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Last week, we celebrated a new group of graduates from HETI Higher Education’s mental health courses, marking a significant milestone in their continued commitment to improving care across NSW.
The ceremony, held in Sydney, brought together graduates, educators, families, and leaders from across the health sector. It was a moment to recognise academic achievement and acknowledge the dedication and purpose that each graduate brings to their work in mental health.
This year’s graduates reflect the diversity and strength of the workforce, with professionals from across the lifespan including perinatal and infant, child and youth, adult and older persons. Each graduate arrived with their own motivation for study, but all shared a common goal: to enhance the lives of the people and communities they support.
“I chose to study mental health because I wanted to support families, and I wanted to learn more in the perinatal and infant mental health field,” Kelly shared.
“I was given the opportunity of pioneering a new service in a mental health ward, and I decided to obtain knowledge and skills through enrolling myself in masters in mental health,” said Pramila.
For many, this journey was about more than gaining qualifications. It represented a commitment to lifelong learning and a desire to deepen their impact in the field.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding academic achievement, highlighting individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout their studies, setting a high standard for both scholarship and practice.
This year’s Academic Excellence Awards were presented to:
Dr Susan Grimes, Director of Mental Health and Higher Education at HETI, acknowledged the significance of the graduates’ accomplishments and the impact they are already making across the system, saying:
Our completing students bring improved mental healthcare, not just when they graduate, but throughout their study time."
The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolving nature of mental health education. As the sector continues to respond to emerging challenges and community expectations, programs are designed to ensure graduates are equipped with practical, evidence-informed skills that can be applied directly in their roles.
As Dr Paul Fung, Academic Lead Post Graduate Course in Psychiatry, noted:
These students will have contemporary evidence-based practice and they will also have a strong recovery whole-person approach to whoever they see.”
Throughout their studies, graduates explored a broad range of topics, from early intervention and supporting children and families, to working with individuals experiencing complex mental health conditions. These learning experiences are shaped to ensure relevance to real-world practice and to strengthen the capability of the workforce across diverse settings.
Graduates shared how their studies have already begun to influence their work. Some highlighted increased confidence in supporting specific population groups, while others spoke about gaining a deeper understanding of mental health across the lifespan. For many, the experience affirmed their commitment to contributing meaningfully to the wellbeing of the communities they serve.
These stories reinforce the purpose of HETI Higher Education: to support health professionals who are motivated to grow, adapt, and deliver high-quality mental health care.
Congratulations to this year’s graduates. We are proud to have supported you on your journey and look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work across NSW.
Hear from our graduates as they reflect on their experience and achievements.
Watch the video
