The Graduation Ceremony for the first group of Binawan students at the University of Technology , Sydney

On 9 th September 2006 , 23 Binawan nursing students' dreams came true. Their faces showed their pride and happiness as they graduated from The University of Technology Sydney (UTS), awarded with a Bachelor of Nursing degree and Registered Nurse (RN) certification. In a grand ceremony held in the UTS city campus hall their long, sometimes difficult educational journey came to an end and this pioneering first cohort of students now look forward to a rewarding, lucrative career in International healthcare. Among the dignitaries in attendance was the Indonesian Consul General to Sydney, Mr. Wardana, who joined to celebrate the beginning of 23 nursing careers which can reward Indonesian nurses with more than A$3000 (Rp20 million) per month from Australian hospitals.

Having completed their nursing studies in March 2006, the graduates had all already been working at various chosen hospitals for some time. They have already proved that Indonesian nurses have what it takes to compete in the international workforce, and reports from their employers tell of a dedicated, caring, professional attitude towards their jobs. Moreover, this overwhelming initial success will undoubtedly act as a motivator for other Indonesians to follow in their footsteps, as Indonesians can now clearly see that with the right attitude, education, knowledge and skills, they too can follow this exciting, important career path.

As part of our long-term close collaboration with UTS, Binawan Institute of Health Sciences has sent more than 120 students to study and work in Sydney since 2005. This group of 23 has been working as RNs, while a further 44 are about to complete their BN program this semester, then also work as RNs in New South Wales. The remaining students are still studying hard at UTS while working part- time the healthcare sector and in many other sectors. Even though only working part time, they can make A$15/ hour (Rp100,000/hour), which is more than enough for their additional pocket money.

Binawan Institute of Health Sciences (BIHS) and The Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health at UTS have an established relationship. Through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2005, UTS has helped Binawan to develop an international-quality Bachelor of Nursing (International) course at BIHS. Students who have successfully completed the BIHS Bachelor of Nursing (International) can apply to enter the UTS Bachelor of Nursing for a one-year study program which is shorter than the Indonesian BN awarded by other universities. The BNs from other Indonesian universities would need two years of study at UTS to reach the same level as our recent graduates.