The University of Newcastle’s unique Natural History Illustration program is set to benefit from a large donation of rare and beautiful insects.

Husband and wife team Dr George and Katherine Hangay have spent a lifetime collecting the 2,700 insects, which they have donated.

This is the second donation from the Hangays, who in 2008 donated a collection of 3,000 insects to the University. Both donations are valued at an estimated $70,000.

Dr Hangay said they have spent the past three years working their new donation as each and every insect must be individually prepared.

“Each insect needs to be pinned, arranged, dried and labelled. We spend as much as six hours a day preparing 20 to 30 insects,” Dr Hangay said.

The collection features specimens from Australia, Africa and South America and includes specimens that do not exist in many major museum collections.

Dr Trevor Weekes, Senior Lecturer and Convenor of the Natural History Illustration program said the collection allowed students the opportunity to observe firsthand the intricacies of these beautiful and amazing insects.

“We are ecstatic to receive this donation for our students to draw. The Natural History Illustration program is the only one of its type in Australia. The Hangays generosity is a demonstration of their belief in what we are doing and the importance they place on our program.”

University of Newcastle Foundation CEO, Louise O’Connell, thanked the Hangays for their generous gift.

“This is quite an unusual donation to the University, and it is an invaluable addition to the resources available to our Natural History Illustration students.”
 
Anyone interested in making a donation to the University can contact the University of Newcastle Foundation on (02) 49217 453 or visit the website at www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation.

About the University of Newcastle Foundation:

The University of Newcastle Foundation aims to encourage philanthropic support for the University of Newcastle. Donations help fund student scholarships and prizes, academic positions and research and University projects.

Media contact: Tanya Carlyle, University of Newcastle Foundation Marketing & Communication Coordinator, (02) 4985 4178 or 0407 276 061.