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Batchelor Institute Celebrated Larrakia Graduate’s Journey
Home Batchelor Institute Celebrated Larrakia Graduate’s Journey
06 June 2025
3 minute read

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (RTO 0383) celebrated 253 graduates at its 2025 Graduation Ceremony on 5 June. Held on Kungarakan and Warai Country, the event honoured Indigenous Australians who have transformed their lives through education.

Sharon Walker, a Larrakia woman living in Wagait Beach, NT, embodied 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, Sharon 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 HLT40221 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice), 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,” said Sharon Walker. “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, Sharon’s training reflected Batchelor’s “Both Ways” philosophy, blending Larrakia cultural knowledge with professional skills.

“Batchelor Institute is a place of empowerment, where Indigenous Australians shape their futures while staying connected to culture,” said Pilar Cubillo, Senior Lecturer of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care.

Graduate Sharon Walker at the 2025 Batchelor Campus Graduation

This year, the ceremony awarded 276 qualifications to 253 graduates from 76 communities, including Wadeye (19 awards), Holtze (18), and Yirrkala (17), with some earning multiple certificates. Courses ranged from HLT40221 (12 awards) to Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations (38 awards), with 43% of graduates identifying as female. These graduates are now set to strengthen NT communities in health, education, and conservation.

The celebration of Sharon and her peers took place on 5 June. For media inquiries, contact Sean Rung at 0450 701 003 or sean.rung@batchelor.edu.au.

Batchelor Institute
Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (RTO 0383) is Australia’s leading provider of tertiary education for Indigenous Australians, delivering VET and higher education grounded in the “Both Ways” philosophy. With campuses on Kungarakan and Warai Country in Batchelor, as well as Arrernte Country in Alice Springs, the Institute empowers students to achieve liberation through education. Learn more at batchelor.edu.au.