Skilled, inspired, and ready: Central Coast graduates make their mark
Nurses, teachers and oral health therapists will be among hundreds set to boost the workforce and make a difference on the Central Coast as they graduate from the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah campus on Tuesday.
When proud Worimi woman Kiah Carmody-O’Toole crosses the stage, she’ll do so having already secured her dream role as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Wyong Hospital.
A former co-captain of the National Indigenous Football Team, Kiah first moved to the Central Coast to study while also pursuing a professional soccer career with the Central Coast Mariners.
“I wanted to study to become a nurse and continue playing football, so I was stoked the University of Newcastle had a campus on the Coast where I could pursue my dream,” she said.
After finding connection and support through the University’s Wollotuka Institute, Kiah eventually chose to hang up the boots and channel her energy into making a meaningful impact through nursing.
“I’d achieved so much in sport, but I knew it was time. Nursing became my priority,” explained Kiah.
“I wanted to be there for my mob when they needed me most.”
Kiah will join almost 500 students celebrating their study achievements with family and friends over three ceremonies throughout the day.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, said he was immensely proud to celebrate each and every one of the University’s graduating Central Coast students.
“Congratulations to all our new graduates. Graduation is always an incredibly special milestone – not just for our students, but for their families, our staff, and the wider Central Coast community,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“It’s a moment to recognise the hard work and resilience of those graduating, and to look ahead to the impact they’ll have in their communities, industries, and the world.
“In our 60th year as a University dedicated to our communities – and with more than 30 of those spent proudly embedded in the Central Coast – we are thrilled to honour the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of this region and beyond."
Professor Zelinsky said the University is committed to expanding local education opportunities for the Central Coast.
“We’ve helped educate more than 40,000 students on the Central Coast, and we’re just getting started.
‘“We know that nine out of 10 jobs in the future will require higher education. That’s why we’re focused on enhancing access to higher education for our Central Coast communities.
“Our new Central Coast campus in Mann Street, Gosford, is a big step forward. It’s the University’s largest investment of anything we’re doing right now, and alongside our Ourimbah Campus and Central Coast Clinical School, it will give people on the Coast more options for studying at a world-class university, without having to move away,” he said.
Graduates will hear from three experts in their field who will deliver the occasional speeches:
The Honourable Michael John Lee | 10am Ceremony
Michael Lee is a trailblazer who became the first Federal Member for Dobell at just 27, later serving as a Cabinet Minister in the Keating Government and helping shape Australia's cultural and communications landscape. A dedicated public servant and community leader, he continues to make a lasting impact on education, infrastructure, and regional development.
Wendy Stanbrook-Mason | 2pm Ceremony
Wendy has over 30 years of health leadership experience, joining Central Coast Health from the role of Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at New Zealand’s largest teaching hospital, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland. With a background in clinical nursing, Wendy’s career has spanned emergency nursing, nursing management, nursing operations and regional health through working with the Te Whatu Ora Districts and Schools of Nursing.
David Mehan MP | 6pm Ceremony
David Mehan is the State Member for The Entrance and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer in the NSW Parliament, first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023. With a professional background in geology, finance, and the trade union movement, he has lived on the Central Coast for over 30 years and has served in various community advocacy roles, including as Chair of the Central Coast Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service.
Read our 2025 graduate success stories:
Kiah Carmody-O’Toole
Kicking goals in Nursing
From football boots to scrubs, Kiah Carmody-O’Toole is making an impact in the nursing world.
A proud Worimi woman and former co-captain of the National Indigenous Football Team, Kiah will graduate having already landed her dream role as a registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Wyong Hospital.
Kiah will graduate on Tuesday 15 April at 2pm.
Piper Kennedy
Career in teaching delivers worldwide experience
Since she was a young kid, Piper knew she wanted to be a teacher. A Central Coast local, she’s taken her studies global – gaining invaluable work and life experience studying abroad in places like France, Belgium, and the Maldives.
“Doing some of my placements overseas set me up in a way that no other experience could have. I was in the schools every day practising what I’d actually be doing on the job.”
“These experiences have greatly influenced my approach to education, intercultural understanding and my desire to make a difference in diverse learning environments. You come home, and your eyes are more open.”
Piper will graduate on Tuesday 15 April at 10am.
Contact
- Elizabeth Olivier
- Email: Elizabeth.Olivier@newcastle.edu.au
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.