CDU Open Day to highlight study pathways on offer

Territorians will get a taste of university life, the tertiary learning experience and explore the pathways to their lifelong passions at Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Open Day at the Casuarina Campus.

Hundreds of members of the local community are expected at the campus on Saturday August 19 to take part in CDU’s annual Casuarina Campus Open Day.

Student Ziyang Song is known by many in Darwin for her food truck business, Cro-Cold. 

Ms Song knows about finding her passion as she travelled down different career paths before discovering her love for food.

Ms Song studied media in China before moving to Australia to study commercial catering.  Now she is studying a Master of Accounting at CDU while operating her business.

“I want to live in Darwin long term.  It was difficult to find a job, so I started my own business,” Ms Song said.

“The trailer and equipment came from China, but the trailer needed alterations.  I have spent six months building the business, including re-designing the trailer myself.”

Cro-cold is a dessert business offering uniquely Asian iced desserts.

“It’s something not offered in Darwin, and I think there is a lot of opportunity,” she said.

Ms Song’s food truck Cro-Cold will be at Casuarina’s Open Day with visitors having the opportunity to sample Ms Song’s delightful desserts.

There will also be a chance for visitors to fly drones and a flight simulator, participate in trade simulators, and tour CDU’s cyber lab and aquaculture facilities just to name a few of the activities. There will also be entertainment, exhibitions, food vans, and displays.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said Casuarina Open Day was an opportunity for students to see the world-class offerings they have right at their doorstep.

“We are focused on the student experience at CDU, and Open Day gives us an opportunity to showcase to future students what it would be like to study at CDU,” Professor Bowman said.

“We not only have a variety of courses on offer here at CDU, but we also have a fabulous student culture that will be on show this Open Day.”

This year Open Day coincides with National Science Week, with a variety of scientific events on offer for visitors to participate in. 

Game On!  will feature local heroes in video game development, tabletop board games, esports, artists stalls and more, offering an opportunity to meet likeminded people and broadcast to the wider community the fun associated with trying something different.

Inspired NT Manager Sarah Sutcliffe said the arcade of gaming delights will only be a slice of what National Science Week events you can expect to see at Open Day.

"Bite of Science, proudly supported by Power and Water, is a brilliant bazaar of scientific curiosities, including everything from stargazing to the latest in medicine,” Ms Sutcliffe said.

“These events capture the spirit of curiosity and discovery that is at the heart of scientific exploration."

Power and Water Deputy CEO John Pease said Power and Water is proud to sponsor initiatives and events that promote and celebrate science, technology and innovation in the Territory.

“We use scientific exploration every day at Power and Water from our school STEM education program to our water specialists and engineers,” Mr Pease said.

“We are proud of our continued partnership with CDU to help grow local skills and capabilities for the next generation of STEM professionals, shaping the future of the Northern Territory.”

CDU’s Casuarina Campus Open Day is on from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 19 August at CDU’s Casuarina Campus. See the program for more information on what is on offer throughout the day.