Town with Gown 2024

Town with Gown

Visitors’ guide to Graduation Weekend 2024

#unegraduation

Congratulations on completing your degree with the University of New England

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We invite you to celebrate and share your achievement with friends and family here in Armidale Attend Graduation Weekend and make memories that last a lifetime

Coming to your graduation ceremony on the lawns of historic Booloominbah Homestead is one of the highlights of your study with the University of New England Please join us and make it a weekend to remember!

Town

What to do, where to stay and how you can make the most of your graduation visit

Accommodation

Take your pick—Armidale and nearby Guyra, Uralla and Walcha have a range of motels, hotels, cottages, bed and breakfasts, Airbnb accommodation, farm stays, caravan parks and guesthouses to choose from Whatever your needs and style, you’ll find the perfect place to stay

Just be sure to book early!

Abbotsleigh Motor Inn

The Abbotsleigh Motor Inn is conveniently located in the Armidale city centre with a fine selection of restaurants, supermarkets, the twin cinema, cathedrals, historic buildings and a number of relaxing parkland areas just a short stroll away .

Acacia Motor Inn

Located centrally on Miller Street, The Acacia Motor Inn offers excellent value accommodation in Armidale .

Airbnb

With over 100 stays in the Armidale region, Airbnb is an excellent accommodation option for your graduation weekend .

All Seasons Inn

The All Seasons Motel is family owned and operated accommodation that aims to provide a warm, comfortable and enjoyable stay .

Alluna Motel Armidale

Alluna Motel is a family owned business offering a variety of affordable room types to choose from, and is just a short wise away from the city centre .

Armidale Inn

Located just off the New England Highway overlooking Armidale from its scenic hilltop location, the Armidale Inn is situated just a short drive away from both UNE & the centre of town .

Armidale Pines Motel

Located right in the centre of town, the Armidale Pines Motel offers the latest in spacious accommodation with quality furnishings .

Armidale Tourist Park

Armidale Tourist Park is an affordable and accessible accommodation option in the Armidale region

Aurelia’s Farm & Cottage

Fresh local produce, home cooking and cosy accommodation with a rural outlook, just two minutes’ drive from Uralla

Cedar Lodge Motel

Perfect option for those looking for spacious, modern accommodation with all modern appliances & a central location Cedar can offer accommodation for groups of up to six people

City Centre Motor Inn

Take the time to enjoy iconic street art and sustainable accommodation in this refurbished classic country motel in the heart of Armidale .

Club Motel Armidale

The Club Motel Armidale offers outstanding motel accommodation in the centre of town, boasting spacious and modern rooms .

Cotswold Gardens Armidale

Offering a unique accommodation experience, this boutique motel is set on the grounds of the historic “Cotswold” homestead .

Country Comfort Armidale

Country Comfort Armidale offers 42 spacious ground floor and first floor rooms with free WiFi and off-street car parking .

Deer Park Motor Inn

Deer Park Motor Inn is your convenient and comfortable Armidale accommodation just minutes away from UNE Their rates include a free continental breakfast and there’s even deer to be fed

Elite Motor Inn

A 4-star motel at reasonable prices, Elite Motor Inn provide a friendly, affordable stay for all guests

Estelle Kramer

Located in the heart of Armidale, the Estelle Kramer is renowned for its comfort, convenience and charm

Hideaway Motor Inn

Offering special rates for UNE students and their parents, the Hideaway Motor Inn will provide you with good clean facilities at reasonable prices

Imperial Hotel

Stay in a renovated, historic hotel with a variety of budget room options

Lindsay House

Relax in a boutique guesthouse set in a spacious garden in the heart of Armidale, with luxury suites featuring antique furniture .

Moore Park Inn

Treat yourself to luxury accommodation in the New England with Executive, Deluxe or Standard Suites available at Moore Park Inn .

Peterson’s Winery & Guesthouse

Enjoy this historic farmhouse, restaurant and winery, just a short drive from the centre of town

Rydges Hotel Armidale

Discover Armidale’s first 4 5-star hotel, featuring modern accommodation, a restaurant, and wine and tapas bar

Sandstock Motor Inn Armidale

Family-owned and operated motel, Sandstock Motor Inn is a clean, spacious and affordable accommodation option in the heart of Armidale

Servies Motel

Positioned adjacent to the Armidale ExServices Memorial Club, this ultra-modern, 4 5-star equivalent rated motel features 31 luxuriously appointed guest rooms each with a beautiful view over Armidale Creeklands

Tattersalls Hotel

Completely renovated in Art Deco style, containing boutique hotel accommodation, you might be mistaken for having arrived at a hotel in the centre of a major city

Two Styx Cottage and Cabins

No better way to wind down after celebrations than by bushwalking and trout fishing Two Styx’s brand new, fully equipped cabins are located right next to the New England National Park .

↗ City Centre Motor Inn

→ Rydges Armidale

Local Attractions

So much to see, so much to do…

Enjoy scenic drives through gorgeous farmlands and national parks, with excursions to savour waterfalls, swimming holes and marvellous views . In town, stop for a meal or a drink, discover a range of fashions in local boutiques or browse through a bookstore or two

Explore beautiful historic churches, schools, houses and one of the best regional art galleries in the country .

→ New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM)

Armidale Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place

Learn about local Indigenous culture and history at this significant community centre .

Armidale Teachers’ College

Explore the original home of regional education in NSW The foyer of this magnificent building features portraits of past principals and teachers .

Bookstores

Browse for books at some of the best bookstores in regional NSW—second-hand treasures at Boobooks and an eclectic mix of literature and music at Reader’s Companion .

Fleet Helicopters

Fly over the gorges and waterfalls with Fleet Helicopters or in one of their historic warbirds .

New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM)

Explore the home of the nationally significant Howard Hinton Collection (featuring works by Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts, Margaret Preston and many others), known for its exhibitions, displays and great gift shop .

The great outdoors

Explore the Oxley Wild Rivers, Cathedral Rock and New England national parks, containing an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking scenery A wide range of walks are available to suit all ages and abilities .

Saumarez Homestead

Take a wander around this Edwardian mansion and be transported back to 19th-century Australian pastoral life Saumarez Homestead is perfect for the whole family; bring a picnic, take a stroll and enjoy the extensive English-style gardens .

Markets In the Mall

Stop by the Markets In the Mall on the last Sunday of every month for some delicious food and warm coffee . Shop fresh local produce and beautiful handmade products from a wide range of local makers

Trout fishing

Try your luck at Dumaresq Dam, in the Oaky and Serpentine rivers, or the many trout streams in the area Canoes are available

→

←

Saumarez Homestead

Reader’s Companion

Around the region

Discover the New England

The New England region is full of hidden delights to discover and opportunities to enjoy our beautiful landscape

No matter what time of year you visit, the New England weather is sure to turn it on . Four perfect seasons—from beautiful spring and clear summer days to gorgeous autumn colours and perhaps even winter snow What’s not to like?

On your drive to Armidale for graduation, or an easy day trip from the city itself, there is much to enjoy .

It’s worth the trip—why not take time out? Relax and stay the weekend .

Discover Waterfall Way - Where Wonder Runs Deep

An exciting journey of discovery linking Armidale to Coffs Coast weaving through national parks, epic waterfalls, gorges and magical forests .

↖ Warbird flying over Dangar’s Gorge

The Blue Hole

A favourite picnic spot dating back to the New England University College days . Pack your swimmers in summer and check out the historic hydro-electric scheme on the peaceful walking track

Dobson’s Distillery & Eastview Estate, Kentucky

Enjoy lunch and international, award-winning gins and other quality spirits and liqueurs made here by the talented Dobson family

McCrossin’s Mill Museum, Uralla

Encounter the story of the bushranger Captain Thunderbolt and learn about our Chinese mining heritage in this refurbished 19th century flour mill

New England Brewery, Uralla

Try a craft brew with a difference, made using local ingredients and brewed on wood, or dine on pizzas cooked onsite .

Merilba Estate Winery, Kingstown

Taste a shiraz or dine in a stunningly refurbished shearing shed, with wines available for tasting or purchase from the cellar door .

Waterfall Way

Be serenaded by the sounds of the bush as you experience one of Australia’s most gorgeous scenic drives . It links Armidale with the Dorrigo mountain village, the creative community of Bellingen and the beaches of Coffs Harbour and Sawtell

↑ Dobson’s Distillery

Visit the Armidale Visitor Information Centre on Marsh Street, where volunteers can provide further information about local attractions, events and accommodation

Experience the highs - Visit Armidale

Armidale, Country NSW - Accommodation, things to do & more | Visit NSW

Armidale Taxis – Safe, reliable and efficient taxi services! Or call 131 008

Food and Drink

Dining and drinking in Armidale

From steaks to sushi, Armidale boasts a range of bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants where you can celebrate with family and friends .

Choose from a variety of different cuisines including Italian, Thai, Japanese, modern Australian and more

Check online for opening times and menus

Goldfish Bowl

Cafés

With so many cafés and coffee shops to choose from, you could become a coffee connoisseur by the end of the graduation weekend Start your morning the right way with coffee or tea made just the way you like it, accompanied by a delicious breakfast using local produce .

Running out of time? Grab a takeaway coffee or even have your hot drink of choice delivered right to your door .

Altitude Coffee Roastery

Armidale Coffee House

Black Kat Espresso

Cafe Life

Caffiends in the Mall

Courthouse Coffee

Daily Ritual Armidale

→ The Goldfish Bowl

← Seesaw Coffee Co

↙ The Goldfish Bowl

Enjoy a relaxed lunch good enough to satisfy even the pickiest eater and finish your meal with a sample of sweet treats

Armidale really is spoilt for choice when it comes to cafés .

Era Espresso

Fat Goose Crossing

Herdie’s Coffee

Kawa Tea

Kinship Kitchen

Laneway Cafe

Café Patisserie Armidale

Seesaw Coffee Co

Six Counties

The Glasshouse Armidale

The Goldfish Bowl

Westside espresso

Restaurants

Whether you have a large group of friends to celebrate with or or you’re planning an intimate family gathering, the restaurants in town can cater for every taste with a broad range of cuisines to choose from Savour a woodfired pizza from Signor Vertelli followed by homemade gelato next door at Signora Gelato Try Ezidi dishes at the Minnie Barn or authentic Nepalese at Luniva MoMo’s where the dumplings are always a favourite .

Fancy Japanese? Then the team at Paper Tiger serve yummy yakitori and karaage that both big and small people enjoy, or grab some

sushi and sashimi from Hao Sushi and Grill . Both restaurants offer dine in or take away if you would prefer to stay at home .

Feeling fancy? Then Tattersalls or Azka restaurants are an ideal choice with both offering a-la-carte menus featuring quality produce .

There are many places around town to go to for lunch or dinner, but be sure to book early to avoid disappointment as Armidale becomes a vibrant and busy place over graduation weekend

↑ Signor Vertelli

↗ Azka Restaurant at Rydges Armidale

An Indian Affair

Azka Restaurant, Wine & Tapas

Hao Sushi & Grill

Kai’s Cafe and Restaurant

Mandarin Chinese restaurant

Manny’s On Marsh

Luniva MoMo Nepalese Restaurant

Mun Hing Chinese Restaurant

Paper Tiger

PJ Thai

R&H Curry House

Signor Vertelli & Signora Gelato

Tattersalls Hotel

Thai Home

The Bistro Grill

The Cottage Restaurant

The Manor Restaurant at Cotswold Gardens

The Mill Bistro

Wonder Chinese Restaurant

Bars

A local brewery or a craft beer and spirits bar Both are great options to go for celebratory drinks after you graduate

Feeling peckish? Great Hops offers wings, burgers, tacos and American bar snacks to share with the group The Welder’s Dog

Great Hops Brewing Co

Pubs

allows you to bring in your favourite take away or better yet, order delivery straight to their door

Both establishments can get a bit crowded so make sure you arrive early to secure a spot or contact them to book a table

The Welder’s Dog

There are times when all you want is a great pub meal, and Armidale is renowned for its pubs . All located within town and

The Railway Hotel

The Royal Hotel

St Kilda Hotel

open for lunch and dinner, there are a number of options to suit any budget .

The Grand Hotel

The Imperial Hotel

The New England Hotel

The Whitebull Hotel

The Wicklow Hotel

↑ Whitebull Hotel

← The Welder’s Dog

Gown

What to do on campus, alumni, scholarships and gown tips

On Campus at UNE

Visiting your university

A picturesque campus with a rich history; home to diverse activities, thriving colleges and the odd free-range kangaroo!

Australia’s first regional university was established in 1938 when the New England University College opened in historic Booloominbah Homestead with just five lecturers and 24 students . More than 80 years

later, the University of New England is home to thousands of students, some of whom live on campus in residential colleges

Graduation visitors are welcome to wander the beautiful university campus, where you can explore museums, dine at cafés and restaurants, and meet our resident wildlife .

← Natural History Museum

↙ Mountain Bike Trail

Booloominbah Homestead

The grand country house designed by architect John Horbury Hunt for prominent colonial grazier Frederick White, completed in 1888, is now at the heart of UNE . Enjoy coffee or lunch at the Booloominbah Collection café or explore the ground floor artworks and impressive Gordon stained-glass window

Natural History Museum

Discover the ‘Lightning Claw’ dinosaur and a range of fascinating Australian wildlife specimens collected and studied by UNE staff and students

Museum of Antiquities

Discover antiquities from the ancient Mediterranean and near east, with objects and ethnographic research collections from

Australia, South-East Asia, New Guinea, the Pacific region, Mesoamerica and Africa .

University of New England Heritage Centre

Visit the Dixson Library or Armidale Teachers’ College (in town) for historical exhibitions and displays from the UNE archives and art collections .

SportUNE and mountain bike trails

Feeling active? Head to the fully equipped SportUNE complex, the gateway to our first-class, custom-built world championship mountain bike trail network .

Or perhaps the 2km Parkrun (Saturdays at 8am) is more your style?

Tips from the UNE Graduation Team

Don’t wait—book your accommodation early .

• If your graduation is on the lawns of Booloominbah, tell your family and friends to wear hats Sunscreen is also available at the UNE Alumni stand

• Equally, New England weather can be unpredictably cold Arrive prepared by packing something warm

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are invited to participate in a special pre-graduation Sashing Ceremony at Oorala Aboriginal Centre, which is one of the highlights of the day

• Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning in Armidale can seem pretty sleepy, but you’ll find a number of cafés and pubs open, the farmers’ markets on Sundays, or you can visit NERAM or the Armidale Art Gallery for a look around .

• Take a drive around the region and drop into Uralla for the best pie on the New England Highway, a beer tasting at the Brewery, or enjoy a tipple at Dobson’s Distillery in Kentucky .

UNE Merchandise

Visit The Shop to see all UNE merchandise, giftware and more! Remember!

Did you know . . .

When you purchase through UNE Life, you’re helping future graduands reach their potential as well All money spent with UNE Life goes back into the student experience and amenity, on campus

Be sure to fill out your Graduation Services Order Form as early as possible to ensure you have everything prepared for your graduation day UNE Life Graduation Services

Find us online and at our Armidale campus

The Shop

Graduates’ Walk

Your name here

Celebrate your success and support future UNE scholarships .

Recognise your achievement by joining more than 900 others on the Graduates’ Walk .

Your tax-deductible donation directly assists students through scholarships, and your contribution is recognised with a personal paver .

For more information please visit Graduates’ Walk

Alumni Stories

Craig Raymond — Overcoming doubt and finding confidence

Before COVID, UNE alumni Craig Raymond led an active life as a personal trainer and ran a successful corporate gym in Sydney’s CBD Then, in 2019-20, he was struck by a “double whammy”.

“The COVID lockdowns sent all office workers home and my business collapsed overnight,” Craig says . “Then I broke my neck and had to have major surgery . I’ve never been the same since . ”

Although he was very thankful not to be left paralysed, Craig began to experience constant pain and lost half the strength in one arm . Nor did business fully recover . Personal training was no longer an option and memberships plummeted in a gym surrounded by vacant shops and offices

So Craig found himself at a crossroads .

“I had contemplated returning to study – after 25 years – for about a decade but I doubted that I could do it,” Craig says . “When all this happened, at 50, and without the money to retire, I enrolled at UNE to study for a Bachelor of Psychological Science It was very daunting “My use of technology was limited . I couldn’t even set up a Word document I didn’t know how to join Facebook sites to meet my peers ”

But Craig became the first in his Wiradjuri family to complete a university degree and graduate, with his wife and 12-year-old son by his side Now hard at work on a thesis investigating the over-representation of Indigenous people in jail, Craig’s sights are firmly set on becoming a clinical psychologist, to help First Nations peoples and communities .

“That’s my passion, moving forward,” he says

“It will take me a few more years, but there is a severe shortage of Indigenous psychologists across the country . ”

A former policeman, Craig is painfully aware of how Indigenous people can fare in the criminal justice system .

“You can’t change the past, but I want to be a positive example to my son,” he says . “I have been given an opportunity that other members of my family haven’t and I feel I should make use of it I also want to give back to the Oorala Aboriginal Centre and all the people there who have helped me and boosted my confidence People like Dr Bernadine Cocks, who was always there for me from my first unit back in 2020 and continues to be a source of strength to me now as an Honours student . Just having that one person who believes in you can make all the difference

“It would have been easy to give up during my Bachelor degree, because the fences were too high to jump over I still struggle with selfdoubt, and starting honours this year I have felt like a little fish swimming with big fish But all I can do is give it my best shot and stick with it, and hope I can have a positive impact on those around me .

“We all have self-doubt You’ve just got to take that first step ”

Chloé Steward — Academic Ambitions

Chloé Steward has mastered the art of online learning and is ready to take her studies to the next level

Recently graduated with a Bachelor of Media and Communication with First Class Honours and a University Medal, Chloé has already started her PhD with UNE, a rhetorical analysis of campus novels .

Chloé set her sights on UNE’s online degree after finding the three-to-four-hour commute to university in Sydney unsustainable She never looked back .

“The kindness and friendliness of the student services team convinced me that UNE was the place for me I knew that if they’d taken such exceptional care of me even before I was a student, then I’d be welcomed and supported by them as a student . I was proven right, and to this day, the excellent student services team is the reason I rave about UNE to others ”

In between her job, reading a plethora of romance novels, trying to beat her Parkrun PB, and volunteering at her local Anglicare Op Shop, Chloé has found online learning not only suits her but allows her to thrive

“Online learning gave me the flexibility to study when it suited me, and to study how I worked best My methods and routines changed over time, but I knew I could trust myself to learn in an enjoyable and sustainable way that reflected my personality and preferences .

“I stopped obsessing about specific marks and focusing on learning what I could about the questions that interested me Good marks became a welcome bonus, and a moment to celebrate, but my satisfaction comes from enjoying learning new things and communicating what I’ve earned . ”

By establishing these study approaches, Chloé not only graduated with high academic achievement but a deep sense of satisfaction in her studies, allowing her to fully enjoy the well-earned rite of passage of graduation

“The best feeling was realising that this day was not just another milestone, but a picturesque moment to stop and savour the journey I’ve been on, how far I’ve come, and to enjoy being surrounded by the family that accompanied me .

“It was one of those beautiful days when I fell asleep smiling at the ceiling, feeling tired after a long day but so full of joy . ”

Now, it appears this love of learning Chloé is continuing to develop through her studies at UNE will follow her into her career, with aspirations to become an academic in the UNE Writing discipline so she can “teach and inspire a love of thoughtful communication in others . ”

UNE Alumni

Stay in touch

When you graduate, you automatically join UNE’s alumni community—a rich network of more than 120,000 UNE graduates around the globe We are proud of your achievements, and invite you to remain a vital part of the university for the rest of your life

Congratulations on your achievement! We look forward to staying in touch: une edu au/alumni/update-details

Make the most of your alumni experience:

• Stop by our tent at Graduation (if outdoors) or by our table (if indoors) to update your details

• Share your graduation pics #unegraduation

• Check out facebook/unealumni to see if you were snapped!

• Stay in touch with other UNE alumni through social media—don’t forget to add UNE to your LinkedIn profile education information .

• Keep your contact details up-to-date with us and check our website for upcoming events

• Email us at alumni@une edu au to share news

Booking with the Graduation Portal

If you haven’t ordered your gown, locked in your photography sitting or lunch for your graduation day, it’s time to get organised

UNE Life’s Graduation Services has a wide range of gowns, bonnets, trenchers, hoods, and stoles to meet the needs of graduands

You’ll find all of these items and more at The Shop Be sure to fill out your Graduation Services Order Form as early as possible to ensure you have everything prepared for your graduation day .

unelife com au/graduationservices

For our Indigenous graduands, please also ensure you have booked to receive your sash at the Indigenous Sashing Ceremony

Oorala provides a personalised sash to all Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander graduands in a special ceremony at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre .

Please note that this ceremony happens once each day over the graduation weekend, and preceeds the first ceremony of the day .

The sash forms part of your academic dress for your graduation ceremony and is a small gift from us to you .

Oorala Graduation Form

Gown Tips

How to wear your academic dress . Here are a few handy tips to help make your Graduation Day seamless!

Step 1: Know your gown!

Diploma, Grad Diploma/Bachelor Degree –These gowns are black and they have long slits in the sleeves Make sure that your arm goes straight along the sleeve, not through the slits

Master’s Degree – These gowns are black too, but the difference with a Master’s Gown is the sleeves They have a slit on either side of the sleeve Slide your arms through the slits

Doctoral Degree – These gowns are red and are a similar shape to the Bachelor gowns

Top tip: All gowns should fall below the knee but be above your ankle . To put your gown on, just think of it like a dressing gown, one sleeve at a time

Step 2: The fancy stuff

An academic hood is like a present-day ‘hoodie’

It is worn over your shoulders and drapes down your back . The “V” section will sit on your chest with the opening of your hood resting on your shoulders Do not put your arms through the “V” – just your head and chest area should be covered Turn the satin part of the hood outward at the neck A thin line of colour should be visible around your neck . You should also turn the hood outwards at your back, so the coloured satin line is visible at the back . If your hood starts to slip, pins can be used to keep it in place Or if you are wearing a button-up shirt, the loop on the hood can be looped around a button to hold it in place

The Stole (Diploma/Grad Diploma) – Falls from the back of the neck, down the chest with equal lengths on both sides Stoles generally don’t need to be pinned The stoles are gold in colour with a differing coloured stripe The different colours will be associated with your degree . One stripe represents a Diploma and two stripes represent a Graduate Diploma .

Bachelor Hood – These hoods have a black fabric shell and satin edged lining . The colour of the lining will be associated with your degree .

Master’s Hood – These hoods are black fabric shell and full inner satin colour lining . The colour of the lining will be associated with your degree .

Doctoral Hood – These hoods are red in colour and have a satin edged lining .

Indigenous Sash – For all Indigenous students this is worn over the hood or stole

Step 3: Top it off

Warning: Hat hair is a danger – plan a style that can survive the trencher

Diploma, Bachelor/Master’s Degree – The trencher should sit flat on your head, not tilted

or pushed backward . The shorter peak should be at the front, and the tassel should hang on the left-hand side

Doctoral Degree – Put the bonnet on your head so it sits nice, snug and evenly The tassel should hang to the left

Step 4: We’ve got your back

If you’ve had a few tries, but just can’t seem to get it right, don’t stress

Simply keep your eyes peeled for the team from The Shop – they’ll have a pinning tent on the UNE lawns, so you can go to them to help with any alignment issues

And, before you go on stage, someone will also check that you’re picture perfect for the big moment!

Step 5: Celebrate

Well done! All of your hard work has paid off; we can’t wait to see and hear about the next part of your journey!