It’s very clear that the road to prosperity and success is through education – for individuals and communities.

Education can be in the form of a traditional classroom and university lectures. Of late we have seen a shift to play-based learning in primary schools, kitchen gardens teaching children maths and English without students realising and the University of Tasmania creating the University College in an effort to widen student intake.

Vocational Education and Training and school-based apprentices have also demonstrated there is more than one pathway to excellent education outcomes. Throw in the importance of apprenticeships and there are various opportunities available to anyone in Tasmania.

One of the many reasons to shift the University of Tasmania to Inveresk from Newnham is to have the university more visible to the community. The university graduations is another aspect of this accessibility.

It’s inspiring to hear the stories of graduands, the reasons why they went to university, what they did in their past life and what they hope to achieve in the near and distant future.

The graduation at the Albert Hall on Saturday is a moment for many students to breathe a sigh of relief, reflect on years of hard work and sacrifice and celebrate their achievements.

While the winter graduations don’t involve a town and gown parade, this aspect of graduations is priceless. In particular the university now includes the Children’s University participants in the parade.

How special for primary school-aged children experiencing the joy and pageantry of educational attainment.

Data shows that children who have parents complete higher education will do so themselves. 

The more we participate and recognise that education is for forever and not until grade 10, the more we will see people living their dreams and the region prosper.

Congratulations to all the graduands.