GUC Celebrates the Latest Graduating Class of 2026

The Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) community gathered at the Queens Park Theatre in Geraldton recently to celebrate a major milestone: the graduation of 43 students who have successfully completed their degrees without having to leave their community.

Surrounded by family and friends, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of dedication. These graduates are now ready to enter the local workforce across several critical disciplines, including Nursing, Education, Accounting, Psychological Science, Business, and Digital Media.

The success of these students highlights the strength of the GUC’s collaborative model. These programs were delivered in partnership with CQUniversity, UniSQ, and Curtin University, proving that regional students can access world-class education right where they live.

GUC Board Chair, Jody Beven, delivered a powerful keynote address focusing on the core values of the GUC: community, aspiration, partnership, and equity.

“The Geraldton Universities Centre was born out of our community’s belief in aspiration, partnership and equity - a belief that every young person should be able to access higher education right here where they live,” Mr Beven said. “Through our partnerships with CQUniversity, UniSQ and Curtin University, we’re turning that vision into reality.”

Mr Beven also noted that equity is at the heart of the GUC mission, with 40% of students coming from low socio-economic backgrounds, one-third being the first in their family to attend university, and 8% identifying as Aboriginal.

Clancy Huggins, Bachelor of Nursing graduate, reflected on the challenge of balancing full-time careers with their studies:

“Studying while continuing to work wasn’t easy - it came with late nights, plenty of self‑doubt, and constant juggling - but it proved that with the right support and determination, it is possible to build your career while furthering your education.”

For others, working in their chosen field while studying provided a unique edge. Bachelor of Accounting graduate Liyamaria Thomas shared:

“Working in industry while completing my degree gave real meaning to what we learned in the classroom. Seeing theory translate into real‑world practice not only strengthened my skills but confirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be.”

With this latest cohort, the GUC’s alumni network has grown to 648 graduates. Each of these individuals represents a vital pipeline of professional talent for the region, ensuring that local expertise stays local.

To read the full article, please click this link