CDU graduate turns education into a stronger voice for her people

Chenoa Masters is no stranger to a graduation cap and gown.  

For the Wakka Wakka and Kalkadoon woman, who has kinship ties to Wiradjuri Country, Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) 2026 Sydney graduation ceremony marked the third time Mrs Masters crossed the stage to collect a tertiary qualification.  

The Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Policy Development recipient was among more than 400 graduates celebrated at the Coliseum Theatre on October 29, 2026.

Mrs Masters came across the graduate diploma while working on diversity and inclusion programs.

She decided to enrol in response to the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum outcomes.  

"Following the referendum I truly felt that even though I understood democracy I didn't understand how our government operates, how policies are implemented," Mrs Masters said.

"When I saw this course, I knew it was going to be an opportunity to learn in a space where I felt lost at the time.

"I was blown away by the knowledge of our academics. They have empowered me to be able to have tough conversations respectfully.”    

Mrs Masters, who delivered the occasional address at one of two graduation ceremonies, said the qualification also streamlined her entry into a PhD.  

"The support I received from CDU staff was truly phenomenal. I am grateful to them for sharing their knowledge, time and expertise with me and all the students,” Mrs Masters said.  

"I feel my privilege deeply. Through access to education my voice has more weight behind it in rooms that my matriarchs were never invited into.  

“I have always looked at education as a way to strengthen my voice for my people, and I dedicate the knowledge I have gained in this Graduate Diploma wholeheartedly to the next generation, for whom policy will continue to affect."

CDU Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Fiona Coulson said it was a privilege to celebrate these graduates alongside their friends and families.

"Congratulations to all of our outstanding students who graduated in Sydney last week. Education is empowerment, and it's an honour to know and learn about how CDU has become a formative part of so many students' journeys," Professor Coulson said.

"Graduation is a celebration of academic achievement but also of the future, and we are excited to see our graduates build upon what they've learned with CDU."

The CDU Sydney graduation ceremony saw graduates across a range of disciplines including health, business, science and technology and conferred three doctorates.