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Batchelor Institute Celebrates Alice Springs Graduation and Honours Pat Anderson AO with an Honorary Doctorate
Home Batchelor Institute Celebrates Alice Springs Graduation and Honours Pat Anderson AO with an Honorary Doctorate
10 September 2024
3 minute read

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education is delighted to celebrate the achievements of its students at the Alice Springs graduation ceremony on Thursday, 12th September 2024, at the Desert Peoples Centre Campus. This year's event is a powerful demonstration of the Institute's 'Both-Ways' learning philosophy, which honours both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions alongside European academic customs.

The 2024 graduation ceremony honours students from a variety of communities, including Alice Springs, Gillen, and Tennant Creek, among others. The diverse group of graduates includes individuals who have completed qualifications across multiple levels, such as Master of Philosophy, Certificate IV, and various Certificate III programs. In total, the ceremony will see awards conferred upon students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies, overcoming numerous challenges to achieve their educational goals.

The ceremony uniquely blends traditional and contemporary elements, with students encouraged to wear cultural regalia alongside their academic gowns. The event also features traditional dance and music, including a performance by the Pertame School Children’s Choir, who will sing in the Pertame language, adding a deeply cultural resonance to the proceedings.

Ms Pat Anderson AO speaking at the 2024 Batchelor Campus Graduation

A special highlight of the ceremony is the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate to Ms Pat Anderson AO, recognising her outstanding contributions to First Nations rights in health, education, and social justice. Born in Darwin and raised in the Parap Camp, Ms Anderson is an Alyawarre woman renowned nationally and internationally for her advocacy and leadership in First Peoples’ communities.

“It is a tremendous honour to receive this recognition from Batchelor Institute, a place that stands at the forefront of empowering our people through education. This graduation is not just a celebration of academic achievement; it is a reflection of the resilience, strength, and determination of our communities. I am proud to stand alongside these graduates as they embark on their journeys, equipped with knowledge and a deep connection to their cultural heritage.”

Ms Anderson's distinguished career includes serving as the Chair of the Lowitja Institute, co-chairing the Prime Minister’s Referendum Council, and contributing to the historic Uluru Statement. Her work has made a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of First Nations people, and her recognition by Batchelor Institute reflects her lifelong commitment to these causes.

Ceremony Details

The Alice Springs graduation will begin at 10:30 AM, led by Master of Ceremonies Ms Samantha Armstrong, with the academic procession accompanied by the Pertame School Children’s Choir. The event will feature speeches from distinguished guests, including Ms Anderson, and will conclude with a response from graduating student Betty Vincent.

Sean Rung
PR, Media and Communications Coordinator, Batchelor Institute
Phone: 0450 701 003
Email: sean.rung@batchelor.edu.au

About Batchelor Institute:
Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education is Australia’s only dual-sector, First Nations-led tertiary institution. It offers a wide range of educational programs that integrate First Nations knowledge with Western education, fostering a unique learning environment that empowers students and strengthens communities.