The ECU SW parade
Cheers echoed through the streets of Bunbury as 112 of the 146 graduating students proudly took part in Edith Cowan University South West's Bunbury Campus parade, turning out in strong numbers to celebrate the culmination of their studies ahead of the formal graduation ceremony.
Joined by children from the 2025 Children's University program, the procession wound its way through the streets of Bunbury, transforming the milestone into a vibrant community celebration before graduates crossed the stage to receive their awards.
The 2025 graduate cohort represented a broad cross-section of disciplines, with students from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Education, the School of Business and Law, and the School of Medical and Health Sciences crossing the stage.
ECU graduates celebrate their graduation
The diversity of fields on display reflects the breadth of course offerings available at ECU's Bunbury Campus and underscores the University's vital role as a higher education hub for the South West, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to support and strengthen their regional communities.
In her presentation to graduates, ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock celebrated the determination and resilience of students, while also honouring the families, friends, partners and mentors who supported the students through their studies.
"In the days ahead, you will stand in classrooms, in laboratories, and in communities. You will teach, you will heal, you will innovate, and you will lead. Often, you will change lives in ways you may never fully see or know," Professor Pollock said.
"Your degree gives you knowledge and skill, but it also gives you responsibility. Use it with integrity. Show respect. Lead with courage and humility. Question deeply. Strive for excellence, not for recognition, but because those whose lives you touch deserve nothing less."
Young Graduates
The day also celebrated the achievement of 67 graduates from the 2025 Children's University program, after a year of voluntary learning beyond the classroom.
The graduating class, which was drawn from students across seven primary schools across the City of Bunbury, the Shire of Harvey and the Shire of Capel, was nearly double the size of the 2024 graduating class.
Children's University graduates taking part in the ECU SW street parade
Professor Caroline Mansfield, Executive Dean of ECU's School of Education, said the university is immensely proud of the young scholars who worked hard to meet their learning goals.
"At ECU, we pride ourselves on nurturing students who are adaptable, curious and lifelong learners." Professor Mansfield said.
Professor Mansfield acknowledged the support from the University Department of Rural Health South West, situated at ECU's South West campus, for sponsoring the program's continued operation and expansion in the region.
"This generous support keeps the pathway open for local families " Professor Mansfield said.
ECU South West helping drive regional development and future growth
The South West Region boasts economic diversity, innovation and is witnessing significant growth and investment; ECU South West is a key contributor to that growth, and momentum is building.
Earlier this month, future students and their families turned out in impressive numbers for the South West Bunbury Campus Orientation Day, with registrations doubling compared to last year, a clear signal of growing demand for local university study and projected enrolment growth in 2026.
The surge reflects rising confidence in regional education and a powerful shift towards studying close to home, ECU Deputy Vice-Chancelor (Regional Futures) Professor Cobie Rudd said.
"We're seeing real confidence and investment in the South West, with more students and families recognising that they can access high-quality university education close to home," Professor Rudd said.
"The growth in Orientation Day registrations reflects confidence in our campus, our courses and our people. It also shows that when a university and its community work together, we can create clear, supported pathways from early learning right through to postgraduate study, ensuring the talent of the South West continues to thrive right here in the region."
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