Current projects and priorities

The University of Newcastle Foundation works on a number of important projects. These projects have been proposed to the University of Newcastle Foundation both by faculties and community members who are working to improve our University.  These projects include:

Scholarships

Scholarships provide financial aid for students who otherwise may have missed out on an opportunity to attend University. Scholarships provide support, confidence and encouragement, keeping students in all areas of study motivated and helping them to focus on their goals. We hope that through successful fundraising we will increase both the number of high achieving students and the support we can provide for them. The more diverse and talented students we can attract, the better the potential for learning and research that will benefit our community and our world.

To find out more about establishing a scholarships click here.

Download the Scholarship campaign brochure (PDF, 328KB)

Flora of the Hunter Region

With more than 100 plant species unique to the Hunter Valley,  both Alumni and researchers from the Natural History Illustration and the Plant Sciences programs at the University have combined to produce a booklet that will showcase some of the regions critically endangered plants.

Read more about the Flora of the Hunter Region project here

Oral Health Van

A new mobile oral health service aims to provide Central Coast residents with free dental check-ups. Oral Health students from the University's Central Coast Campus will offer check-ups, teeth cleaning and flouride treatments under the supervision of a certified dentist. The service will operate at various locations around the Central Coast for three week periods and will be made available to seniors, pre-schoolers and disadvantaged residents.

University of Newcastle Chamber Choir

Ranked 8th in the world, the University of Newcastle Chamber Choir is made up of 40 dedicated singers ranging from the University's students and staff and community members. The Choir's fresh and energetic performances have made them an extremely popular group around the world, winning them a number of competitions including Channel 7's 'Battle of the Choirs' in 2008. In 2012 the Choir is aiming to compete in the World Choir Games in the USA and has been invited to perform in New York, Boston, Washington and Bermuda.

Click here to find out more about the University of Newcastle Chamber Choir.

International Time-Space Concerto Competition

The University of Newcastle Conservatorium, with the aid of donors, is holding a concerto competition to attract some of the worlds finest musicians to the Newcastle stage. Students from across the globe are invited to submit a piece of music reflecting the traditions of music combined with cutting-edge technology.

Find out more about the International Space-Time Concerto Competition

Emergency Architects Australia

Emergency Architects is a global orgnisation based in Australia, France and Canada that sends experienced architects and other built environment specialists to provide support in disaster affected areas. The University would like members of the community to help establish scholarships that will enable students to participate more within the program.

Find out more about donating to Emergency Architects scholarships here.

Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment

The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment works in partnership with our local community, business, industry and government in search of sustainable solutions for the future of our region. In conjunction with our University, the Tom Farrell Institute for the environment offers a high level of environmental expertise in a wide range of fields including climate change, biodiversity, environmental monitoring, green waste management, estuarine and marine research, sustainability and water and wetland management.

Find out more about the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment.

Vera Deacon Regional History Fund

The purpose of the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund is to support and encourage regional history through the acquisition, preservation and study of valuable regional historical resources. This fund will enable the University to uncover, preserve and safeguard Newcastle and the Hunter region’s important archives and documentary heritage for future generations. Our history holds the key to our future. Without our archives and the knowledge and wisdom they impart to us, we cannot meet the challenges ahead.

Find out more about the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund.

Chancellor's Great Hall Fund

This fund has been established to raise funds for facilities and events involving the Great Hall. In 2007 generous donors supported the installation of the digital pipe organ and the orchestra for the performance of the Messiah. The support for the Great Hall fund will ensure that the Great Hall will continue to play a major role in the cultural life of the University and our region.

Some priority areas (by Faculty)

The University Faculties also have priority areas that are in need of support. These include: 

Engineering

  • Energy & Resources
  • Smart Grids & Power Engineering
  • Clean Coal Technology
  • Architecture & Construction Management
  • Hydrology & Geotechnics

Health

  • Women’s Health
  • Mobile Denistry/Podiatry
  • OH & S Research Centre of Excellence
  • Cardiovascular research
  • Trauma research

Science & IT

  • Geology & Mine Rehabilitation
  • Environmental Science
  • Water Quality
  • Energy
  • Marine Science

Business & Law

  • Corporate Governance
  • Sustainable Tourism  
  • Low carbon jobs in the Hunter    
  • Wine Industry Research
  • UON Legal Centre - learning through service to the community

Education & Arts

  • Conservatorium of Music
  • Indigenous Education
  • Teacher Education
  • Theology
  • Creative Arts

If you are interested in supporting any of these priority areas or projects or wish to find out more, please contact the University of Newcastle Foundation on (02) 4921 7453.