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Graduates Celebrate Achievement, Culture and Community at Desert Peoples Centre

HomeNewsGraduates Celebrate Achievement, Culture and Community at Desert Peoples Centre
11 September 2026
3 minute read

(Mparntwe) Alice Springs, NT

Graduates from communities across the Northern Territory were celebrated at the Batchelor Institute’s Desert Peoples Centre Campus Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, 10 September, marking an important milestone for students whose educational journeys reflect determination, resilience and a commitment to strengthening their families, workplaces and communities. 

The ceremony recognised 58 graduates representing 23 communities and suburbs, each receiving a qualification ranging from Certificate II in Community Services through to Doctor of Philosophy Indigenous Perspectives.

Batchelor Institute Chief Executive Officer Renee Long said the achievements being celebrated extended far beyond individual success.

"Graduation is a significant personal achievement, but it is also a celebration of the families, Elders, communities and supporters who have walked alongside our students throughout their journey. Every graduate leaves with new skills, knowledge and confidence that will create opportunities not only for themselves, but also for the people and communities around them.

“Education continues to play a significant part in supporting leadership, professional development and community capacity-building across the Northern Territory.”

Graduating with a Certificate IV in Teaching an Australian First Nations Language, sisters Pamela Kngwarraye Lynch and Veronica Kngwarraye Lynch, are excited about the future of their community.

“This is a proud achievement for both of us and our family. Growing up on Arrernte Country and learning from our parents, Elders and community, we were taught the importance of culture, language and our responsibility to pass that knowledge on to future generations. This qualification strengthens our ability to teach Arrernte language and cultural learning both on Country and in community settings, while supporting young people to understand their identity, connection to Country and cultural responsibilities. We are proud to continue sharing the knowledge handed down to us by our Elders and to create new opportunities for language learning that will help keep our language strong for generations to come,” said Pamela and Veronica at the graduation ceremony.

Also, among those recognised was Dr Lexine Bronwyn Solomon, who was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous Perspectives). This achievement is very special to Dr Solomon who, at times, felt would never be completed for a variety of reasons. However, she persevered acknowledging and thanking many people who supported her through her journey, and she was honoured with her Doctorate at the graduation ceremony. Her research explored music, matriarchal narratives and the expression of Melanesian identity, contributing to the growing body of Indigenous scholarship and creative practice.

This year's graduating cohort demonstrates the breadth of learning taking place at Batchelor Institute, with qualifications awarded in early childhood education and care, community services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care, First Nations language teaching and learning, conservation and ecosystem management, visual arts and creative industries. The largest group of graduates completed qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care, helping to strengthen the future workforce supporting children and families across urban, regional and remote Australia.

As Australia's oldest Indigenous tertiary education provider, Batchelor Institute continues to deliver education grounded in its Both-ways philosophy, bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems with contemporary education and training to create pathways for success that remain connected to culture, community and identity.

Ends
 

Media Contact:
Paula Strong
Mobile: 0438 284 235
Email: paula.strong@batchelor.edu.au 

Image shows Batchelor Institute Desert Peoples Centre Graduation Recipients 2026

https://www.batchelor.edu.au/uploads/Images/KNG06486.jpg

Image shows Dr Lexine Bronwyn Solomon, who was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous Perspectives) from the Batchelor Institute Desert Peoples Centre

https://www.batchelor.edu.au/uploads/Images/OWL02425.jpg