As Children’s University Newcastle marked 10 years of learning, there were 10 students who had travelled further than most to cross the stage of the University of Newcastle’s Great Hall in their caps and gowns and receive their certificates.

Coopernook Public School on Biripi land north of Taree, has been part of the program for eight years and relieving principal Tianne Buderus said she looks forward to attending graduation every year even with the four-hour round trip.

“Every kilometre is worth it when we see our students proudly celebrating their achievements and recognising themselves as successful learners,” Ms Buderus said.

“The ceremony is a powerful moment for them and their families. It shows our students that their effort and curiosity matter, and that they are part of something bigger.

“The confidence, pride, and sense of accomplishment they gain make the journey more than worthwhile.”

In 2025, 799 students from 39 public schools graduated from Children’s University Newcastle, including Menindee Central School, which had 20 participants and staff travel more than 13 hours from Barkindji country to Awabakal land to be part of the On Campus Discovery Days in Newcastle in July.

Instead of making another trip for graduation week, early next year university staff will go to Menindee to celebrate on-country with students, the school and their families.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO says the program’s impact speaks for itself.

“We couldn’t be prouder of what Children’s University Newcastle has delivered in its first decade,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“Almost three-quarters of current University of Newcastle students who took part in the program say that it significantly influenced their decision to go to university.

“These results are particularly important given that many of the students come from regional and low socio-economic areas, where higher education participation has traditionally been lower.”

At a rural school like Coopernook with 55 students from Kindergarten to Year 6, learning outside the classroom offers valuable exposure to new ideas and experiences.

As the participants develop the mindset of lifelong learners, Ms Buderus said it doesn’t just build confidence, it encourages independence and helps them understand the world beyond their local community.

“When our students visited the same university that their parents once attended, and that their teachers and principal studied at, their eyes absolutely lit up,” she said.

“They realised that university isn’t distant or out of reach; it’s a place connected to their own community and their own story.”

“Experiences like this spark early aspirations and help children imagine themselves pursuing further study, building strong and positive pathways into secondary school and beyond.”

Since it began, Children’s University Newcastle has partnered with 100 schools and engaged with more than 9,300 students across Newcastle, the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid-North Coast, and as far west as Central Darling.