“The Memorandum of Understanding provides for Council and the University to work on a various initiatives that can assist with outcomes for the community,” Cr Cox said.

Southern Cross University - Bundjalung Nation Mapping

In December a new project was launched at Southern Cross University intended to give indigenous communities a greater say on how their traditional lands are managed and preserving the wisdom of Elders.

The new project is a joint venture between the University, the Bundjalung Nation Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Natural Resource Management Committee, Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, and Department of Environment and Conservation National Parks and Wildlife Division.

The project has seen the creation of a highly secured, user-friendly computer-based record keeping system through which communities can record and own their cultural knowledge. It is designed to be administered and controlled by indigenous communities, with important or significant information only able to be accessed by those persons delegated by the local Aboriginal community.

Communities can record oral, visual and written histories, photographs, films and any other kind of digital media about their cultural places and landscapes and file them on the database for the benefit of future generations.

“A few years ago I became extremely concerned that Indigenous cultural knowledge and traditions were not being recorded or passed on to the younger generation,” said Dr David Lloyd, senior lecturer in the School of Environmental Science and Management and cultural mapping project manager.

“It seemed this would be lost within a very short time if some real effort was not made to preserve it.“

After consultation with indigenous communities they decided to work cooperatively with us and use modern technology to record their ancient wisdom, heritage and cultural traditions.

“The first community we have worked closely with are the Aboriginal people of the Tweed-Byron region and we are now encouraging other communities to get involved.“