Publication (Media): Rotary Murray Darling School of Freshwater Research

Publication Type:	Media Release
Publication Name:	Rotary Murray Darling School of Freshwater Research

Reference Information

Copland, Mike (2002) Rotary Murray Darling School of Freshwater Research - Apr 10 2002, CRCFE, Canberra - Media Release.

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MEDIA RELEASE--FOR IMMEDIATE USE 10 April 2002

Rotary Murray Darling School of Freshwater Research

The seventh Rotary Murray-Darling School of Freshwater Research will be held from Sunday 14 to Friday 19 April 2002 in Albury. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Albury and Norske Skog, the School is staffed by scientists from The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) and Charles Sturt University (CSU).

In response to high demand, two schools will run concurrently: 26 participants in the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Program at MDFRC; and 23 in the Conservation and Environment Program at CSU.

The Freshwater Schools bring the best Year 11 and 12 students in the Murray-Darling Basin together with leading scientists to increase the students’ understanding and appreciation of freshwater ecology, the environment and conservation.

The students are presented with a problem at the start of the School, and work in teams for the week to solve the problem. By combining this problem solving approach with intensive support and advice, the students gain a realistic and fun introduction to freshwater science.

Follow-up surveys of past participants show that many students have chosen to study environmental science as a result of their positive experiences in the Schools.

Ms Sarie Los said that taking part in the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research School in Year 11 helped her choose her future career.

“Part of the camp was research and problem solving and I thought ‘this looks really interesting, I could do this as a job’,” Ms Los said.

After the Freshwater Research School, Ms Los changed her Year 12 subjects to include environmental science. This year, Ms Los won a Snowy Hydro scholarship and began a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental management and ecology.

The 49 participants in this year’s Freshwater Research Schools include students from as far away as Mt. Martha, Murray Bridge, Young, Tamworth, Castlemaine, Hopetoun, Rochester and Canberra.

To assist in their research, they are “lectured, demonstrated, field tripped, advised and assisted” by the staff. Participants will work in the laboratories at the MDFRC at Thurgoona and at local field sites. The participants in the Conservation and Environment Program will receive an overview of environmental issues. A concluding highlight of the 6-day school is the presentation by each group to a meeting of scientists and Rotarians, further enhancing the students’ communication and teamwork skills.

The participants complete the School with a heightened understanding of the role of scientists, their methods and the place of scientific research in our society.

Interviews and pictures

Mr Mike Copland (mobile: 0417 062 737) or Mr Brian Lord (Phone 02-6051 9846) will be available to the media from Monday 15 to Friday 19 April for interviews. Photo opportunities can be arranged.

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