Hats off to the CUC Class of 2025

The Country Universities Centre North West recently celebrated the graduating class of 2025, with a presentation night held at The Exchange in Narrabri on Thursday, November 6. Students were joined by their families, friends, CUC staff and board members as well as contributing supporters and sponsors such as Narrabri Shire Council, Whitehaven and Santos.

The wonderful CUC team filled the room with bags of goodies for the graduates, delicious catering and of course a glass of bubbles at entry.

Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens and general manager Eloise Chaplain also attended the celebration.

Fields of study completed by graduate students are as follows:
Jon-Maree Baker: Diploma in Law, studied through the Legal Profession Admission Board. After this degree, Jon-Maree wants to complete her PLT and work locally.

Kaitlyn Storey: Bachelor of Psychology through Macquarie University. Kaitlyn works at Centrecare and will continue onto her Honours for Psychology.

Kayla Oakley: Diploma of Counselling through Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. Kayla has her own business Kayla Oakley – Serenity Counselling, where she works with women and teenagers supporting them through struggles.

Natasha Middlemiss: Graduate Diploma of Midwifery through Charles Sturt University. Natasha moved to Narrabri for her studies as it is more rural, and rural health is a passion. She will be staying in Narrabri working in the emergency department and maternity ward.

Shannon Thorsby: Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice through Griffith University. Shannon decided to do this degree after finishing her associate degree and wanting to learn more. She currently works for Sora Community Services.

Shona McFarland: Bachelor of Business through Griffith University. Shona works for CSD.

Tenayah-Lee Woodward: Bachelor of Paramedicine through Charles Sturt University. Tenayah works as a paramedic.

Gerri Rumsby: Chartered Accountants Program through Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Gerri is working at C&W Financial Services.

Cooper Cooke: Bachelor of Zoology through University of New England. Cooper studied on campus and utilised CUC North West when he was home.

Elisha Wohling: Bachelor of Nursing through Central Queensland University.

Ella Bailey: Diploma of Business through Australian Institute of Management.

Georgia Goodhew: Doctor of Medicine through Charles Sturt University.

Grace Farrer: Certificate IV in Nutrition through Vast Fitness Academy.

Lucy Geddes: Master of Teaching (Primary) through University of New England.

Country Universities Centre manager Shayne Miller did a great job as the MC for the night and was overjoyed to see the students reach for the stars in their achievements. “Our role at CUC North

West is to support students studying online through their academic journey,” Shayne said.

For the students, it’s about being able to stay in the regions and study for free at CUC North West – it has certainly been ‘a game-changer’, added Shayne.

“We want to ensure our region is sustainable and has people with the skills and knowledge to deliver positive social and economic outcomes into the future, and our graduates demonstrate just that.

“It is these skills that will help them throughout their careers. Our north-west region will reap the benefits for years to come as a result of their education and skills.” Shayne said.