An early interest in 3D-printed ears, arteries and other prosthetics led Bendigo's Lilly Haley-Farr to pursue a career in biomedical engineering.
But her time at La Trobe University, studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial) with Honours has set Lilly's sights further afield - to the southernmost point on Earth.
"I am interested in extending my skillset and pursuing mechatronics engineering. I would like to one day work on mega machinery, such as naval boats, and participate in the Australian Antarctic Program by supporting research on the seventh continent," Lilly said.
Lilly said La Trobe's supportive learning environment gave her the skills and confidence to move beyond her original field of study.
"My engineering degree gave me the ability to research difficult concepts and adapt quickly - skills that have been crucial as I look to expand into new engineering domains," Lilly said.
Lilly is now working full-time as a mechanical engineer at Bortana EV, a local automotive company specialising in electric mining vehicles that has hosted several La Trobe Industry-Based Learning students in their final years of study.
Lilly is among 573 graduates crossing the stage at the Bendigo campus' two-day graduation ceremonies, starting 14 April. A further 270 students will graduate in absentia.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the stories from Bendigo's 2025 graduating cohort reflected La Trobe's commitment to preparing graduates for careers that continue to evolve beyond graduation.
"Our graduates show how a La Trobe education equips students not just with disciplinary knowledge, but with the adaptability, critical thinking and real-world skills needed for a rapidly changing workforce," Professor Farrell said.
"Through strong industry partnerships, hands-on placements and teaching informed by current practice, Bendigo's newest graduates are prepared to apply their skills across sectors, respond to emerging challenges and make meaningful contributions."
La Trobe Rural Health School graduates Stewart Wilson and Allira Walker said their diverse, hands-on placements were a highlight of their degrees.
Despite years of experience at Echuca Regional Health as an enrolled nurse and previous work as a patient porter, Stewart's placement at the Lockington Bush Nursing Centre last August was an "eye-opener".
"The diversity of nursing in a remote bush setting really stood out. With limited resources, the skill set and adaptability of the staff become essential for delivering quality care," Stewart said.
"It showed me how vital community-run nursing centres are in remote towns and gave me hands-on skills, from emergency triage to advanced clinical techniques, that you simply can't learn in a classroom."
The placement cemented the Bachelor of Nursing graduate's career aspirations and reinforced the value of La Trobe's industry-connected approach.
"It was, without a doubt, my most enriching placement and it's certainly a career path I'm eager to pursue," Stewart said.
"With many of the teaching staff at La Trobe still actively nursing, I knew I was getting the most up-to-date knowledge."
Like Stewart, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy graduate Allira highlighted the course's strong industry links.
"Many of my classes were taught by industry professionals, which facilitated networking and real-world, scenario-based learning," Allira said.
"I loved all my placements because they were so varied. From local NDIS and mental health to my final placement in Canada at a paediatric trauma centre, they gave me a diverse skill set and boosted my confidence."
Allira entered La Trobe via a TAFE pathway, after completing a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance. She now works full-time as an Occupational Therapist at Seed Ability in Swan Hill.
"I love regional work, which is why I made the move to Swan Hill," Allira said.
"It's a baby step in what I hope will be many more remote adventures throughout my career."
