Celebrating the Inspiring Achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduates

The recent graduation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from The University of Adelaide is a testament to the power of education and determination. It is a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements and the bright future that awaits them. The event hosted by Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education was an unforgettable experience where the students could showcase their accomplishments and discuss their exciting projects for the future. It was an opportunity for graduates to reflect on their journey and the challenges faced along the way.

For Professor Steve Larkin, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement), it was a proud day, “a day to celebrate our graduates and to acknowledge and reflect on the importance and need of providing equitable access to university education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Their academic accomplishments are a reminder of how education can transform lives and communities,” said Professor Larkin.

Dr Justine Clark, PhD graduate and proud Adnyamathanha woman, is already working towards a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders People. She is currently working as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Indigenous Genomics at Telethon Kids Institute looking at the biology and genetics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids affected by cancer. “A PhD is a big undertaking, requiring lots of dedication. I'm really pleased that I've graduated, and now I move straight into my new role where I can use my degree to try to help my community with something important to me, to my identity as a cancer researcher and as an Aboriginal Person.”

Sixteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will graduate this semester. During the University graduation week, graduates will wear a cultural sash over their graduation gown that identifies their cultural heritage as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or both.

One of the graduates will be Rebecca Hynes, a proud Kokatha and Mirning woman from the West coast of South Australia who graduated with a Bachelor of Health and Medical Science with a major in Neuroscience. “It's surreal. I graduated a few months ago, and it still doesn't feel real, but I’m very proud of myself for getting this degree and excited to see where it'll take me.”

Rebecca’s connection to the University comes from year 12 in high school, when she joined the Karnkanthi Program. The Program run by Wirltu Yarlu provides services that assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander High school students from years 10 to years 12/13 in navigating the complexities of tertiary education and prepares students by building on their unique personal, academic, and cultural strengths. From there, Wirltu Yarlu has been a big part of Rebecca’s University journey. “In my first year at Uni, I was a student ambassador at Wirltu Yarlu, and I always studied in the spaces provided for Aboriginal people. I also used the tutoring services, which made me feel very supported and connected with other indigenous people. It was awesome.”

Rebecca is now working full-time as a Project Officer at SAHMRI and is already considering her next academic journey and is planning to pursue a Master's in Speech Pathology.

We congratulate all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates and wish them the best in their future endeavours. Their achievements are a source of inspiration, and we hope their success will encourage other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to pursue University education and positively impact their communities.