UOW graduates urged to 'thump table' for a better future

"Our planet is a mess ... do not put up with this."

With those sage words, former Dapto High School principal Andrew FitzSimons threw out a challenge to the latest group of graduates.

Now retired after 45 years in public education, Andrew used his latest honour as an opportunity "to speak my mind".

"Our planet is a mess; climate change and the subsequent erosion of democracy is throwing up moral and practical challenges on all sides," said Andrew while accepting his honorary doctorate from the University of Wollongong (UOW) this week.

"Us Baby Boomers have far too often been recklessly wasteful. We are on our way out and leaving your generation to sort things out."

Andrew appealed to the hundreds of UOW graduates to seize the challenge and work towards righting the wrongs of the past. More than 3500 UOW students will graduate at ceremonies this week.

"Do not put up with this," he said. "Young men and women such as yourselves must become more demanding. Decisions and actions taken now are certainly going to impact your lives.

"Placing a climate change prism over our culture, our habits, our planning, our economy, our learning, our democracy, is confrontingly complex, but essential and urgent.

Speak up and assert yourself

"Every week in my office at Dapto High School, I received carefully written invitations/exhortations, for our students to engage in myriad worthy tasks – plant, weed, lift, carry, write, listen, draw, compose, etc. We did our best, we benefited.

"But right now, us retirees stand out as an often-underutilised source of energy, skills, connectivity, finance, time and energy; we are living longer, are healthier, and still have our hands on too many of the levers. Your generation needs to assert much higher expectations about how my mob spends its last years – decades, I hope.

"We've skilfully arranged many things to suit us – finance, housing, welfare structures, superannuation protocols.

"Speak up, now and loudly. Stamp your foot and thump the table. Skills and knowledge fostered by UOW will help make you knowledgeable and your voices respected, particularly if you collaborate."

Despite his straight-talking, straight-shooting advice to the new graduates, Andrew foresees a bright future. Nearly 20 years of his career were spent transitioning Dapto High's reputation from at best average to highly respected and admired.

"The rigours of my fortunate life have nurtured optimism. I remain confident and determined. This ceremony energises."

Funding private schools 'a scandal'

After a lifetime teaching and leading in the public education sector, Andrew, now enjoying a new life farming in Kangaroo Valley, delivered a parting shot at the "scandal" of public funding of private schools.

"Let me return briefly to public education. Dapto High School respectfully welcomes allcomers – economic status and religious belief do not impact that welcome. At this moment, when we so clearly need to work together, public education can be a key vector," Andrew said.

"Dividing young people and their families up into class and religion-based tribes; aka private schools, pulls in the other direction. Sitting here today, I am sure there are many fine students with a private school background – me, too. But the public funds and tax deductibility offered private education is simply a scandal.

"Private schools thriving inevitably diminishes public provision. Until public education is adequately, generously resourced, such endless support from the public purse should cease."

Don't hold back

Accepting his honorary doctorate, Andrew said he was "truly honoured" and the award was "a remarkable personal and professional milestone".

He closed his address by encouraging the graduates to "go for it".

"Do not hold back ... life is short and every day is precious."

"Ultimately, my 74 years have taught me that the key to navigating personal, professional and societal complexity is community. So, if you take one thing from my musings, please let it be this: It takes a village – be a villager! As you step into this next chapter of your lives – however you can, wherever you can – be a villager."

Recognising great Australians

UOW conferred six honorary doctorates on distinguished Australians:

Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, for her distinguished service to the law and the judiciary, and her leadership.

Maggie Dent, parenting author and educator, for her work supporting families, educators and young people across Australia.

Sharan Burrow, AC, former president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, for her lifelong advocacy for workers' rights and social justice.

Professor Megan Davis, AC, leading constitutional lawyer and advocate, for Indigenous rights.

Andrew FitzSimons for transformative leadership in public education.

Robert Ryan, former UOW deputy chancellor and CEO of IMB Bank, for leadership in the financial sector and at UOW.