Tennant and Katherine celebrate

Charles Darwin University students and staff have celebrated the end of the academic year with spirited ceremonies in Tennant Creek and Katherine.

Master of ceremonies Lyle Mellors said about 50 students were acknowledged for their achievements in Tennant.

“The event provided an opportunity for families, friends, employers and staff to recognise the hard work that our students invest into their education and training,” he said.

“I also announced that business lecturer Linda Scroop has been recruited to Tennant Creek and would be based in the town next year.”

Mr Mellors bid a fond farewell to Tennant Creek Centre Leader Kate Young.

“Kate has shown great commitment in having taught, supported and encouraged thousands of students in Tennant Creek and the Barkly over the past 25 years.

“Her unwavering service to adult education in this region has been exemplary, and she will be greatly missed, but we wish her the very best in her new life ‘down south’.”

Mr Mellors also paid tribute to Indigenous Academic Support lecturer Chris Rothery, who also has retired this year after more than a decade with CDU.

Meanwhile 128 vocational education and training graduands and a further 18 higher education completers were acknowledged at the Celebration of Achievement ceremony in Katherine.

Campus administrator Vicki Williams said the increase in trades related short courses, such as white card, forklift training and heavy vehicle driver training, was one of the highlights this year.

“Once again we partnered with a group of university students in agriculture who have since returned to their homes in Indonesia.

“Plans are underway for an information and enrolment day in Katherine early next year.”