Georgie Burgess
1 April 2026: A sea of black caps and gowns draped in red, gold, silver or blue filled the National Convention Centre Canberra, as the swell of applause, sounds of the didgeridoo and thoughtful reflections rang out at eight University of Canberra graduation ceremonies over three days.
The momentous occasion marked the end to years of study for nearly three thousand graduates.
The March round of graduations saw 1,725 undergraduate and 1,161 postgraduate students conferred by Professor the Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University, who congratulated each student who crossed the stage.
“You have all received a world class education, but you were not a passive recipient,” Professor Shorten said.
“You had to work hard to earn your qualification, and behind each one there is a very personal story of aspiration, inspiration, sacrifice and maybe even triumph over the doubt that you could go the distance.”
“You are the embodiment of the belief that U Can at UC,” Professor Shorten said in reference to the University’s new brand campaign.
Professor Shorten highlighted the hard work and dedication of the University’s staff to prepare their students to enter the world job ready.
“Do not become complacent about your role in protecting the freedom to think, explore, question, even if it is not popular and challenges shifting norms,” he said.
“When employers say they want work-ready graduates, I say we will give you something better. We’ll give you people with the skill to thrive today and with the ability, the curiosity and creativity to deliver things you don’t even know you need, in ways that you never thought possible.”
“This is what we teach at UC.”
Ceremonies were held across the Faculties of Health; Education; Business, Government and Law; Arts and Design; and Science and Technology – each ceremony featured an occasional speaker of national significance offering insight into the journey that brought them to where they are today, as well as advice to the next generation of leaders, workers and thinkers of Australia.
Proud University alumna Natasha Fyles returned to her alma mater after a storied career – stretching from classroom teacher to Attorney-General, Health Minister and Chief Minister of the Northern Territory – to deliver the first occasional address to the Faculty of Health.
“Each day, especially in healthcare, you can have a positive impact on someone’s life. We all remember that doctor, that nurse, that person in healthcare that went out of their way to make your day a little better,” Ms Fyles said.
“So don’t ever underestimate the difference you can make, even as one small part of the health system.”
Graduates from the Faculty of Business, Government and Law were reminded by Services Australia CEO David Hazlehurst, that despite this being the starting line of decades of work for many, there is in fact more to do in life.
“Your career matters, but don’t let it define you. Invest in friendships and make time for interests. Those things don’t compete with your career, they sustain it. They also make you a more interesting person,” Mr Hazlehurst said.
No stranger to firsts, Olympian and former Senator Nova Peris gave a rousing address to the next generation of teachers about to enter the classroom, on the power of advocating for those in their care – and the power that comes from education.
“Use your position wisely – because you are in a position of power. Teach truth. Teach history. Teach your students how to question … not just accept,” Ms Peris said.
“Because history is not just something that happened. History is the foundation of our freedom.”
Other speakers included NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville, Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt General Michelle McGuiness CSC, The Canberra Times Editor John-Paul Moloney, former University of Canberra Chancellor Professor Tom Calma AO, and Netball Australia Director and former captain of the Australian Diamonds, Liz Ellis AO.
The University is also proud to acknowledge the students who recieved medals recognising their accomplishments.
Award Recipients
Herbert Burton Medal
Simone Chitsinde
Tom Calma Medal
Georgia Biggs
Chancellor’s Commendations
Presented to graduating students with the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) throughout their undergraduate degrees, this year’s recipients of Chancellor’s Commendations were:
Tia Louise Priest-Willimott
Jack Morton
Carys Tegan Mitchell Connick
Zoe Twible
Ebonie Williams
Connor Davy
University Medals
The University Medal is awarded to graduating students with First Class Honours and the highest Grade Point Average (GPA), for their outstanding academic achievement. Recipients in this round were as follows:
Nicole Teoh Shu-Yi
Xiaonan Song
Elise Joy Clark
Anastasia Davy
Megan Fluke
With the celebrations now having drawn to a close, the newly minted alumni community is encouraged to remain connected to the University of Caberra. Alumni can update their details via the University’s website. and stay connected to news and events at the University via LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
