Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock is returning to her old university, to address graduates at the University of New England in Armidale on Friday, 23 October.
Ms Bullock, a UNE graduate, will give the occasional address at the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law ceremony at 10:30am. It will be held in Lazenby Hall on the Armidale campus, rather than the Booloominbah Lawns, because of the wet weather, as well as being live streamed.
The former Armidale High School student graduated from UNE with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) in 1984, then completed a Master of Science (Economics) at the London School of Economics in 1989.
Ms Bullock has spent more than 35 years at the Reserve Bank. She has served as Assistant Governor (Financial System), Assistant Governor (Currency), and Deputy Governor. She became Governor in September 2023, and is Australia’s first female Governor of the bank.
“Ms Bullock has kept strong ties with UNE and the Armidale community,” a spokesperson for UNE said.
“She has delivered keynote lectures, visited Armidale Secondary College, engaged with the UNE SMART Region Incubator, and supported regional economic development.”
“In 2025 she received the UNE Distinguished Alumni Award.”
About 450 students will graduate over three ceremonies on Thursday, 22 October and Friday, 23 October.
The Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education ceremony on Thursday morning will hear from Paralympic medallist, performer, and disability advocate Paul Nunnari. Mr Nunnari has worked as Director of Inclusive Infrastructure, Placemaking and Experience within the NSW Premier’s Department and Department of Regional NSW.
“His work includes making the Sydney Harbour Bridge wheelchair accessible and leading inclusion efforts for the Sydney Invictus Games, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” a spokesperson said.
At 3pm on Thursday, the Faculty of Medicine and Health ceremony will hear from registered nurse, educator, and health equity advocate Rachael Ferris. Ms Ferris is back in Armidale, where she is Hunter New England Health’s inaugural Rural Research and Innovation Project Coordinator.
“Rachael’s contribution to health has earned recognition at state and national levels,” the spokesperson said.
“Selected for the Australian College of Nursing’s Emerging Policy Leader Program in 2026, she brings frontline experience to health policy discussions and has presented her work at national and international conferences, advocating for health equity and stronger support for rural and remote clinicians.”
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