“Many people affected by the 2003 Canberra bushfires believe their local communities and neighbourhoods were strengthened after the fires.”16 December: Olympian Robert de Castella and former CEO of ActewAGL, John Mackay will join 1880 graduands attending the University of Canberra graduation ceremonies tomorrow in The Great Hall at Parliament House.
Mr de Castella will be conferred with an honorary Doctor of the University of Canberra. He represented Australia at four Olympic Games. He was the world marathon record-holder between 1981 and 1984 and Australia’s first World Champion in the sport in 1983. He is a highly regarded national figure, campaigning for a greater preventive approach to health care, especially in regard to children’s obesity and declining health.
Mr Mackay will also receive an honorary Doctor of the University of Canberra. For the past decade he has been CEO of Canberra’s major utility, ActewAGL. He has also played a key role in establishing TransACT Pty Ltd and was CEO of that company for many years.
“Rob de Castella and John Mackay have contributed outstanding service to the community over a long period of time,” said University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Parker. “John has a long history of service to the Canberra region. He has held senior posts in the Australian public service and more recently spent 10 years as CEO of ACTEW Corporation.
“Robert, who lost his home in the Canberra bush fires, helped many families as they struggled with the disaster through the ACT Government’s task force. He is also a member of a range of organisations including the Prime Minister’s Science and Engineering Working Council. The University of Canberra is proud to confer honorary doctorates on these deserving Canberrans.”
Both Mr de Castella and Mr Mackay will feature as guest speakers at the ceremonies, along with the ABC’s 7.30 Report presenter, Kerry O’Brien and Professor Annabelle Pegrum of the University’s Faculty of Design and Creative Practice.
Former Australian Idol contestant, Hayley Jensen will graduate with a double degree in applied economics and management in the Wednesday morning ceremony. “Canberra’s been very supportive of me and my musical career and I am very excited about graduating”.
This year’s graduation ceremonies will feature The Graduation Ensemble presenting, in its first major public performance, the composition specially written for the University of Canberra graduation ceremonies and winner of the University of Canberra’s $5,000 National Composer’s Competition, ‘Canberra’ by Rachel Gaudry.
WHAT: University of Canberra Graduation Ceremonies
WHEN: Wednesday 17 December 10am, 2pm & 5.30pm
Thursday 18 December 10am & 2pm
WHERE:The Great Hall Parliament House
