City access drives doctorate studies

Afters years of tireless work, Edith Cowan University PhD student Adam Johnson received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Bunbury on Saturday.

But Mr Johnson, who was given the opportunity to carry the ceremonial mace during the traditional pre-graduation ceremony parade, was more content to share his achievement with peers alongside him.

“It was a fantastic celebration for all of us who were there really,” he said.

“Studying a PhD is a unique challenge — but of course for a lot of those undergraduate students, they are also facing their own challenges to get through and achieve their first degree as well.

“It was good to be amongst them and celebrated that way by the university.”

Mr Johnson has worked collaboratively with both ECU and the City of Bunbury, in a bid for the city to one day be recognised as the Most Accessible Regional City in Western Australia (MARCIA).

By working closely with people who have disabilities, Mr Johnson was given unrivalled experiences and insight into all issues and challenges needed to make this dream a reality.

“The next stage is really to ensure the recommendations which went to the City of Bunbury are implemented,” he said.