Matthew Hogan
16 February 2016: University of Canberra alumna and 2016 ACT Young Australian of the Year Nipuni Wijewickrema delivered the 2016 Commencement Address during Orientation Week (O-Week), which can be viewed below.
Ms Wijewickrema, who graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2014, encouraged students to make the most of their time at university.
"When I started university, I decided that if I was going to pursue my beloved journalism degree I wanted to do something in relation to psychology and helping people," she said.
"So I embarked on my Lifeline Australia counselling course and five years later I volunteer every Sunday night to help those at risk of suicide. This to me is the biggest privilege and honour, and I am so fortunate to be in a place where I can help thousands of Australian in need.
"If there is anyone out there that thinks they might be in a good place to do some volunteering, I say that university is a great time to start."
The 2014 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year and recent finalist in both the National Young Australian of the Year and ACT Australian of the Year awards spoke with pride as she recalled her first year at the university five years ago.
"You are the future alumni of this beyond amazing university and for that we can be proud," she said.
"My three years at the University of Canberra, without a doubt, was be the best time of my life. I didn't really enjoy my time at school and the opportunity to go university with the hope of a fresh start was something that made my heart skip a beat."
Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker also addressed the students, urging all newcomers to take advantage of the University's support services.
"Many of you have to juggle part-time work and study and some of you have family responsibilities too; financial hardship is a real and unfortunate aspect of higher education in Australia," he said.
"Your studies can be stressful and some of you may be adjusting to being away from home for the first time. We recognise this and we will do all we can to support you."
The University welcomed more than 3,600 new students during O-Week. Classes started on Monday, 15 February.
