Brittany honoured with doctorate

Dr Brittany Abraham received an honorary doctorate at the University of New England’s (UNE) Faculty of Medicine and Health Awards graduation ceremony late last year.

The university lecturer and small business owner of Unlax Candles was completing a Doctor of Philosophy, focused on improving rural and remote mental health.

Brittany died in a car crash in March last year at the age of 24.

She first started her studies at UNE with a Bachelor of Nursing. After completing her degree, she studied a Bachelor of Psychological Science before receiving a Psychology Honours, where she graduated with first class honours.

She became an academic tutor in 2020 and then an associate lecturer for nursing and psychology subjects. She was also a founding lecturer in Indigenous Knowledges.

Brittany received various awards during her time at UNE, such as the Muriel Mary Snow Indigenous Psychology Prize and the inaugural First Nations Manna Institute PhD Scholarship.

UNE vice chancellor professor Chris Moran spoke about the impact Brittany had on the university’s community, labeling her as a “rising star in the academic world”.

He spoke highly of her leadership skills and initiatives, especially in her quest to improve access and inclusion of indigenous students at the university.

“She was never afraid to fight a good fight and UNE is an infinitely better place for having her with us even if that time was cut tragically short,” he said.

“Britt also acted as an inspiration and role model to First Nation students across the university, displaying wisdom far beyond her years.

“No question was too small, no problem too big and she was willing to take on any challenge thrown her way.

“It is truly impossible to capture Britt’s contribution to UNE in words but in just a few short years, she changed our world in her gentle but yet determined way.

“An angel walked upon us, an angel walked among us. Her dreams are now our dreams. She will not be forgotten.”

Receiving the doctorate on Brittany’s behalf were siblings Natalie, Jessica and Jason along with partner Jack Inder.

Dr Brittany Abraham at her Psychology Honours graduation last year.

“Just last year, we were sitting where you are, watching Britt deliver her graduation speech,” Natalie told the crowd. “That day, like today, we were so incredibly proud of our Britt.”

Natalie labeled her sister as the “most determined person” stating she was not “just ambitious, she was unstoppable”.

“She loved her work here and poured her heart into it,” she said.

Brittany was also known for wanting to change how society talked about grief. This tied into her business Unlax Candles, which was inspired by the candles she would burn in honour of her grandfather after his passing.

She was a Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce member through said business.

“Britt taught us all how to grieve and reminded us that none of us are truly alone in our pain, little did we know the lesson she shared would one day help us cope with the immense grief of losing her,” Natalie said.

She thanked UNE on behalf of her sister and family for being a part of Brittany’s journey and the recognition of a doctorate.

“Thank you to the teachers, supervisors, lecturers, colleagues, friends and students who supported her, encouraged her and inspired her,” Natalie said.

“And finally, to our Britt. Dr Brittany Abraham, we are so immensely proud of you. There are no words to express how much we love you, miss you and the pain of not having you here with us today.”