Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education will celebrate 253 graduates at its 2025 Graduation Ceremony on Thursday. Held on Kungarakan and Warai Country, the event honours Indigenous people transforming their lives through education.
Sharon Walker, a Larrakia woman living in Wagait Beach, NT, embodies this transformation. Adopted and raised in NSW, she reconnected with her Holtze family in Darwin in 2017, finding a sense of belonging. After surviving breast cancer in 2021, Ms Walker sought a career with purpose, moving to Wagait Beach to make a difference.
Her journey took a pivotal turn when she began driving an ambulance, sparking a passion for health care. Encouraged by mentor Marcelle Keenan, Sharon enrolled in Batchelor's Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice (HLT40221), embracing the challenges of returning to study after 40 years.
"Batchelor College gave me the skills to help those facing challenges as a health worker," Ms Walker said.
"I have made friendships during our time in the classroom that will last a lifetime."
Now an Aboriginal Health Practitioner trainee at Belyuen Health Clinic, Ms Walker's training reflects Batchelor's "Both Ways" philosophy, blending Larrakia cultural knowledge with professional skills.
Senior Lecturer of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, Pilar Cubillo, said Batchelor Institute is "a place of empowerment, where Indigenous Australians shape their futures while staying connected to culture".
This year the ceremony awards 276 qualifications to 253 graduates from 76 communities, including Wadeye (19 awards), Holtze (18), and Yirrkala (17), with some earning multiple certificates.
Courses range from HLT40221 (12 awards) to Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations (38 awards). These graduates will strengthen NT communities in health, education, and conservation.
