Student Success Story: Wuyagiba Study Hub celebrates region’s first graduate in over 36 years

Melissa Andrews-Wurramarrba graduated in her Bachelor of Arts (Education) from Macquarie University, making her one of the first people to graduate in the region in more than 36 years. Melissa was a tutor at Wuyagiba Study Hub, and received various supports from the program during her studies at Macquarie. She works in childhood education within her community, with plans to complete a master’s degree. 

Melissa says that finishing a bachelor’s degree from university feels like something out of a movie. 

“It's huge. My family can't believe it,” Melissa said. 

“The study hub is a really, really great way to have that opportunity to come and study at Macquarie, or any university, so it's a good pathway.” 

“I feel like I am the key to opening that door for young people to come to university and study and to become whatever they want to be in the future.” 

Congratulations to Melissa Andrews-Wurramarrba!

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About Wuyagiba Study Hub 

The Wuyagiba Study Hub is located within Wuyagiba, a small homeland located between the main Indigenous Australian communities of south east Arnhem Land, Ngukurr and Numbulwar. The study hub concept was trialled in 2018 based on donations that were provided from friends, family and organisations, and underwent a 4-week two-way university preparation course that was taught by a collaboration between local Elders and Macquarie University staff. 15 students completed the course, with 11 students taking up offers to start Bachelor degrees at Macquarie University for the following year. Due to the success of the trial, the Wuyagiba Study Hub received funding from the Australian Government Department of Education to assist the study hub over 4 years, being a part of the federal government’s Regional Study Hub program.  

The Ngukurr region has a history of Indigenous Australian graduates – in 1987 – 1989, five (now Elders) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Deakin University, including Cherry Daniels, Kevin Rogers and John Joshua. These five people were the only First Nations graduates from the Ngukurr Community at the time. In 2017, the first three young people from the Ngukurr Community in 30 years started studying at university, enrolling into education, science and foundational course of environmental management at Macquarie University, Sydney.  

Wuyagiba Study Hub References gathered from Wuyagiba Study Hub Website and Macquarie University News Article.