• Charles Sturt University held the first graduation ceremony in the December 2022 graduation season in Dubbo on Monday 5 December
• Close to 70 graduates celebrated the completion of their courses with more than 220 friends and family
• Graduates received degrees across an array of disciplines offered at the University, including in nursing, social work and arts, education, paramedicine, business and more

Monday 5 December was an exceptional day with more than 250 people celebrating close to 70 graduates at the first Charles Sturt University Graduation Ceremony for the season, in Dubbo.

Graduates attended in full academic regalia with family and friends, basking in their educational achievements after persevering through the unprecedented period of a global pandemic and a slew of catastrophic weather events that swept the nation and beyond.

Out of the close to 70 graduates in attendance, degrees were awarded across an array of courses offered by the University, including from the Charles Sturt School of Social Work and Arts; the School of Education; the School of Indigenous Australian Studies; the School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering; the School of Business; and the School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon congratulated the graduates for their dedication and determination in achieving their goals during such challenging times.

“These graduates have endured an exceptional educational journey during one of the most difficult periods our world has ever seen,” Professor Leon said.

“Having to navigate the many hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with extreme weather events that have plagued communities is a testament to their strength of character, resilience, and ambition.

“Now they can embark on the world offering their communities vital skills built from a world-class education at a time when local towns need each other more than ever.”

Professor Leon noted the critical role the graduates will play in tackling the skills shortages facing Australia.

“Our nursing graduates will help fill essential roles at this time when our hospitals are in dire need of more staff,” Professor Leon said.

“Charles Sturt’s outstanding record in graduate employment – ranked first among all Australian universities for the last six years – means most of these graduates are already making positive impacts in their careers and communities.”

Charles Sturt Bachelor of Nursing Graduate Ms Lucy Darney from Wellington NSW said she was relieved and delighted to have graduated being the first in her family to attend university.

“When things became challenging, my friend Isobel kept me going,” Ms Darney said.

“We kept each other accountable setting deadlines for when we needed assessments to be finished and giving each other pep talks. All the while, the end goal of having a nursing registration was pretty exciting too.”

Ms Isobel Cahill from Narromine, also a graduate of the Charles Sturt Bachelor of Nursing, said it was her mother who inspired her to go into the profession.  

“I was working as a florist and knew it was time for a change, so mum organised a day of work experience for me at the Dubbo Base Hospital maternity unit and it was the most amazing day ever,” Ms Cahill said.

Another nursing graduate from Trangie, Ms Katherine O’Brien, said it was the shortage of healthcare services in rural areas that inspired her to pursue that career path.

“Growing up, I noticed there was a lack of health professionals such as those in rehabilitation and specialists and I decided I wanted to make a difference in rural health care,” Ms O’Brien said.

The Charles Sturt Dubbo Graduation Ceremony was held at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre at 2pm on Monday 5 December.

A long list of dignitaries attended to mark the occasion, including the Vice-Chancellor and senior executives from Charles Sturt University and others such as:

• Member for Parkes, The Honourable Mark Coulton MP
• Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Councillor Mathew Dickerson
• Mayor of Parkes Shire Council, Councillor Ken Keith
• Regional Education Commissioner, The Honourable Fiona Nash
• Chief Executive Officer of Dubbo Regional Council, Mr Murray Wood
• Mayor of Parkes Shire Council, Councillor Ken Keith
• Principal of Macquarie Anglican Grammar School (MAGS), Mr Craig Mansour

Professor Leon said the celebration marked the end of a triumphant year for Charles Sturt University in Dubbo.

“The Collaborative Teacher’s Aide Pathway, which was developed in Dubbo, has expanded into a national program, and the Dubbo-based School of Indigenous Australian Studies received national recognition for contributions to students’ learning. These are just a couple of highlights from 2022 that we look to build on in 2023,” Professor Leon said.

Charles Sturt Graduation ceremonies will continue to be held at a total of 10 locations during December, including at Charles Sturt in Melbourne on Monday 5 December, Bathurst on Thursday 8 December, Rosehill in Sydney also on Thursday 8 December, Parramatta on Friday 9 December, Olympic Park in Sydney on Saturday 10 December, Wagga Wagga on Monday 12 to Friday 16 December, Albury-Wodonga on Tuesday 13 December, Orange on Thursday 15 December and in Port Macquarie on Monday 19 to Tuesday 20 December.  

A total of 21 graduation ceremonies will be held across the Charles Sturt footprint in December celebrating approximately 2,200 graduates among more than 6,700 family and friends.

ENDS