A pioneering Aboriginal psychiatrist, researcher and mental health champion who was also the first Indigenous Australian to become a medical doctor is one of 11 guest speakers to address graduating students during The University of Western Australia’s winter series of graduations next week.
Professor Helen Milroy, a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region, studied medicine at The University of Western Australia, then worked as a GP and completed specialist training in child and adolescent psychiatry.
More than 1500 students are expected to attend 11 graduation ceremonies in Winthrop Hall, from next Tuesday 20 July to Friday 23 July.
Other guest speakers include Kendall Whyte, the founder and CEO of Blue Tree Project, a grass-roots movement that became a not-for-profit with a nationwide impact across regional Australia. The science graduate was inspired to set up Blue Tree by the loss of her brother Jayden who took his life in 2018.
Arts and economic graduate Matt McKenzie, is a journalist with Business News magazine, writing about the economy, politics, major projects and energy.
Mr McKenzie won a WA Media Award in the business category in 2018 and counts interviews with former prime ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Julia Gillard among his career highlights.
Arts graduate Deb Fitzpatrick, teaches creative arts and is the author of novels for adults, young adults and children. Her books have been shortlisted for several awards, published in the United States and optioned for film.
Architecture graduate and Hassell managing principal David Gulland, led the design of the recently opened EZONE UWA student hub, working on the project for more than six years since its inception.
Mr Gulland has had lead design roles on city defining Perth projects such as WA Museum Boola Bardip, Optus Stadium, Fiona Stanley Hospital and one40william Street.
Across the week, graduation addresses will also be delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of the Minderoo Foundation and Tattarang Andrew Hagger, Chair and Managing Director of Camino and Chair of UTS Insearch Global Dr John Wood, and senior leader at BHP Ellie Coates.
Nyikina, Yamitji and Yindjibarni man and mechanical engineer at Mintrex Torey Rickerby, entrepreneur and commercial lawyer Melvin Yeo and Founder and CEO of Sports Challenge Australia Dr Garry Tester will also address graduating students.