Greeting from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Roger Dean

The University of Canberra is very fortunate to have a number of highly motivated students, who successfully undertake studies at this institution whilst competing at an international level in sport.

The students featured on this web page will be competing in the Commonwealth Games this month. This webpage has been set up to specifically support these athletes as they represent Australia in their chosen sport. I would like to encourage all members of our University community to read more about these competitors and their remarkable accomplishments to date, and also to post messages of encouragement for them on this site.

I would like to pass on my personal congratulations to the students of this University on their selection for the Australian team to compete at the Games. I hope that you all achieve the personal goals that you have set and remember with great happiness this special time of your life. I and the University believe in being internationally competitive, just as they do!

University Medal Tally

Medal images courtesy of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation

Latest News

Profiles

Nathan Deakes

Sport: Walking

Degree: Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws

Jade Edmistone

Sport: Swimming

Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology

Joshua Jefferis

Sport: Gymnastics

Bachelor of Applied Science - Human Biology

Alice Mills

Sport: Swimming

Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology

Andrew Richards

Sport: Swimming

Degree: Bachelor of Coaching Science

Lisa Corrigan

Sport: 1500m

Degree: Bachelor of Education in Secondary Teaching (Health and Physical Education)

Tristan Thomas

Sport: Hurdles

Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology

Jared Tallent

Sport: Walking

Degree: Bachelor of Education in Secondary Teaching (Health and Physical Education)

Adam Miller

Sport: Sprints

Degree: Bachelor of Communication in Advertising and Marketing Communication

Kerrie Taurima

Sport: Long jump

Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching

Messages of support

To: Joshua Jefferis
Message: Australia needs a strong ambassador for Gymnastics, someone to promote it and show everyone what a great sport it is. It all starts with you, you can make that change in this country. You display such passion and love for the sport and it shows in your performances! You really are amazing and an inspiration to me. I still have much to learn and as a beginner in the sport, I can only dream of competing on your level. Keep up the great work. You rock! And keep smiling your beautiful smile!:)
From: Celine Lazarus
Sent: 28 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: For school I am doing a report on you. Are you still in the Commonwealth Games?
From: Paulina
Sent: 27 March

To: Adam Miller
Message: Fantastic effort Billy, better luck with the technicalities next time! You are an amazingly talented competitor and a charming and diplomatic individual! Love Bek. XX
From: Rebekah
Sent: 27 March

To: All Atheletes
Message: As a former student of UC, I am so proud of your achievements as students of UC. I am from PNG and I'm back working in my country, however, I still treasure UC as one of the best institutions. I imagine what the celebration would be like back at UC. Well done folks!!!
From: Peter Chalapan
Sent: 27 March

To: All Atheletes
Message: Great work guys!!!
From: Nicky C
Sent: 27 March

To: JoshuaJefferis
Message: Hey Josh, congratulations on all your medals. All the hard work has paid off! Keep it going!
From: Katie Ord
Sent: 27 March

To: Nathan Deakes
Message: You deserved your Gold man. Keep up the hardwork and the HD's you always get! :-) You told me in the lecture you were going to Melbourne and wouldn‚t be able to see me for the next few weeks. But I didn't know you were competing in the C'Wealth games and would get Gold!!! Good luck mate. I'll see you soon.
From: Firmin Kwong
Sent: 26 March

To: Craig Mottram
Message: I couldn't beleive what I was seeing when tragedy struck in your race. I wanted to send you my thoughts and to tell you how proud I was to be an Aussie to see you after the race still smiling and being positive. All your friends and family will no doubt be very proud of you and your efforts but so are a lot of other Australians including me. Best of Luck for your future races. Well Done on your Silver win.
From: Lynda
Sent: 26 March

To: All Athletes
Message: A job Well Done to you all.
From: Lynda
Sent: 26 March

To: JaredTallent
Message: Congratulations on winning the Bronze medal in the 20km walk at the Commonwealth games. I was following your achievments because we share the same name, only it is spelt a little differently. My mum is typing this for me, as I am only 5 years old.
From: Jarred Reid
Sent: 25 March

To: JoshuaJefferis
Message: Congrats on getting gold!! You deserved it! You are great at what you do! Keep smiling your beautiful smile, it really is the brightest I've ever seen!! You Rock Josh!
From: Celina Lazarus
Sent: 25 March

To: KerrieTaurima
Message: A huge congratulations to you Kerrie. I knew one day that we would see you win big. If you dont remember me we used to be called twins all the time at every sports carnival.. Well done and no doubt we will see you again , but this time win GOLD !!! Congratulations
From: Kelly Garwood (nee Parker)
Sent: 25 March

To: Josh Jefferis
Message: Hey Josh. Congratulations! Im not sure if you remember me we trained together as a group under Victor our coach in 1995 at chandler... I saw ya on tv and felt so proud man... I dunno what to say but congratulations! Im sure everyone of our team back then feels very proud of you. You have done so well to keep at it and not give up. Have fun mate hope everything goes smooth for ya
From: Dean Baron
Sent: 23 March

To: KerrieTaurima
Message: Hey Kerrie! Good luck with everything. I am teaching in Alice Springs and have told ALL the kids about you and your efforts....they are all watching the games and cheering you on...especially for Friday! YOU GO GIRL!!! Take Care and all the best!
From: Mia McDonough
Sent: 24 March

To: All Athletes
Message: Wow, what an amazing medal haul and overall effort from you all! I can't believe you're all so talented in your sporting careers and manage university studies as well- true heroes! Best of luck to everyone left to compete and enjoy the closing ceremony, there is no doubt you all deserve to do some celebrating.
From: Jacqui Curtis
Sent: March 23

To: Jared Tallent
Message: you were on top
From: Wendie
Sent: 23 March

To: All Athletes
Message: We are so proud of you for getting to the games, and UC students winning medals is just fanstastic! Well done and enjoy your time in Melbourne. Best wishes for the future
From: Sue Demoor
Sent: 23 March

To: Nathan Deakes
Message: Great win in the men's walk on Monday, Nathan - and good luck on Friday!
From: Kaddie
Sent: 23 March

To: All Athletes
Message:Impressive start to the games. Hope everyone is having a fantastic time.
Tristan, nice run in the heats. Best of luck in the next rounds. Hope you are enjoying it all.
Billy, hope you're having a fun games and have a great race in the relay.
From:Esther Bottomley
Sent: 22 March

To: Jared Tallent
Message: Congrats Jarad, awesome effort in the 20km walk. Hope you are able to get out and have a great time for the rest of the Games.
From: Esther
Sent: 22 March

To: All Athletes
Msesage: GOOD LUCK
From: CELESTE AND CLAUDIA HOLLAND IN WANNIASSA XXXX
Sent: 22 March

To:All Athletes
Message: Congratulations to you all on your wonderful achievements and particularly for all the hard work it has taken to get to the elite level in your sport. It's been a joy to watch you all. Treasure every moment!
From: Meredith Bacon
Sent: 22 March

To: All Athletes
Message:Your doin brilliantly, all off you guy. I'm livin in the UK atm and ur doin us australians proud
ams xoxo
From: Amy
Sent: 22 March

To: Joshua Jefferis
Message: Congrats on the gold last night mate, You really deserved it, I was on the edge of my seat, so I can't possibly imagine how you must have felt! Congrats once again, I honestly think you are the best gymnast Australia has to offer, keep it up!
xoxo
From: Vicky Thomson
Sent: 21 March

To: Joshua Jefferis
Message: congrats on your success Josh, your truth, belief and science tut group is really proud of you!!!!
From: Diana Crouch
Sent: 21 March

To: All Athletes
Message: Great job. You're doing so well that if the University was a country we'd be in equal seventh place on the medal table. Keep up the good work.
From: Ed O'Daly
Sent: 21 March

To: All Athletes
Message: We are very proud of you. Keep it up.
From: Dr Mohammad Yamin
Sent: 21 March

To: All Athletes
Message: Good LUCK
From: Adam
Sent: 21 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: Good luck for your 1,500 m final tonight. We'll all be cheering for you
From: Morrison family in Canberra
Sent: 21 March

To: Joshua Jefferis
Message: kkkkk u rulw
From: Ash
Sent: 21 March

To: Kerrie Taurima
Message: Good luck from the Communications team at the Uni for your long jump tomorrow. Go Go Go
From: Gaye Morrison
Sent: 21 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: Go Lisa! Wishing you all the best tonight. We're sure all of Canowindra wishes the same and is glued to the television tonight. Good luck!!
From: staff at The Canowindra News
Sent: 21 March

To: Joshua Jefferis
Message: Josh, Wow, great show man! Awesome performance, good luck for the rest of the games and the rest of the season
From: Chris Wilson
Sent: 21 March

To: Joshua Jefferis
Message: Congratulations on your amazing performance in the Games Joshua! You're a true inspiration to people all across Australia. Watching your performance on the rings took my breath away - and from the sound of the crowd in the stadium with you, I wasn't the only one. I just wish I could have been there in person instead of just cheering at the TV! You make us proud.
From: Jane Scott
Sent: 20 March

To: Joshua Jefferis
Message: Congratulations on everything you have achieved at these Games! It has been a fantastic effort. Yaye! :)
From: Jezz
Sent: 20 March

To: Tristan Thomas
Message: hi uncle trissy, good luck!!!! hope u rip it up and hurdle mad awesomly quick!!! GO TRISTAN!!! WOHOOOOOOOO
From: amz
Sent: 20 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: Run girl ,run.You are our hero and we are all cheering you on. Just wish we could be there to watch you win GOLD.
From: Mark Shannon Hayden Rory
Sent: 20 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: We watched your heat today Lisa (thanks to the Canberra Day public holiday!). Congratulations on the result. All the best for the final.
From: Kristin, Rebecca, and Katrina (your next door neighbours at number 94 in McKellar)
Sent: 20 March

To: All athletes
Message: Best of luck fellows.
From: dhillon
Sent: 19 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: Lisa, Have a great Commwealth Games 1500m competition. So proud of you and wish you every success. Our hearts will be beating madly with every step you take and our voices will be heard in the stadium all the way from southern Tassie as you compete. May the love of dear old Bernie Parkes shine down from the heavens and give you wings and belief that you can be your best now (and always).
From: Lots and lots of love from Jess, Kieran, Bernice and Jack Halloran, Franklin, Tasmania
Sent: 19 March

To: Jared Tallent
Message: Hi Jared, I captured your entry on to the MCG on Wednesday night on DVD, I'll be adding to it Monday, so all the best and go go go for gold.
From: Marcus Opiekan
Sent: 17 March

To: Alice Mills
Message: Go Alice!
From: Han
Sent: 17 March

To: All athletes
Message: We are very proud to see University of Canberra students representing Australia. Good luck to all of you!! :)
From: Nisha
Sent: 17 March

To: Joshua Jefferis
Message: Brilliant performances last night Josh. You were AMAZING!
congrats to your team on winning silver
From: Kaddie
Sent: 17 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: Lisa you are my HERO! i will be there on Monday to cheer you on, you are going to be awesome.
Good Luck, we all love u lots!!!!!
From: Candice xxx
Sent: 16 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: Lisa, you are my inspiration! you are my hero! run like you've never ran before! faster than a speeding bullet. i'll be there in the stands, yelling my little lungs out for ya! you go girlfriend! see ya at the finish line ;) :)
From: Shell
Sent: 16 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: Go Lisa Go Lisa Go Go, Go Lisa. Your a champion and we all wish you the best of luck. Run like the wind, and listening for our cheers!!!
From: Physical Education 4th Yr Students
Sent: 16 March

To: Jared Tallent
Message: Just thought it funny that one day you are sitting there in Nutritional Science and the next I am seeing you on the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games!! Thats awesome....Hope you have a fantastic time!! The atmosphere must be amazing and to compete so close to home must be great! All the best
From: Christina PS you missed a really exciting session on the foodscan program today!
Sent 16 March

To: Jared Tallent
Message: Congratulations on your achievement. Good luck and best wishes for a successful time. Enjoy the games.
From: Rosemary
Sent: 16 March

To: Adam Miller
Message: Go Adam!!! Best of Luck for everything buddy! We'll be watching! Congrats!! =)
From: Katie & Cliff
Sent: 16 March

To: All athletes
Message: Best of luck. Have a great games and enjoy your time away. We are all very proud of you and your achievements in balancing work and study but as Daryl says you can forget being balanced for the next few weeks and go for it.
From: Heather Prior
Sent: 16 March

To: All athletes
Message: Enjoyto the full the unique life opportunity you are experiencing. All the best in your events. We are proud of your achievments for yourseves and as reresentatives of the young athletes of our nation. Well done.
From: Leonie-Ruth Acland
Sent: 16 March

To: Jade Edmistone
Message: GO JADE!!!!!
From: Brendan
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: I'm totally in awe! Being top notch athletes while managing study, work and family committments is an inspiration to us all. All the best and enjoy your moment.
From: Kaddie Pass
Sent: 15 March

To: Kerrie Taurima
Message: Kerrie, I saw your picture on the website, its exciting. Jump far, good luck, I hope you get a medal.
From: Love from Rachael in year one at Miles Franklin Primary
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: We just want you to know that we are remembering you all in our prayers as you take part in the games. We are all very proud of your involvement and achievement! Bless you!
From: Lucy, UC Baptist Chaplain
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: Best of luck guys! You've got all of UC supporting you! Especially the sports studies students, we'll all no doubt be glued to the tv!
From: Sophie Moon
Sent: 15 March

To: Kerrie Taurima
Message: Go Kerrie
We met at a charity function for Animals Asia Foundation in Canberra.
Good luck and all the very best. Good on yer.
From: George and Marion Cho, University of Canberra
Sent: 15 March

To: Alice Mills
Message: Hi Alice, All the very best and go for gold. I met you at the Governor General's House in Canberra on the day we received our medals respectively in May 2005. I have a photograph for you of that occasion. Cheers and good luck.
From: George and Marion Cho, University of Canberra
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: Hi Everyone, Congratulations on making it this far. Good luck for tonight's opening ceremony, and for your various competitions. Stay safe, and enjoy yourselves!
From: Anneleise Hey - UCC
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: See you all at the bar for a drink when you finish!!
From: Paul Harrigan
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: All the best for your events. Knowing University of Canberra students are competing makes the Games more personal and exciting for those of us on staff. Have a wonderful time.
From: Judith Anson
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: All the best!! We are very proud of you!!! BUENA SUERTE AMIGOS!! (Spanish: GOOD LUCK FRIENDS!!)
From: Angela Ramirez, Spanish Tutor, UC
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: Congratulations on being selected to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games. Do yourselves, your families and the University of Canberra proud.
From: A/Professor Anthony Cahalan, Deputy Head, Division of Health, Design and Science
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: Best of luck at the 2006 Commonwealth Games! We are all very proud of your achievements and wish you every success at the games.
From: Inga Davis, Health, Design and Science
Sent: 15 March

To: Lisa Corrigan
Message: G'Day Lisa, Congratulation for achieving your goal now is the time to push to the top and I know you can do. Don‚t forget you are number one. All the best
From: Eskender B Abebe
Sent: 15 March

To: All athletes
Message: The University is proud to be represented by such an excellent group of student athletes. The Division of Health Design and Science wishes you all the very best of luck in each of your events.
From: Sue Thomas, PVC, Health, Design and Science
Sent: 14 March

To: All athletes
Message: Good luck to all the athletes no matter what sport you are doing. Remember all of Australia are behind and are proud of all the efforts you all put in whether it is training or competing. We know you are always doing your best and no one can every ask any more from you..well done
From: Mary-Lou Thorpe
Sent: 14 March

To: All athletes
Message: Best of luck in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games! I know you will all do our country proud- do your very best and know that spirit of Australia is in you and around you. We are all with you!!
From: Danielle Hircock, PhD, University of Canberra
Sent: 14 March

To: All athletes
Message: All the very best:)We are proud of all of you!!
From: Erica Anand
Sent: 14 March

To: All athletes
Message: How exciting for you all I my son lives is in Melbourne and has spoken of the mounting excitement throught our the city. I wish you all well and the best of luch but mostly I hope you all have fun and enjoy these very special moments You have worked very hard to get there so enjoy the rewards of your hard work.I'll be watching
From: Barbara Crawshaw
Sent: 14 March

To: All athletes
Message: Good luck to all of you - may it be one of life's highlights.
From: Tiffany King, University of Canberra.
Sent: 14 March

To: All athletes
Message: Good luck to all of you. I know you'll make Australia and yourselves proud!
From: Tim Ferrari
Sent: 14 March

To: All athletes
Message: It was great to meet Nathan, Kerrie and Lisa yesterday at the ceremony at the University. Good luck to you all. We'll be watching.
From: Gaye Morrison
Sent:14 March

To: All athletes
Message: Though we always tell you to balance your academic and sporting lives, please ignore this advice for the next few weeks! The spotlight is now firmly on your athletic prowess. May each of you have personal best performances. Medals, should they come, are a well earned bonus.
From: Daryl Adair, Senior Lecturer in Humanities, Centre for Sports Studies
Sent: 13 March

To: All athletes
Message: Congratulations to all those competing at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. We are all very proud for you to represent our country and University of Canberra, so go out there are show the rest of the commonwealth who is the best country in the world!!!
P.S My internship class will be watching all of you VERY CLOSELY
From: Shaan Melling, Bachelor Education (Primary)
Sent: 11 March

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Last Updated on April 10, 2006