Curtin University’s Kalgoorlie Campus celebrates largest graduation ceremony to date

Curtin University’s Kalgoorlie Campus has celebrated its largest graduation ceremony to date.

Seventy-three graduates from the university’s Perth, Singapore and Kalgoorlie campuses marked the end of their tertiary education on Friday afternoon.

Attendees donned caps and gowns for the ceremony hosted at WMC Lecture Theatre, followed by a sundowner on the campus’ lawns.

During the ceremony, vice-chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated the graduates on their achievements and shared quotes from former prime minister John Curtin, the university’s namesake.

“Much has been written about John Curtin, but for me, my greatest understanding of the man comes from his own words,” she said.

“Tonight, as you graduate from Curtin University, I want to share some of those words with you.

“John Curtin said: ‘Above all things, the university must have a soul. In it, the divine spirit of service, and sacrifice for service, must pervade all its works’.

“He also said: ‘The great university should find its heroes in the present, its hope in the future’.

“As each of you embark on the next step of your life journey tonight, please take John Curtin’s wise words with you — nurture your soul, make sacrifices, serve others, and be the heroes we all need for the future.

“As graduates of Curtin University, I am confident that you will use your time, your talent and your world-class education to make a difference to the world in which we all live.”

Tyrone Brownley, who works with the Goldfields University Department of Rural Health as an Aboriginal liaison adviser, performed a welcome to country.

Students had the choice to attend a ceremony at any of the university’s six campuses once they graduated.

The cohort had completed degrees in accounting, commerce, education, mechanical engineering, geology and surveying, however most graduated with a degree in mining and metallurgy from the WA School of Mines.

Many of the graduates have already secured jobs in the mining industry.

Shayera Allen graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) and recently took up a graduate position at the Beta Hunt underground mine near Kambalda.

Ms Allen said studying on campus in Kalgoorlie-Boulder helped students to develop industry connections and secure employment after their tertiary education.

“I had the most wonderful experience, we’re very lucky to be in the heart of mining, where we have all those industry connections,” she said.

“That has really helped me (develop) into the person I am today in the field I am in.”

Akhilesh Siripuram completed his Master of Professional Engineering (Mining Engineering) in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and now works for Northern Star Resources’ KCGM Operations.

“Studying in Kalgoorlie provided me good opportunities, and I was able to join the industry during my studies,” he said.

“(Curtin’s Kalgoorlie Campus) is lots of fun, good memories, a good family, it’s kind of like a second home.”

Sol Plummer graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) and works with Genesis Minerals’ Gwalia Operations.

He said the tight-knit community helped students to build long-lasting friendships.

“You’re all in a group together and you can really depend on your mates to get help or use them as a resource to expand your learning,” he said.