Student Highlights
Catching up with Chukwuemeka

If you missed Chukwuemeka’s rousing 2018 graduation speech and impromptu performance of ‘Climb Every Mountain’ it was definitely one worth a watch. Chukwuemeka’s passion for life, determination to succeed and drive to make a positive impact was evident as he stood behind that podium at graduation, and it hasn’t wavered since.

Only a few short years later and Chukwuemeka has already inspired and influenced communities far and wide – helping better the lives of people from the Northern Territory to the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

“After graduating, I started working in the community services industry – I had the privilege of working in Darwin for a year with Hearing Australia and Life Without Barriers which was more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined.

“With Hearing Australia, my work involved carrying out basic hearing assessments, making referrals and providing administrative support for people from various age groups who had any form of hearing loss.

“At Life Without Barriers in Darwin, my role involved supporting young people in out of home care therapeutically, to achieve their daily and long term goals. This role also involved mentoring Indigenous teenagers and young people and between the ages of 11 to 17.

“Since then, I’ve come back to New South Wales and have continued working in community services as a case manager for children and young people.

“Even though my role is challenging, it gives me innate satisfaction. Being an advocate and making a positive impact in the lives of those I case manage, is incredibly rewarding,” said Chukwuemeka.

Catching up with Chukwuemeka, it’s clear to see that he’s putting his Master of Social Change and Development to use in the best way he knows how – by supporting and encouraging people from all backgrounds and contributing to community development.

“I am proud to be an alumnus of the University of Newcastle. It has created so many opportunities for me personally and professionally,” said Chukwuemeka.

If you’re wondering where we’ll find Chukwuemeka in five years from now, he’s pretty set on bringing positivity and light anywhere he goes.

“I aspire to keep making meaningful contributions to society and every environment I find myself in. In five years, I hope to still be working in community services, possibly in remote communities of Australia as a community development or outreach officer, said Chukwuemeka.

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Chukwuemeka Ordu

Chukwuemeka’s passion for life, determination to succeed and drive to make a positive impact was evident as he stood behind that podium at graduation, and it hasn’t wavered since.

I am proud to be an alumnus of the University of Newcastle. It has created so many opportunities for me personally and professionally.