60 Years 60 Stories

The 60 Years 60 Stories collection showcases the moments throughout our history that have made us who we are.

Celebrating 60 Student LifeOur CommunityResearch ImpactAlumni and Supporters

Celebrating 60

In 2025, we proudly celebrate 60 years of looking ahead at the University of Newcastle. Over 6 decades, we have opened doors to higher education for thousands, pioneered groundbreaking research to solve local and global challenges, and played a vital role in creating a thriving region.

Our History

Special thanks to NBN Television, the GLAMx Lab at the University of Newcastle Library and The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

1965-1975: Autonomy 3:56

This video was produced as part of a Career-ready Placement by Bachelor of Media and Communication student Leto Oxenham.

1975-1985: The Wollotuka Institute 3:52

This video was produced as part of a Career-ready Placement by Bachelor of Media and Communication student Emmerson Hewitt.

1985-1995: Amalgamation 3:48

This video was produced as part of a Career-ready Placement by Bachelor of Media and Communication student Leto Oxenham.

1995-2005: The Faculty of Law and The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre 4:02

This video was produced as part of a Career-ready Placement by Bachelor of Media and Communication student Zac Wong.

2005-2015: Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources 4:39

This video was produced as part of a Career-ready Placement by Bachelor of Media and Communication/Bachelor of Laws stdeunt Wil Negline.

2015-2025: Univer-city 4:27

This video was produced as part of a Career-ready Placement by Bachelor of Media and Communication student Emmerson Hewitt.

60 Years of Looking Ahead: HMRI 2:38

This video was produced as part of a Career-ready Placement by Bachelor of Media and Communication student Leto Oxenham.

60 Years of Looking Ahead: The Central Coast Campus 2:44

This video was produced as part of a Career-ready Placement by Bachelor of Media and Communication student Emmerson Hewitt.

Messages of congratulations

Message of Congratulations from Government Representatives 3:30

Featuring The Hon Jason Clare MP (Minister for Education), The Hon Chris Minns MP (Premier of NSW), Sharon Claydon MP (Federal Member for Newcastle) and Tim Crakanthorp MP (Member for Newcastle).

Message of Congratulations from our International Alumni and Partners 3:31

Featuring Professor Neil Quigley (Vice-Chancellor, The University of Waikato), The Hon Khaw Boon Wan (Alumni, University of Newcastle) and Dr Shyam Bishen (2025 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient)

Message of Congratulations from our Local Partners 2:38

Featuring Luke Sheehy (Chief Executive Officer, Universities Australia), Belinda Cooper (Principal, Cessnock High School) and Maggie Zhou (Senior Advisor, Jack Ma Foundation)

Message of Congratulations 2:23

Featuring The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG (Former Deputy Chancellor, The University of Newcastle), Janice Petersen (2025 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient), Lindsay Hardy (Stakeholder Manager, The Wollotuka Institute) and Emeritus Professor Nicholas Saunders AO (Former Vice-Chancellor, The University of Newcastle).

Student Life

For 60 years, we have nurtured and stood behind our students as they become the innovators, the pioneers and the changemakers bringing new ideas and thinking to the world. Both inside and outside the classroom, we have offered a space for students to explore their passions, build life-long connections and embrace their university experience.

Our Community

60 years ago, our region gained an autonomous university. Since then, our university has remained dedicated to our communities, committed to educating generations of professionals and moving our regions, nation and the world forward through research.

Research Impact

Our sights are set firmly on the future, as we continue to build on our research strengths and tackle the world's greatest challenges.

Alumni and Supporters

Our Alumni and Supporters are part of a community of people around the world who, for 60 years, have challenged ways of thinking, discovered their potential and achieved remarkable outcomes.