A special edition buzz from a BusinessNSW summit at Southern Cross University. Sophie Cruikshank, head of sustainability at Essential Energy, chats to Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Education Impact) Ben Roche about how to deal with change, from fundamental internal transformation to external pressures like COVID and the floods.
In this episode of SCU Buzz, Dr Owen Hogan chats with Lara Goode, SCU alumna and founder of Coastal Therapies, about her journey from new osteopath to thriving clinic owner. Lara shares the highs and lows of starting a business, including rebuilding after a flood, managing staff, and balancing work with motherhood. They also discuss the upcoming Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management, designed to help professionals - especially in allied health - gain the business skills needed to launch and grow their own ventures. Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management: https://www.scu.edu.au/study/courses/graduate-certificate-in-small-business-management-1008130/ The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
With the rise of smartphones and social media, bullying has evolved far beyond the schoolyard, creating additional challenges for school communities to protect young people. In this episode of the SCU Buzz podcast, Dr Vanessa Miller and Dr Tony Yeigh from Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Education explore the growing issue of cyberbullying and share their expert recommendations for addressing this national problem. Learn more about research in the Faculty of Education: https://www.scu.edu.au/education/research/ The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
It's no secret that Australians love coffee. We consume more than 6 billion cups of it each year. Yet less than 1% of this coffee is grown in Australia. Researchers from Southern Cross University, Dr Simon Williams, Dr Ben Liu and Professor Tobias Kretzschmar, speak on the SCU Buzz podcast about their research project that is looking to boost Aussie beans by developing a more suitable variety of coffee planet for the Australian climate, as well as a unique way to describe it. Learn more about Southern Cross University’s coffee research project: https://www.scu.edu.au/news/2023/its-coffee-time--who-ordered-the-fresh-bread-flat-white/#d.en.514489 This research is part of the Harvest to Health Research Impact Cluster: https://www.scu.edu.au/research/harvest-to-health/ The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
Southern Cross University’s Early Offer program is designed to make the process of applying for university as a Year 12 student easy and cost-free. Future Students Officers Jaci and Gabi explain what is and how to apply in this episode of the SCU Buzz podcast. Plus, student Sienna talks about her experience applying through the Early Offer program and receiving a generous scholarship. Apply now: https://www.scu.edu.au/study/high-school-students/entry-pathways/early-offer/ The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
How can businesses innovate and utilise artificial intelligence to stay ahead? And how is Southern Cross University's 2026 Bachelor of Business preparing students to meet industry demand? In this episode, Associate Professor John Haw sits down with Gold Coast Innovation Hub (GCIH) Founder and CEO Sharon Hunneybell and GCIH Workplace and Program Coordinator Josh Smith to discuss the new degree, the need for business 'all-rounders' and global study opportunities. 2026 Bachelor of Business: https://www.scu.edu.au/study/courses/bachelor-of-business-3007255/ Gold Coast Innovation Hub: https://www.gchub.com.au/ The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
In the lead-up to the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon, Southern Cross University held the webinar 'The Road to Success: Building Mental and Physical Endurance'. Speakers include: . Dr Chris Stevens, Chair of Discipline, Human Sciences and Rehabilitation - Faculty of Health . Dr Melanie Clarke, Post Doctoral Research Fellow - Faculty of Health . Dr Gabriel Fernandes, Senior Physiotherapist and Lecturer in Physiotherapy - Faculty of Health . Keegan Hipgrave, former NRL player and host of the 'Keegan & Company' podcast. This webinar discusses endurance training, overcoming mental blocks, training with an injury and much more. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
February and March 2022 saw close to 1,000 schools in the Northern Rivers region temporarily close, with some schools unable to return to their original locations. The disaster resulted in damaged infrastructure and educational materials, displaced families and impacted teachers. Southern Cross University researchers have launched the Floods + Me project to work with young people in gathering their experiences during and following the natural disaster and its impact on their schooling. Dr Simone Blom and Dr Liberty de Rivera speak on the SCU Buzz podcast about the research project and their upcoming education framework aimed at helping schools prepare for floods. Learn more: https://www.scu.edu.au/education/research/sustainability-environment-and-the-arts-in-education-seae-research-cluster/floods--me/ The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
A new scholarship program for Honours and PhD students will enable students to learn skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and solve problems for businesses in implementing circular economy principles. The AI-Powered Digital Transformation for the Smart Circular Economy Scholarships are available for students to study Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Innovation with Honours or a Doctor of Philosophy. Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO, Dr Aaron Thornton speaks with Co-Founders of CSENS.io, Oliver and Malcolm Robertson, and CEO and Founder of Revolve Your World, Luke McConell, on this episode of SCU Buzz. Learn more about the Honours scholarship here: https://www.scu.edu.au/scholarships/ai-smart-circular-economy-scholarship/ Learn more about the PhD scholarship here: https://www.scu.edu.au/graduate-school/scholarships/ The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
What ethical issues arise when we take a human-centred approach to the legal protections of animals? Ecologist, lawyer and lecturer in law at Southern Cross University Dr Meri Oakwood speaks on the SCU Buzz podcast about the complexities and morality of how the Australian legal system views wildlife and domestic animals and the steps needed to effect change. Please be advised this episode contains references to domestic violence and animal cruelty. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
Rivers, oceans and waterways are the lifeblood of our communities. So, what happens when the health of our water systems declines? Environmental chemist and award-winning academic, Professor Amanda Reichelt-Brushett speaks on the SCU Buzz podcast about her local and global research into river health and marine pollution. Learn more about studying science and environment at Southern Cross University: https://www.scu.edu.au/study/science-and-environment/ Learn more about environmental research: https://www.scu.edu.au/research/#d.en.479263 The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
Business trailblazer, philanthropist and advocate for women empowerment, Bonnie Boezeman AO, believes nurses should have equal opportunity to advance in their careers. Speaking on the SCU Buzz podcast, Bonnie shares insight into her entrepreneurial spirit and the creation of the Bonnie Boezeman AO Leadership in Nursing Scholarship, in partnership with Chief Executive Women and Southern Cross University.
Does the social media ban for children go too far, or not far enough? Under a controversial new law, which comes into force at the end of 2025, children under 16 will not be permitted to hold an account on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. Law lecturer Yvette Holt and Honours student Jayne Phillips discuss the ban, its consequences, and the issues social media poses for privacy and democracy. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
Commencing higher education can be an exciting time full of new experiences and challenges. To help you navigate university life and studies, Southern Cross University’s First Year Adviser Program offers tailored support for first year students. Manager of First Year Success, Dr Pete Muir, gives his advice on how to succeed during your first year of university. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
Despite having a prescription, Australians who use medicinal cannabis with THC cannot legally drive or risk a fine and loss of licence. Southern Cross University Dean of Law, Professor David Heilpern, is calling for reforms to road laws surrounding medicinal cannabis to ensure patients aren’t unfairly penalised for seeking treatment. Foundation Director of Southern Cross University's National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Professor Jon Wardle, outlines the national research underway into cannabis plants, its properties and health benefits. This musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
There is no need for a gap year when you can travel as part of your studies. Southern Cross Global Director, Global Engagement, Christine Martin explains how global experiences work and how students can apply. Bachelor of Science student Yasmeen talks about her year abroad in South Korea thanks to a New Colombo Plan scholarship. Learn more about global experiences: scu.edu.au/global-experience The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
Gumbaynggirr man and physiotherapist Joe Bryant talks to manager of the Indigenous Australian Student Services at Southern Cross University Anthony Olive about why it's important to have Indigenous practitioners in healthcare, as he shares some of his experiences in the field. Southern Cross will offer a Bachelor of Physiotherapy for the first time in 2025 at the Coffs Harbour campus. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
Student Kaz sits down with author Tim Baker at the 2024 Byron Writers Festival. Tim is an award-winning author and journalist and multimedia storyteller, specialising in surfing history and culture. In this episode, Kaz and Tim discuss his recent book, 'Patting the Shark', which details Tim's journey with cancer. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
Student Kaz sits down with author Rebecca Huntley at the 2024 Byron Writers Festival. Rebecca is a social trends researcher, with degrees in law, film studies and gender studies. They discuss her recently published book, 'Sassafras: A memoir of love, loss and MDMA therapy'. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.
Student Emily sits down with author Lynette Noni at the 2024 Byron Writers Festival. Lynette is an award-winning Young Adult and Fantasy author. Her works include 'The Prison Healer' series, 'The Medoran Chronicles' and the 'Whisper' duology. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.