Community Programs and Services
The University provides a range of services to the community that enable students to gain practical experience as well as offering research opportunities.
The University of Newcastle Legal Centre is both a community legal service and a teaching facility for law students. Staffed by fourth-year law students who are supported by qualified law practitioners, the Legal Centre offers free legal advice to around 550 clients each year. The Legal Centre hosts drop-in clinics each Wednesday afternoon during semester, as well as regular evening sessions.
The Family Action Centre aims to strengthen families and communities by undertaking research, training and learning; developing and implementing strength-based programs; and creating models of practice that promote sustainability, social justice and community leadership. Programs run by the Centre include the Caravan Project, Home-Start, Boys in School, Communities for Children, Indigenous Programs and various networking and training programs.
The University of Newcastle's Special Education Centre helps families across Australia leap communication hurdles with an award-winning training program. The Centre provides a diverse range of programs and services for people of all ages with disabilities and special needs, and for their practitioners, families and communities.
Health clinics are held regularly during the semester at both Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses and associated facilities. They include Oral Health, Podiatry and Psychology clinics.
The University Oral Health clinic is a training facility for dental hygienists. The clinic is fully accredited and students work under close supervision from qualified dentists and hygienists. Patients are able to access a number of oral health services.
The service is free to anyone holding a pension or health card. Children and tertiary students are also eligible for free services. All other patients pay a one-off payment of $40 that covers all visits and procedures. Appointments can be made by contacting the clinic on (02) 4348 4164.