A record 35 students graduated with Uni Hub Spencer Gulf partner universities in 2025, with the milestone recognised at a graduation celebration held at the Northern Festival Centre in Port Pirie earlier this month.
The event brought together graduates from across the region, their friends and family, along with representatives from partner universities, industries, council and government to formally recognise the commitment and perseverance required to complete university study while living and working in regional South Australia.
The graduates have completed a range of qualifications aligned with critical regional workforce needs. Degrees recognised on the night included nursing, education and social work, across undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Qualifications celebrated included:
Chief Executive Officer Anita Kuss said the graduation celebration recognised not only academic success, but also the determination and resilience shown by students throughout their study journey.
“Reaching graduation is a significant achievement and one that doesn’t happen by chance,” Ms Kuss said. “Our students often juggled study alongside work, family and community commitments, and the dedication required to see it through is something to be very proud of.”
Ms Kuss said the growing number of local graduates entering the workforce each year was delivering meaningful benefits for regional communities.
“These graduates are stepping into roles our region genuinely needs – in health, education and community services,” she said. “Each year, the impact grows as more locally trained professionals choose to build their careers in their own home town.”
She said many of the graduates recognised were the first in their family to complete a university degree, highlighting the impact of local access to higher education.
“It’s a strong reflection of what local, supported study options can achieve,” Ms Kuss said. “Removing barriers makes a real difference.”
Ms Kuss also acknowledged the ongoing support of its partner universities, whose representatives attended the celebration and assisted with presentations on the evening.
“Our university partners play a critical role in making local study possible,” Ms Kuss said.
“Their ongoing commitment ensures our students have access to quality degrees, academic support and a graduation experience that recognises the effort it takes to succeed while studying regionally.”
Uni Hub Spencer Gulf is an initiative of the Federal Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program.
