Seven graduating students were celebrated at Uni Hub Spencer Gulf’s Graduation and Sponsors Dinner held at Port Pirie’s Memorial Oval Function Centre on November 19.
Two 2020 Bachelor of Nursing students and five 2021 Bachelor of Nursing students were recognised for the completion of their degrees from CQUniversity.
Their certificates were presented by CQUniversity’s Professor Rob Brown, Associate Vice-President (WA) and Director for Regional Universities Centre. CQU’s Dean of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences Professor Moira Williamson, and Bachelor of Nursing Acting Head of Course Amy Byrne also attended via Zoom.
Uni Hub Spencer Gulf CEO Anita Crisp said after a false start last year due to the COVID lockdown across South Australia, it was pleasing to finally be able to celebrate the achievements of both the inaugural 2020 graduates, and those who had just completed their studies this year.
“We are so incredibly proud of our graduates. University study is not easy. It requires years of personal commitment and persistence and for most of our students, their study has been undertaken whilst also juggling work and families,” she said.
The seven graduating students are part of nearly 200 students Uni Hub supports across the Port Pirie and Port Augusta campuses, as part of the Copper Coast University Centre and a new, outreach service to Roxby Downs.
“The majority of students are enrolled with our partner universities studying qualifications in areas of local workforce demand – in business and accounting, engineering, education, nursing, health and social services; or they are undertaking a foundation or senior school university pathway program into these qualifications,” said Ms Crisp.
“The continued growth in student numbers and courses on offer not only proves that there is a strong demand for locally accessible and locally supported university study, but trust in the model Uni Hub is delivering for our community.”
Uni Hub board chair Brenton Vanstone said the Uni Hub was playing an increasingly significant role in schools promoting the local career opportunities available in our region and dispelling the myth that ‘there are no jobs in the country’ and the commonly held view that if you want a professional career
you have to move to the city.
“We know that isn’t true. There are more vacancies for professional and technical jobs in regional areas than capital cities,” he said.
“What’s more, compared to metropolitan students, regional university graduates are more likely to gain full time employment, have a higher starting salary and enjoy faster career progression.
“These are the benefits that our local graduates can now enjoy, without leaving their home town.”
Uni Hub Spencer Gulf’s 2020 graduates are:
Pamella Brown
Gabrielle Dunning
Uni Hub Spencer Gulf’s 2021 graduates are:
Carol Smith
Veronica Hague
Sandy Bugg
Melissa Dunlop
Leah Chester
