Postcard from Lachlan Hazelton

Bachelor of Arts, 1997
Masters of Applied Linguistics, 2012

“My relationship with the University of New England started in 1993 and I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1997.

I then returned to UNE to complete a Master of Applied Linguistics in 2012, completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment along the way.

My career has taken me through broadcasting, publishing, communications and the community sector, with one constant throughout – a belief in the need to be an effective communicator. Effective communication can inform, empower and, if you’re lucky, transform lives.

After completing my Bachelor of Arts, I began my career in commercial radio as an announcer, producer and copywriter. It was exciting and quickly taught me how to connect with audiences and communicate clearly and creatively.

Later, my career took me to the Physical Disability Council of NSW, where my work began in communications, before broadening to include education and training. As Australia prepared for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), I recognised an opportunity to become a more effective communicator and educator.

My Applied Linguistics studies further improved my skills and confidence to design and deliver workshops that helped people understand self-advocacy, navigate the emerging NDIS, and articulate their goals and aspirations. I also co-facilitated workshops across NSW on physical disability and dementia, developed in partnership with what is now Dementia Australia. This experience only reinforced my belief that communication is about far more than sharing information – it’s about making the knowledge accessible, meaningful and empowering.

Alongside my work in the community sector, I have continued my passion for writing and publishing through Sideline Books and Penny Publishing. Whether in my own writing or working with authors, organisations and businesses to tell their stories, I have always believed that the written word has the power to inform, inspire and create lasting connections. Writing, editing and publishing has given me the privilege of helping ideas find an audience and stories find their voice.

Looking back, UNE gave me far more than two qualifications. It encouraged curiosity, critical thinking and the confidence to continue learning throughout my career. Returning to university after many years also reminded me that education is not confined to one stage of life; it grows alongside our experiences and opens new opportunities to make a difference.

The achievement I am most proud of is not a particular role or publication, but the opportunity to encourage others to advocate for themselves and supporting aspiring writers as they discover the joy and confidence that comes from telling their own stories.

My advice to current UNE students is to stay curious and never stop learning. The career you imagine today may change many times, but the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and remain open to new opportunities will stay with you for life.”