Matthew Craig is one of 450 students to graduate at the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah campus this week with qualifications in a broad range of fields.
Craig, a proud Bundjalung man born and raised on Darkinjung Country, will graduate on April 13, with a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science and said that he looks forward to providing Indigenous representation within psychology.
After experiencing great loss in his community, Craig was moved to pursue a path that could make a tangible impact in the lives of others.
He decided to study a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science after losing not only his stepbrother but others in his community to suicide.
After going through his own struggles with mental health, he wanted to understand the problems with the system, why it was failing so many people, and figure out a way to make it better, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in his community.
He found that there was a lack of Indigenous representation within psychology and mental health support, and he was keen to be able to step into that role and provide a much needed service.
“I’m determined to make change happen, and I see so much opportunity to do good in the world with this degree,” he said.
Using skills learned through his studies at university, as well as bringing in his own lived experience to inform his practice, Matthew is working to use Indigenous methodologies in psychology in a clinical setting, as well as embedding that knowledge into research and academia.
In his work in the mental health sector, he engages with a wide variety of clients, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait clients and neurodivergent clients.
“I try to connect Indigenous clients with their culture using evidence-based Indigenous methods of psychology to make a positive impact in their lives,” he said.
Following the completion of his studies, Craig has also been tutoring psychology subjects at the University of Newcastle, something which he has grown a passion for.
“I dream of becoming an academic; that’s the ultimate goal,” he said.
“I love to see people grow so I feel that’s the path I need to take to become a subject matter expert and be able to help the industry and help others.
“It’s an ongoing process.”
University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, said he was immensely proud to celebrate each and every one of the graduating Central Coast students and recognised the significant achievement that marks the culmination of higher education studies.
“Every graduate has had a unique experience and no matter what path they have taken to reach this point, they have all shown dedication, commitment and resilience,” he said.
“Our university has been committed to world-class teaching, learning and research at our Ourimbah campus for over 30 years.
“The opening of the Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute in Gosford last year strengthened our bond with the Coast, while our new Gosford Campus will cement our commitment and make a lasting impact by creating more opportunities for young people to study without leaving the Central Coast.
“Most importantly we are committed to ensuring our graduates are community minded, resilient and ready to enter the workforce and make a difference.
“I look forward to seeing what our Central Coast students achieve in the coming years.
“I also welcome them as they now join our global network of 168,917 alumni who stretch across 153 countries around the globe.”
Graduation ceremonies will take place on 12-13 April at the Fine Arts Studio, University of Newcastle Ourimbah campus.
Source:
University of Newcastle