Kiah’s skilled, inspired, and ready

EXCLUSIVE

Nurses, teachers and oral health therapists will be among hundreds set to boost the workforce and make a difference on the Central Coast as they graduate from the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah campus on Tuesday.

When proud Worimi woman Kiah Carmody-O’Toole crosses the stage, she’ll do so having already secured her dream role as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Wyong Hospital.

A former co-captain of the National Indigenous Football Team, Kiah first moved to the Central Coast to study while also pursuing a professional soccer career with the Central Coast Mariners.

“I wanted to study to become a nurse and continue playing football, so I was stoked the University of Newcastle had a campus on the Coast where I could pursue my dream,” she said.

After finding connection and support through the University’s Wollotuka Institute, Kiah eventually chose to hang up the boots and channel her energy into making a meaningful impact through nursing.

“I’d achieved so much in sport, but I knew it was time. Nursing became my priority,” explained Kiah.

“I wanted to be there for my mob when they needed me most.”

Kiah will join almost 500 students celebrating their study achievements with family and friends over three ceremonies throughout the day.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, said he was immensely proud to celebrate each and every one of the University’s graduating Central Coast students.

“Congratulations to all our new graduates. Graduation is always an incredibly special milestone – not just for our students, but for their families, our staff, and the wider Central Coast community,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“It’s a moment to recognise the hard work and resilience of those graduating, and to look ahead to the impact they’ll have in their communities, industries, and the world.

“In our 60th year as a University dedicated to our communities – and with more than 30 of those spent proudly embedded in the Central Coast – we are thrilled to honour the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of this region and beyond.”

Professor Zelinsky said the University is committed to expanding local education opportunities for the Central Coast.

“We’ve helped educate more than 40,000 students on the Central Coast, and we’re just getting started,” he said.

“We know that nine out of 10 jobs in the future will require higher education. That’s why we’re focused on enhancing access to higher education for our Central Coast communities.

“Our new Central Coast campus in Mann Street, Gosford, is a big step forward. It’s the University’s largest investment of anything we’re doing right now, and alongside our Ourimbah Campus and Central Coast Clinical School, it will give people on the Coast more options for studying at a world-class university, without having to move away.”