KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

Alice Springs nurse Sally Crispe was awarded The University of Notre Dame Australia Broome Campus' most prestigious award. The 30-year-old mother of two received the Patricia and Michael Kailis Award at the graduation ceremony on Friday 9th July.
Acting Executive Director of the Broome Campus, Professor Jennifer Nicol, congratulated Ms Crispe on winning the award, which is given to the highest achieving student at the Broome campus Graduation - Alice Springs Nurse, Sally Crispe

Graduation - Alice Springs Nurse, Sally Crispe

Ms Crispe completed her Bachelor of Nursing at the end of 2003 and moved to Alice Springs specifically to further her nursing education. She said she was committed to remote health and is presently undertaking a certificate in Aboriginal studies. "Nursing offers so many options and career choices - we have chosen remote health because we enjoy living in smaller communities," she said.
"To practice in this setting requires not only a diverse range of clinical skills and a continued education, but also an understanding of the community's culture to deliver effective interventions at all levels of health care."
A total of sixty four students graduated at the outdoor ceremony. These included graduates in Education, Counselling, Nursing and Aboriginal Studies and included thirty two Vocational Education and Training (VET) program participants.
"One of the great features of the ceremony was the number of Aboriginal students graduating from our courses and the support they received from friends and family who travelled many kilometres to Broome to attend the event," Professor Nicol said.
Magistrate Dr Sue Gordon was the guest of honour at the ceremony.
Other features of the graduation ceremony included a traditional welcome by Yawuru Elder, Cissy Djiagween, and a smoking ceremony led by Cissy and her grand-daughter Erica Bernard.
Bishop Christopher Saunders of Broome led the graduation prayer and gave the blessing at the end of the graduation ceremony.