Family violence awareness campaigner and 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty will become an Honorary Doctor of USC at a special celebration in Gympie on Friday 5 May.

The event at the Gympie Civic Centre from 4-5pm will include a free public address by Ms Batty and feature plenty of pomp and ceremony, with University academics dressing in full regalia for the occasion.

Media and the public are welcome to attend this event, which will be the first of its kind held by USC in Gympie.

Ms Batty was named the 2015 Australian of the Year for her tireless advocacy for family violence prevention after her 11-year-old son Luke was killed by his father in February 2014.

During 2015, she attended about 250 conferences and addressed 70,000 people.

She also established the Luke Batty Foundation which aims – through education, advocacy and campaigning – to raise community awareness and put pressure on government organisations to reduce family violence statistics.

USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the Honorary Doctorate would recognise Ms Batty’s inspirational work as an advocate for change, and her determination and success in shaping the way Australia views family violence and the policies of governments to address it.

“Rosie Batty is a wonderful and sincere communicator who has been able to place domestic violence on the national conscience,” Professor Hill said.

“Through sharing her personal tragedy she's empowered countless individuals and communities to share their stories and talk about creating a better society.”

To register for the USC ceremony at Gympie, go to www.usc.edu.au/rosie-batty

— Terry Walsh