The Dubbo-based clinical midwifery consultant with the Western NSW Local Health District has accepted an invitation to attend the CSU Dubbo Campus 2018 graduation ceremony on Thursday, December 13.

This year Ms O’Connor won the NSW Health Agency of Clinical Innovation Award for Excellence and Innovation in Health Care.

She was also the recipient of the Anthea Kerr Award, the most prestigious award among the Premier’s Awards for Public Service.

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Ms O’Connor was recognised for her efforts in improving access to quality antenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women and mothers in rural and remote communities of Western NSW.

The CSU alumnus will be welcomed by a big crowd at the morning ceremony at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC).

Head of Campus Cathy Maginnis expects families and friends of the graduating students will flock to the DRTCC.

“Graduation is a time of celebration for both the graduating students and their families and friends,” she said.

“We are so lucky here in Dubbo with access to excellent on-campus facilities and higher-education.

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“Graduation is a time where students become role models in our communities and explore job opportunities in rural and regional Australia.”

The CSU graduation season will begin in Wagga Wagga and Parramatta on December 10 and end at Albury-Wodonga on December 19.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said graduating students should be confident about their future.

“Eight-five per cent of Charles Sturt University graduates find full-time employment within four months of graduating and also earn a median salary of $62 000, the highest graduate starting salary of university graduates in NSW,” he said.

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