Hundreds of Graduates set to cross stage at university’s Central Coast Graduations
Hundreds of students and their families will gather at the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast Ourimbah campus on Thursday for one of the University’s most significant annual events - graduation.
Almost 380 students will graduate from disciplines including nursing, teaching and oral health, with each student ready to provide a much-needed boost to the region’s workforce.
Among the graduates will be proud Gamilaroi student, Mikala Dimmock, who will graduate on 18 June with a degree in Oral Health Therapy, four years after relocating to the Central Coast from Tamworth.
Inspired by her mother’s career in nursing and her own experience working as a dental assistant, Mikala developed an early passion for public health and preventative care.
Now working as an oral health therapist with the Central Coast Local Health District, Mikala has already begun applying her skills in the field. Through the New South Wales Health Mobile Dental Programme, she delivers preventative dental care in schools, helping ensure children, particularly in regional communities, have access to essential health services.
As she prepares to graduate, Mikala said her journey has “come full circle,” returning her to the public health system where her career first began. Her message to other regional students considering university is clear: don’t let distance or self-doubt hold you back.
“If there’s something you want to do, just give it a go,” she said. “You don’t know until you try.”
Mikala also credits the support of The Wollotuka Institute, the University of Newcastle’s dedicated centre for Indigenous students and success, for playing a central role in providing cultural connection, practical assistance and a welcoming environment that helped her feel grounded while being off-Country.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, said graduation is one of the most significant moments in the University calendar.
“Graduation is an incredibly special milestone, it’s a moment to celebrate our students’ hard work and recognise their achievements as they move from student to alumni and begin their careers,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“As we look to the future, our commitment to the Central Coast remains as strong as ever, with our new Gosford Central building already growing student numbers and planning now underway for our student accommodation,” Professor Zelinsky said.
Graduations will take place on Thursday 18 June at Ourimbah.
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