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Graham West
Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) 1996
NSW Minister for Juvenile Justice, Volunteering and Youth, and Minister assisting the Premier on Veterans’ Affairs GRAHAM WEST recalls his days as a UOW student:
I grew up in the Campbelltown area and attended St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown.
I chose to study at UOW as it was close to home, offered a part-time course, and it also had a great reputation and friendly atmosphere.
During my time at UOW I met a lot of great people, and made some long-lasting friendships. Throughout my time at the University, I also learnt how to work with people as part of a team. I came to recognise that through learning by mistakes I could help to improve outcomes.
While I was studying at UOW, I worked as a systems administrator for Sunburst, and when I graduated, I was working as a research officer with the NSW Minister for the Olympic Games.
Before and during my time at UOW, I was actively involved in the St Vincent de Paul Society. While I knew this work was important in tackling the underlying causes of poverty, I realised that more needed to be done. I thought politics was the answer, and this led me to my current career.
I recently returned to UOW to launch a research project into adolescent anti-social behaviour. It was great to see that UOW is leading the way in areas of important research. As a graduate, it was pleasing to see that so many others are benefiting from both community work and a good education.
On a personal level, I am married to Tanya and have three children. I enjoy community work and outdoor recreational activities.
The best part of my role as a Government Minister is being able to help people, and also being exposed to the latest ideas and strategies to reduce problems and increase opportunities in our community.
The passage of the new Liquor Act through the Parliament, the first redraft in 25 years, was important to me as an achievement. The opportunity to increase the awareness of and reduce problem gambling was also rewarding. CN