A New South Wales family raced across the newly open Queensland border to see their son graduate from Bond University today.
Jamie and Maree Bruce and their son Lachlan of Port Macquarie caught the first flight to the Gold Coast hours after the border opened to travellers.
The family were desperate to get to the university to see Lachlan don his mortarboard after completing a Bachelor of Property.
“We booked flights as soon as we knew borders were opening early,” Mr Bruce, the owner and CEO of Birdon, said.
“We didn’t think we would be able to get here to watch him.
“We didn’t think he would get here either! Nah, it’s a great job (to graduate), hats off to him.
“We are very excited and proud to see him graduate.”
Lachlan was thrilled to finally have his degree.
He completed most of his study on campus but has been working in the thoroughbred industry in NSW in recent months.
“It’s liberating to graduate,” he said.
“The quick degree and small classes were the main reasons I came to Bond, but also a chance to get away from Sydney and try something different on the Gold Coast.”
A series of graduation ceremonies across today and tomorrow will bring the number of Bond University graduates to more than 31,000 since 1989.
The most common awards this semester are Doctor of Medicine, Juris Doctor, Master of Construction Practice (Professional) and Bachelor of Laws.