On January 23 students from University of Wollongong Bega campus gathered at the Bega Civic Centre to celebrate their graduation.
The graduation ceremony was opened with an Indigenous ceremony led by Djiringanj women and children. Djiringanj Elders Glenda Dixon and Ellen Mundy said the Indigenous Ceremony had been the first of its kind at a University Graduation Ceremony in the Bega Civic Centre.
The Djiringanj Elders and women worked with Indigenous Student Success Advisor, Emma Stewart, to collect ochre and create cultural necklaces and earrings on country at Mogareeka. The necklaces and earrings were presented by the Elders to the three Indigenous graduates after the formal proceedings in the Bunaan ring located within Littleton Gardens, Bega.
The community and staff are very proud of the three Indigenous graduates Charlotte, Briony and Kayla for successfully completing the Bachelor of Nursing.