2009 Commencement Ceremony, Fremantle Campus

Vice Chancellor Professor Celia Hammond, Mayor of Fremantle Peter Tagliaferri with members of the Notre Dame Student Association, Fremantle.

4 March 2009

Lots of laughter, colour, excitement and loud drumming provided the vibrant welcome to the 2009 academic year for The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle Campus.  

In the annual tradition to mark formally the commencement of academic life for the University community, academic staff in full regalia, students and their families brought the streets of Fremantle to a stand still as they paraded through the port town. Over 500 participants gathered for an official welcome from the new Vice Chancellor, Celia Hammond and the Mayor of Fremantle, Peter Tagliaferri.  The parade was blessed by Father John Archibold OMI, assistant parish priest from St Patrick’s Basilica and the University’s Chaplain, Father Gerry Conlan OMI.

The WASAMBA drumming company enthusiastically lead the colourful parade from Mouat Street along the Esplanade, up Essex Street then along the cappuccino strip, entertaining the coffee drinkers, and then down High Street to arrive back at Notre Dame.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond said that the University has been celebrating in this way since 2000.

"The University sees it as an important opportunity to celebrate Notre Dame’s identity as an integral part of Fremantle’s unique, multicultural and vibrant community and we were delighted that the Mayor was able to join us. It is a wonderful way to launch our academic year." 

Media contact: Michelle Ebbs 08 9433 0610, 0408 959 138