Making history: Xavier Lyons becomes first graduate of UniSQ allied health program

What started as a spontaneous decision has turned into a passion for helping others, with Xavier Lyons becoming the first graduate of the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) Associate Degree of Allied Health (ADAH).

Raised in Papua New Guinea before moving to Toowoomba, Mr Lyons said his industry placement experiences helped shape his long-term goal of improving access to allied health services for underserved communities.

He will join hundreds of fellow graduates at UniSQ’s Toowoomba Graduation Ceremonies today (8 June) to celebrate the milestone alongside family, friends and peers, where he will also receive the inaugural Allied Health Assistance National Association (AHANA) Award for Academic Excellence in Allied Health.

Reflecting on becoming the first graduate of the program, Mr Lyons said the achievement was both unexpected and rewarding.

“I just wanted to try something spontaneous at first, but once I started learning more about allied health and the impact it can have on people’s lives, I grew to love it,” he said.

“Being the first graduate of the program feels really special. I’ve never considered myself a big achiever, so it’s pretty cool to be able to say that.”

The ADAH program was introduced by UniSQ in 2023 as an alternative entry pathway into allied health careers. It allows students to either qualify as allied health assistants or transition into a bachelor-level program, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, speech pathology and clinical exercise physiology.

Program Director Dr Jessica Levick said the degree was unlike most pathway programs because it was both a standalone qualification and a direct stepping stone into allied health professions.

“Students can graduate as qualified allied health assistants or continue directly into bachelor-level programs after completing the required courses,” she said.

“Many students across the program have progressed into bachelor’s degrees before completing the full associate degree, and we are proud to see Xavier become the first student to officially graduate from the program.”

Mr Lyons said conversations with allied health clients during placements in Toowoomba and Warwick helped cement his desire to pursue a career in the field and inspired him to continue his studies in occupational therapy at UniSQ.

“Hearing people’s stories and how allied health had impacted their lives gave me the push I needed to realise this is what I want to do,” he said.

“Before placement, I had doubts about whether I was suited to allied health, but speaking with people who were genuinely grateful for the support they received made me realise the kind of difference these services can make.”

Mr Lyons said he hoped to one day work as an occupational therapist helping improve access to healthcare services in underserved communities.

“Growing up in Papua New Guinea, I saw how difficult healthcare and allied health services can be to access,” he said

“I hope to eventually help people who struggle to access these kinds of services, especially in places where support can be limited.

“Knowing I may be able to make a difference for people who previously couldn’t access care motivates me to continue my studies and pursue a career as an occupational therapist.”

Mr Lyons’ award, co-presented by AHANA and UniSQ, recognises academic excellence in allied health assistance. As part of the award, he will also receive membership to the national peak body.

His story reflects the growing role allied health pathways can play in creating opportunities for students while supporting communities where access to healthcare services can be limited.