Port Macquarie Graduation Ceremony - February 2018

WELCOME TO GRADUATION

February 2018 Port Macquarie

TOP 1%

universities in the world1

TOP 200

13 UON disciplines ranked in the top 200 in the world2

TOP 8

in Australia for research ‘well-above world standard’3

RANKED 5TH in Australia for generic skills4

OVER 90% of our research is ‘at or above world standard’3

1 QS World University Rankings 2017/18 2QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017 Excellence in Research Australia 2015 4Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching 2016

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CONGRATULATIONS Dear Graduates Congratulations on your graduation from the University of Newcastle, Port Macquarie. I am delighted to be with you today to mark this defining moment in your academic journey.

Today’s celebration is a result of your remarkable determination and perseverance to succeed. During the course of your studies, you have balanced many competing priorities and challenges, from a demanding academic schedule to workplace pressures and family responsibilities.

Your graduation is an opportunity to celebrate these great achievements with your family and friends, and to pay tribute to all of the hard work and commitment that has led to this important milestone.

As a UON Port Macquarie graduate, you carry with you the University’s reputation for excellence. UON is ranked among the top 1% of the world’s universities by the QS World University Rankings 2017/2018. We have six subjects ranked in the world’s top 100 and 13 subjects ranked in the world’s top 200. Our standing in the global rankings reflects the University’s strong focus on delivering education programs that carry the hallmarks of innovation and quality.

From today, you join a growing UON alumni network of more than 139,000 members, which spans 139 countries. Every day, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of our alumni who are making their mark locally and globally. As a graduate from UON Port Macquarie, you have the skills and attributes to make a positive impact as a leader and innovator both in your chosen field and your community.

Congratulations on your remarkable achievement. Wherever your professional journey takes you, I hope that you take with you many fond memories of your time at UON Port Macquarie, as well as a lifelong passion for learning. I wish you every success for the future.

Best wishes

Professor Caroline McMillen Vice-Chancellor and President The University of Newcastle

RECONCILIATION STATEMENT The University of Newcastle declares its commitment to Aboriginal reconciliation: developing a strong community and fostering mutual respect, social justice and a united voice between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal Australians.

The University of Newcastle respects and acknowledges the Aboriginal land on which the Australian campuses of the University are located. We acknowledge the Aboriginal nations on whose traditional lands the University has a presence, respecting and acknowledging the traditional peoples and the cultural significance and history of the land.

The University is aware of the impact of the alienation and other forms of injustices including the removal of children, the loss of land, the destruction of languages and culture, and the ongoing struggle for social and restorative justice.

Through acknowledging and understanding past losses and injustices and through committing to redressing the social and economic challenges and ongoing racism, we will continue to move forward together to a better future.

The University recognises that education plays an integral role in providing a foundation and platform for the exercise of self-determination and the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through collaboration and the provision of culturally responsive education the University seeks to educate and contribute to the development of a harmonious community.

2 | The University of Newcastle

The University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have supported the University in ensuring an Aboriginal presence at the University and appropriate and effective levels of consultation and collaboration through the sharing of Aboriginal voices, cultural wisdom and knowledge. These attributes are essential to moving forward to a future of equality and respect in teaching and learning, research, cultural inclusion, celebrating diverse cultures and success. The University acknowledges and appreciates the contribution and support by all communities. We will continue to build on existing partnerships and wherever possible forge respectful relationships designed to contribute to the ongoing endeavour of redressing the circumstance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, health, cultures, languages, social justice, employment and empowerment.

The University is committed to providing an environment that is free from racism and discrimination, developing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to access and succeed in higher education. The University embraces the unique and diverse cultures of Aboriginal – the oldest continuing culture in the world – and Torres Strait Island peoples and to ensure the growth of knowledge for all Australians.

With respect and collaboration, the University of Newcastle embraces a united approach to equality and inclusiveness for all Australian peoples.

PORT MACQUARIE CAMPUS A BRIEF HISTORY Improved access to tertiary education opportunities, excellent graduate outcomes and meeting the regional workforce needs for skilled health and education professionals, are the key outcomes of the University of Newcastle’s (UON) thirteen-year presence in Port Macquarie.

The vision for on-campus higher education opportunities led the local community in 2002 to form the Hastings Higher Education Consultative Group and, combined with the support of TAFE NSW, a multi-sector tertiary campus was established in 2004, enabling UON to deliver world-class programs from Port Macquarie. Through this collaborative approach, education pathways have provided an opportunity to people of all ages and from all backgrounds to pursue university study without having to leave the region.

In 2018, a total of 135 Bachelor of Nursing, 34 Bachelor of Midwifery and 88 Bachelor of Primary Teaching/Arts students will study UON programs at the Port Macquarie Campus, with many of those students having articulated through TAFE to continue their higher education at UON. The UON Port Macquarie student population will continue to grow, with approximately 100 new students commencing UON programs at the campus in 2018.

This week, over 80 UON undergraduate and postgraduate students will receive their awards from UON Port Macquarie.

The majority of these graduates choose to stay in the region, and as they establish their chosen careers they will make a significant contribution to the future growth of the Mid North Coast.

Since the first cohort of 24 UON Port Macquarie Bachelor of Nursing students began studying from the Port Macquarie Campus in February 2004, more than 300 nurses and 250 primary school teachers have graduated from their programs without leaving the region, with the majority then going on to find work in local hospitals, health facilities and schools. With a recognised need for qualified midwives in the region, in 2012 UON Port Macquarie, with the support of the Mid North Coast Local Health District, increased its program offerings to include the Bachelor of Midwifery program.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF GRADUATION The graduation ceremony is one of great antiquity. Its essential features have been the same since the 12th century when the first universities came into existence. It is necessary constituents are the Chancellor or his or her Deputy, the academic staff, the graduates, and the public.

underneath. The hood was the normal medieval headwear, but it soon acquired a coloured lining. By the 17th century, if not earlier, these colours were strictly controlled so that anyone could identify from the colour of a graduate’s hood, the university and the degree.

The church had a monopoly of education, partly because it was the guardian of true doctrine, and partly because clerics were almost the only people who could read and write. As a result, the only person who could license a teacher was the bishop of a diocese until, under pressure of other business; he deputed the task to his chief secretary or chancellor.

The public is the fourth participant. It has an important function because the whole point of the proceedings is that they should be seen and heard by valid witnesses.

The public hears the words of the Dean and the Chancellor and sees the new graduates dressed in their respective gowns or robes.

The second group participating in the ceremony is the academic staff. In the 12th century they would all have been called “masters” or MAs. At that date they were paid no salaries, but hired their own lecture rooms and charged their own fees. But they also formed themselves into a guild or union, which is what universitas originally meant. In the 13th century they won a great victory when they persuaded the Pope to decree that chancellors were obliged to confer degrees on all those nominated by the masters. That is why the masters examine the candidates, why the Dean, acting as their spokesperson, reads out the names of those who are to receive degrees, and why the masters at this ceremony watch to see that the Chancellor or his Deputy does what is required of him.

The foregoing is an adaptation of an address given at a graduation ceremony at the University of Birmingham by Emeritus Professor R H C Davis and reprinted in his book ‘From Alfred the Great to Stephen’ (Hambledon Press, 1991), pp. 307-309. It is reproduced with kind permission of the author’s widow.

Thirdly the graduates. The word “degree” comes from the Latin gradus, which means “a step”. When students are admitted to a bachelor degree they move one step up towards the mastership. When they are admitted to a master’s degree they climb another step and come up on a level with the masters, who then receive them into their guild or universitas.

The academic gowns are derived from the everyday dress of the medieval clergy. In the Middle Ages they were not open in front, but closed like a clergyman’s cassock. It was in about 1500 that academics had the front opened up so as to display the fine clothes which they were wearing 4 | The University of Newcastle

ABORIGINAL STOLE The red, yellow and black stoles are worn by Aboriginal students and staff during graduation and relate to the colours of the Aboriginal flag. The colours of the Aboriginal flag represent the land (red), the sun (yellow) and the people (black).

TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER STOLE The green, blue and black stoles are worn by Torres Strait Islander students during graduation and relate to the colours of the Torres Strait Island flag. The colours of the Torres Strait Island flag represent the land (green), the sea (blue) and the people (black).

The University of Newcastle is a national leader in the attraction and success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The wearing of the stoles celebrates culture and identity in a significant ceremony that also celebrates success.

THE GRADUATION CEREMONY THE MACE

WITH DISTINCTION

The Mace is the symbol of formal authority. The Mace used today belongs to the University of Newcastle and was designed by gold and silversmith, Gerald Benney. It is made of Australian walnut and silver and its head represents an open book – the traditional symbol of learning. The Mace was a gift from the University of New South Wales to commemorate the establishment of the University of Newcastle as an autonomous institution on 1 January 1965.

It is always borne ahead of the Chancellor in the academic procession during formal ceremonies such as today’s presentation of academic awards.

A bachelors or masters degree is conferred with distinction in cases where a candidate has achieved a Grade Point Average of 6.0 or above in the degree, out of a maximum of 7.0.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE FANFARE The Fanfare is played at all ceremonial functions to herald the entry and departure of the Chancellor and other members of the Council. It was composed by Professor Robert Constable and first performed in 1994.

THE UNIVERSITY MEDAL

COMBINED DEGREE A combined degree is one where a student studies for two separate degrees at the same time. It is possible for the student to complete the degree requirements for one degree ahead of the other. The student receives a testamur for each degree. Places for combined degrees are very competitive and offered to the highest performing students who apply.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE During graduation ceremonies, students, graduates and staff from the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium of Music entertain and demonstrate their skills and passion for music.

The award of a University Medal is an honour made only when there is a candidate of sufficient merit. To be considered for this award, a graduate must have a consistent record of exceptional academic achievement at all levels of their degree program, and qualify with the highest level of that degree.

HONOURS The award of Honours is given to students who complete an additional year of study after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Some bachelor’s degrees, such as Engineering or Education, have Honours embedded in the four year degree program. Honours generally consists of part coursework and part research requiring submission of a thesis. Honours can be awarded as Class I, Class II Division 1, Class II Division 2, or Class III.

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WEDNESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2018 1PM CEREMONY ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS

OCCASIONAL SPEAKER

The Master of Ceremonies will announce the imminent commencement of the ceremony.

MS NIOMI SANDS

The University Fanfare will herald the entry of the Dais Party.

The assembly will rise and remain standing until the conclusion of the National Anthem, performed by Ms Joanna Poole and Mr Terence Koo. The Welcome to Country will be delivered by Aunty Rhonda Radley.

The Chancellor, Mr Paul Jeans, will declare the proceedings open.

The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Caroline McMillen, will address the assembly and introduce the Occasional Speaker.

The Occasional Address will be delivered by Ms Niomi Sands.

Higher degree by research awards will be presented by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Laureate Professor John Aitken.

Degree recipients from the Faculty of Health and Medicine will be presented by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Laureate Professor John Aitken.

The Musical Interlude will be performed by Ms Joanna Poole and Mr Terence Koo. Degree recipients from the Faculties of Education and Arts, and Engineering and Built Environment will be presented by the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Education and Arts, Professor John Fischetti.

Award recipients from the English Language and Foundation Studies Centre will be presented by Acting Pro Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Education and Arts, Professor John Fischetti.

The Chancellor will invite Ms Riitta Kytola to speak on behalf of the graduates.

The Chancellor will declare the proceedings concluded.

The Dais Party and assembly will rise as the University Fanfare is sounded and the Dais Party process from the stage.

The Procession of Graduates will follow the Dais Party out of the Theatre.

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Niomi Sands is a nationally recognised installation artist and the Gallery Curator at Port Macquarie’s highly respected Glasshouse Regional Gallery.

Ms Sands started her career in Newcastle as one of the founding directors of the Field Contemporary Art Space – a pivotal gallery in the then fledgling contemporary art community. She subsequently held roles at the Museum of Contemporary Art and at Lake Macquarie Gallery, before taking up her current position with the Glasshouse Regional Gallery.

As Gallery Curator, Ms Sands is responsible for curating and managing the Glasshouse’s entire exhibition program, which comprises 25 exhibitions annually and attracts more than 54,000 visitors a year.

Ms Sands is also a nationally recognised contemporary artist and has exhibited more than 70 times in solo, collaborative and group shows. Her distinctive work is renowned for challenging and surprising audiences.

Her standing as an artist has been acknowledged nationally through invited showings at the Churchie Emerging Art Prize in Brisbane, the Blake Prize at the National Art School Gallery in Sydney, and the Outback Art Prize in Broken Hill.

Ms Sands holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from the University of Newcastle, a Masters of Museum Studies from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma of Arts and Cultural Management from the University of South Australia.

She is currently completing a Doctor of Visual Arts at Griffith University.

WEDNESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2018 1PM CEREMONY FACULTY OF HEALTH AND MEDICINE HIGHER DEGREES

BY RESEARCH SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING Debra Deasey BN(Technology Sydney), MGerontology(UNE), MNurs(NursPrac) (Newcastle) Thesis Title: Care of the Older Person in Emergency: The Nursing COPE Study

POSTGRADUATE MASTER OF HEALTH SCIENCE WITH DISTINCTION Kristine Alison Horn Kerryn Lee Perram MASTER OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING Ivica Barnjak Rachael Downie MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH Jessica Louise Morris

UNDERGRADUATE BACHELOR OF MIDWIFERY WITH DISTINCTION Noni Dawn Kubowicz Rachel Muddle BACHELOR OF MIDWIFERY Kirstyn Mary Docherty

Lisa Anne Foggon Kyra Ann Fuller Caitlin Margaret Prior Lisa Turnbull Grace Williams BACHELOR OF NURSING WITH DISTINCTION Alexandra Valeria Gonzalez Rachelle Caroline Gurney Michelle Frances Wilcox BACHELOR OF NURSING Jessica Anne Baker Anna Brown Zoe Bunting Sean William Campbell Laura Chapman Tayla Lee Collins Johanna Louise Daly Elenya Dixon Claire Elizabeth Ellis Sudheera Priyangani Gedara Natalie Anne Geoghegan Paulo Jose Freitas Gomes Kiahna Johnson-Parata Rebecca Christine Latimore Maria Lina Lewis Emma McCartney Peggy Jean Meehan Margo Anne Meredith Susanne Miller Kelly Morgan Michael Richard Nosworthy Jackson Roh Deborah Shayne Rownes Joanne Simiana Emily Marie Skinner Jane Louise Stockham Michelle Alyse Swan Jacqueline Taylor Amy Isobelle Thompson Reece Aaron James Vella Britney Wallace Fiona May Weeks Candy Wills Amber Jayne Yarnold

FACULTY OF SCIENCE HIGHER DEGREES BY RESEARCH SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIFE SCIENCES DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN FOOD SCIENCE Thi Xuan Tran BPresProc(HUA), MScBiotech(HUT) Thesis Title: Improving Production and Quality of Gac (Momordica Cochinchinensis Spreng.) Fruit

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT HIGHER DEGREES BY RESEARCH SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTING DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMPUTER SCIENCE Nisha Puthiyedth BTech(Bharath), MSc(UEL) Thesis Title: A Novel Feature Selection Approach for Data Integration Analysis: Applications to Transcriptomics Study

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UNDERGRADUATE BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONOURS) (CIVIL) WITH HONOURS CLASS II DIVISION 1

MASTER OF SPECIAL EDUCATION Krystal Michelle Morris Bridget Thornton MASTER OF THEOLOGY Christine Maree Harmer Warren Scott Lorger

Benjamin Lloyd Granger BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONOURS) (CIVIL) Nicholas Adam Harvey

UNDERGRADUATE BACHELOR OF TEACHING (EARLY CHILDHOOD AND PRIMARY) (HONOURS)

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND ARTS

Sharlee Dawn Fowler BACHELOR OF TEACHING (PRIMARY) / BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH DISTINCTION

POSTGRADUATE

Samantha Joy Pursehouse Kasey-Lee Rudd

MASTER OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS WITH DISTINCTION

BACHELOR OF TEACHING (PRIMARY) / BACHELOR OF ARTS Richard Clement Lauren Maree Dean Brittanie Gutherson Carlie Maree Hile Rhianna Landow Sherrie Mentges Kendall Thornton Katy-Lee Varley

Samuel King MASTER OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES WITH DISTINCTION Andrea Maree Huxley MASTER OF SOCIAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT Kimberley Joy McArthur

BACHELOR OF TEACHING (PRIMARY) (HONOURS) Tamika Marie Beard

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Danielle Bryant Bethany Cook Paige Donovan Liam Jared Dufty Baker Erika Dungay Rochelle Anne Dunlop David Samuel Gill Alice Green Mariah Suzanne Haigh Rhiannon Hardy Fiona Sophie-Berenice Harrison Riitta Liisa Kytola Samantha Jane Lawler Tamara Josephine Miller Catherine Rachael Moran Alison Newman Tori Lee Page Vanessa Pascoe Amanda Jamar Pollett Daniel Sarno Rachelle Grace Van Der Wielen Emily Elizabeth Ward Vicki Marie Willoughby Jack Steven Wilson

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND FOUNDATION STUDIES CENTRE OPEN FOUNDATION Nicole Lindley Sharnie Lee McClure Angela Jane Towle

THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL OFFICIAL MEMBERS CHANCELLOR

Mr Paul Jeans BE(UNSW), FRSN, FIEAust, FAICD

VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT

Professor Caroline McMillen MA, DPhil(Oxon), MB, BChir(Cantab), FAHMS

PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC SENATE

Professor Mark Jones BSc(Hons), PhD(CNAA, UK), FIMechE, CEng, FIEAust, CPEng

MINISTERIAL APPOINTEES Conjoint Professor Geoff Lilliss BE(Hons), MBA(Merit)(Newcastle), Hon FIEAust, MAICD Mr Robert Kennedy BEc(ANU), FCPA

EXTERNAL MEMBERS APPOINTED BY COUNCIL DEPUTY CHANCELLOR

Ms Dianne Allen BCom(Newcastle), FCA, GAICD, AMICDA

Mr John Bowers BCom(Hons), MCom(Newcastle), AM(Harvard), CFA Mr Doug Dean AM BCom(Newcastle), FCPA, FAIM, FAICD Ms Julie Phillips BPharm, DHP, MSc(Sydney), MBA(Macquarie)

MEMBERS ELECTED

BY THE ACADEMIC STAFF Professor Pablo Moscato BSc(La Plata, Argentina), PhD(UNICAMP, Brazil) Dr Roslyn Larkin BBus(Hons), PhD(Newcastle)

MEMBER ELECTED

BY THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF Mr Michael Robertson MTEM(Melbourne), BEd(Music)(Hons)(Newcastle), Dip Mgmt, Adv Dip Mgmt

MEMBER ELECTED

BY THE STUDENTS Mr Bhavi Ravindran BMedSc(Hons)(Newcastle)

Ms Jann Gardner BA/LLB(Sydney), MBA(Newcastle), GAICD Ms Michelle McPherson BBus(Accounting)(UTS), CA, GAICD Ms Deborah Wright MBA(SCU), DipTeach(Newcastle), FAMI, CPM, AIMM, MAICD

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SENIOR LEADERSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITY VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT

Professor Caroline McMillen MA, DPhil(Oxon), MB, BChir(Cantab), FAHMS

SENIOR DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (RESEARCH AND INNOVATION) Professor Kevin Hall BSc(Hons), MSc(Queen’s), PhD(UNSW)

DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (ACADEMIC) Professor Darrell Evans BSc(CNAA), PhD(Aberdeen), FRSB, FRMS, FHEA, FAS

DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (INTERNATIONAL AND ADVANCEMENT) Mrs Winnie Eley BEd(Hons), MBA(Nottingham)

PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (EDUCATION AND ARTS) PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (ACADEMIC) Professor John Germov BA(Chisholm), MA(Monash), PhD(Newcastle)

PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (GLOBAL RESEARCH)

Laureate Professor Nicholas Talley AC MD(NSW), PhD(Sydney), MMedSci(Clin Epi)(Newcastle), FAHMS, FRACP, FAFPHM, FRCP

PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (INDIGENOUS EDUCATION AND RESEARCH) Professor Steve Larkin BSocWk(UQ), MSocSc(CSU), PhD(QUT)

PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (LEARNING AND TEACHING) ACADEMIC REGISTRAR Professor Elizabeth Burd BEd(Hons)(CNAA), MSc, DPhil(York), PhD(Dunelm), FHEA, SMIEEE

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PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (RESEARCH AND INNOVATION) Professor Deborah Hodgson BA(Hons), PhD(Macquarie), FRSN, AHPRA

PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (BUSINESS AND LAW) Professor Tony Travaglione BBus(Curtin), MIR, PhD(UWA)

PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT) Professor Brett Ninness BEng, MEng, PhD(Newcastle), FIEEE, FIEAust, FRSN, CPENG

PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (HEALTH AND MEDICINE) Laureate Professor R John Aitken ScD, PhD(Cambridge), FRSB, FRSE, FRSN, FAA, FAHMS

PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (SCIENCE) Professor Lee Smith BSc(Hons)(Leicester), PhD(Warwick), FRSB

DEAN, UON CENTRAL COAST Dr Brok Glenn BSc(Hons), PhD(London)

DEAN, UON SYDNEY Professor Ann Brewer BA(Macquarie), MComs(Hons), PhD(UNSW)

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Mr Nat McGregor BCom(Newcastle), MBA(Deakin), DipFinancial Services(ANZIF), GAICD, CPA, ANZIF Fellow

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Mr Paul Dunn BCom(Newcastle), FCPA

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AUTOGRAPHS

Mr Paul Jeans

Caroline McMillen

Chancellor The University of Newcastle

Vice-Chancellor and President The University of Newcastle

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