2009 News, Highlights and Events Archive

In Living Memory Exhibition

Exhibition features images from a series of 1000 black and white photographs from the official records of the former NSW Aborigines Welfare Board. To be held at the University Gallery, University of Newcastle, 30 September - 7 November 2009

Kunarr Indigenous Alumni Chapter First Reunion and Symposium: 8-9 October 2009

The Wollotuka Institute is proud to invite Indigenous graduates of the University of Newcastle to the first reunion of our Kunarr Indigenous Alumni.

The Kunarr Alumni Chapter will be launched with a Cocktail Party following a two day Symposium on the 8-9 October 2009. Come along, catch up with some old friends, make some new ones and enjoy what will be a memorable reunion. If you are interested in doing a poster presentation, exhibiting artwork or film, or have any suggestions for our Symposium... we would like to hear from you!  For more information and program check out our website at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/institute/wollotuka/indigenous-student-support-and-development/kunarr-indigenous-alumni-chapter/

 WAAP 2009

Opening night Wednesday 2 December 2009 5:30-8pm.

The Wollotuka Institute invites you to the opening of WAAP 2009 at the University Gallery to showcase the artwork of contemporary Aboriginal artists from Wollotuka, Newcastle and Central Coast.

Adam Hill, a finalist in the Telstra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art  Awards and the Wynne Prize at the AGNNSW in 2009, will officially open the exhibition.

The winner of the $2000 inaugural Acquisition Art Prize will be announced.

Bush Tucker will be provided and a performance by local Aboriginal dancers is set to entertain you.

Exhibition open from 2-6 December.

International Award for Wollotuka Film Maker

Wollotuka Institute Research Fellow Dr Romaine Moreton has taken out the best short film award at the Chashama Film Festival in New York for her work The Farm.

The film pays homage to an Indigenous workforce essential to the agricultural wealth of New South Wales and Victoria dating back to the 1930s, and is told through the eyes of a young girl. The Farm deals with the spirituality of place and a country that is alive with people and stories.

The Chashama Film Festival provides a forum for global expression through filmmaking. It is a platform for a spectrum of political, cultural and philosophical ideologies presented in an environment designed to foster creative and intellectual expansion.

For further information, go to http://chafilmfest.com/film2009/?p=768

 Preserving the Languages of Aboriginal Nations

Discussions with members of the Muurbay Language and Cultural Cooperative at Nambucca Heads have been followed with an endorsement and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Newcastle.  Muurbay's purpose is to support Aboriginal people, particularly Gumbaynggirr, in the revival and maintenance of their language and culture.  Wollotuka will be working very closely with Muurbay in the revitalisation of Indigenous languages.  During a luncheon in January 2009 Uncle Ken Walker of Muurbay signed on their behalf with Professor Nick Saunders on behalf of the University.

National Apology to the Stolen Generation - First Anniversary

In support of the actions of the Federal Government in its decision in providing a national apology to the 'Stolen Generations', the Newcastle City Council hosted a morning tea to commemorate the first anniversary of such a momentous occasion.  The Lord Mayor, Councillors and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members were present.  During the morning tea the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee of the Newcastle City Council presented a number of awards.  Three Wollotuka staff members received awards.

Raymond Kelly received a copy of the National Apology personally signed by the Prime Minister, The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP in recognition of his contribution to the Community.

Amanda Kelly and Cheryl Newton received Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their contribution to the Community.

Grant Success

Congratulations to Professor John Maynard in successfully obtaining two recent grants:-

  • National and State Libraries Australasian Honorary Fellowship Individual Research Grant 2009 for "The Black Battlefield - The WWI experiences of NSW Aborigines Home and Abroad".
  • ARC QEII Fellowship Near Miss Grant Individual Research Grant 2009 for "Land, Children and Politics - Native America and Aboriginal Australia 1900-1930".

University Staff Awards

Congratulations to the following Wollotuka Staff members on receiving their awards:-

  • Professor John Maynard

Vice Chancellor's Award for Researcher of the Year 2008 for "Fight for Liberty and Freedom"

Faculty of Education & Arts Research Excellence Award 2008 for "Fight for Liberty and Freedom"

  • Cheryl Newton

Faculty of Education & Arts General Staff Excellence Award 2008