SCU Buzz | The Southern Cross University podcast

How do new industries actually get built - and where are the next big opportunities in regional Australia? In this episode recorded live at Primex Field Days 2026, we explore how research, agriculture and industry collaboration are driving the future of farming, creating new markets, and unlocking high-value opportunities - from functional foods to the fast-growing hemp industry. Recorded in the N...

Training for a marathon comes with big questions: Am I doing enough? Too much? What should I eat? And how do I avoid injury? In this episode, a panel of Southern Cross University researchers and practitioners sit down with Olympian Courtney Atkinson to translate the science of endurance performance into practical, everyday advice. Covering everything from biomechanics and injury prevention to nutr...

Essential Stories: Creativity, Community, and Collective Identity was presented by Southern Cross University and NORPA. A sold-out discussion moderated by Professor David Heilpern that brought together national and local voices to explore how community storytelling and place-based cultural practices can support recovery, resilience and a renewed sense of collective identity. This discussion formed...

Rewilding the Stage: Agency and Responsibility in Feminine Creativity was presented by Southern Cross University and NORPA. This panel discussion explores female creativity in the production of NORPA’s performance, WILDSKIN. The panel analyses how themes of ‘rewilding’ were woven into the production, from choreography to set and costume design. The discussion is chaired by Southern Cross Universit...

In this powerful panel discussion, four distinguished alumni — Greg Young (CEO, Coast Entertainment Holdings), Marion Charlton (COO, Queensland Airports), Will Brook (CEO, Brookfarm), and moderator Georgina Holt (Director, Co-Creative Studios) — share candid insights into what it truly means to lead in 2025. From navigating crises like COVID and industry tragedies, to building resilient teams and...

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, d...

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 addressin...

 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...

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: h...

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...

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...

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 thei...

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...

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...

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 Universit...

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 Unive...

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 m...

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 pod...

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 Cent...

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...

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...

Student River sits down with author Isabelle Reinecke at the 2024 Byron Writers Festival. Isabelle is the Executive Director and Founder of Grata Fund, a not-for-profit organisation campaigning for human rights, climate action and democratic freedom. She is the author of 'Courting Power: Law, Democracy & The Public Interest in Australia'. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and pe...

Student River sits down with author Jodi Rogers at the 2024 Byron Writers Festival. Jodi is a sexologist, counsellor and special education teacher. She was also the relationship counsellor and TV series 'Love on the Spectrum'. She is the author of 'Unique: What autism can teach us about difference, connection and belonging'. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Ala...

Student Emily sits down with author Lili Wilkinson at the 2024 Byron Writers Festival. Lili is a young adult author who has published over 20 books, including 'A Hunger of Thorns', 'Deep is the Fen', and 'Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria'. The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.