Celebrating Graduate Cam Moray-Smith's Journey of Reinvention

After a 26-year career in funeral services, RMIT graduate Cam Moray-Smith embarks on a new journey in law, driven by a passion for advocacy and inspired by the memory of his late mother.

Transitioning from nearly three decades in funeral and cemetery management to pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at RMIT, Cam Moray-Smith has turned personal challenges into professional growth.

“I had significant involvement with regulatory compliance and governance in my previous career, which earned me the nickname ‘bush lawyer,’” Cam shared.

"Like so many others, the time we all spent during COVID lockdowns gave me pause to reflect and consider what the future might look like."

In the brief moments between lockdowns in 2021, Cam was able to travel out of Victoria and visit his mother in New Zealand who was terminally unwell.

"We discussed many things including what my plans for the future were – this is where I first floated the idea of going back to University.

When she died during lockdown four and I couldn’t leave Victoria to attend her funeral, I made the decision to make a change. I resigned from my career of almost 26 years and enrolled at RMIT," Cam said.

My mum often commented that I should have been a lawyer or a judge – as usual she was right!

Cam credits RMIT’s workplace-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities as pivotal to his development. Through placements at YouthLaw and the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal, he gained hands-on experience addressing real-world legal challenges.

“No amount of simulated assessments can compare to working with real people navigating real legal issues,” he said.

“Every student should consider completing at least one WIL course if possible.”

RMIT Graduate Cam Moray-Smith

Despite enduring personal loss, including the sudden death of his father during his studies, Cam’s determination never wavered. With support from educators like Dr. Vanessa Johnson and Dr. Belinda Clarince, he managed to balance family responsibilities and academic success.

“RMIT’s compassionate faculty made all the difference,” he recalls.

“Short extensions allowed me to meet both personal and academic demands while staying on track.”

Beyond academics, Cam embraced leadership roles, including treasurer of the RMIT Squash Club and Director of Education for the RMIT Law Student Society. He also mentored peers in foundational law subjects.

Now preparing for the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Cam is eager to step into the legal profession.

“I’m excited to return to the workforce, bringing the skills and values from my previous career into this new chapter. For me, it’s about helping people, businesses, and communities in meaningful ways,” he explains.

For new and future students, Cam advises embracing diverse learning opportunities and building connections.

“Age is no barrier—if you want to make a change, just start. The friendships and experiences you gain along the way are invaluable.”

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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