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Katherine CDU end of year celebration
by Patrick Nelson 15 November 2015
Deputy Chief Minister Willem Westra van Holthe (left, back row) and Professor Simon Maddocks (right, back row) with graduands from the new Certificate III in Community Night Patrol course, at the CDU Katherine student celebration.
harles Darwin University marked the end of a record breaking academic year in Katherine with a spirited public celebration last week. Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said CDU Katherine had delivered 94 courses from certificate level through to master degrees, to 336 individuals in the past year. “I’m particularly pleased to see how many Indigenous graduands we had coming through CDU Katherine this year; all up 99 students,” Professor Maddocks said. “And I know that for many of you, being able to study close to home, within your local community, or on-country, has been a very important part of your ability to succeed.”
Professor Maddocks addressed students, in front of family, friends, staff and Deputy Chief Minister Willem Westra van Holthe at the fourth annual endof-year presentation ceremony at the Godinymayin Yijard Arts and Cultural Centre in Katherine. “You will be involved in shaping your communities and contributing to their development and prosperity,” he said. “These are important roles and ones for which, having completed your qualifications, I trust you will feel better equipped to meet what lies in front of you.” Professor Maddocks also noted the 39 students who completed the new Certificate III in Community Night Patrol course. They will return home to their communities throughout the Roper Gulf
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and Victoria Daly shires with qualifications that formalise the important roles they already fulfil. Professor Maddocks concluded with a philosophical reflection: “It was Nelson Mandella who said that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. And it was Malcolm X who said education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. And it’s the Vice-Chancellor who keeps reminding everybody that change is the one constant. You have to be ready for change. “Congratulations to you all. You have taken another very important step towards changing your world and preparing for the future changes that are inevitable in your lives.”
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