Fact sheet
Changes to University of Newcastle’s Port Macquarie campus
On 20 June 2019, the University of Newcastle announced changes to the programs it will offer at its Port Macquarie campus.
The changes see a shift to postgraduate and research delivery at the campus.
The University will no longer offer new undergraduate enrolments, effective immediately.
The University of Newcastle currently offers nursing, midwifery and primary teaching courses at its Port Macquarie campus and has 291 current enrolments.
The University will support all of its currently enrolled students in their local studies, continuing to teach and support the existing full-time students through to graduation. The majority of current students will complete their studies by 2022. The University will work closely with part-time students to identify and plan individual pathways and options for completion of their degrees.
The University will now focus its future efforts on postgraduate programs and research opportunities, working collaboratively with Charles Sturt University, the Port Macquarie Base Hospital and the Mid North Coast Local Health District, and other local stakeholders.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, met with staff on 20 June 2019 to announce the changes and answer questions. There are 21 continuing or fixed term staff at Port Macquarie and 37 casual staff. Senior staff from the University will support Port Macquarie staff during the transition.
Whilst this decision represents a change of focus, the University of Newcastle will remain a key higher education presence in Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast region of NSW.
The University of Newcastle has had a long-term relationship with the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD), and the Port Macquarie Base Hospital in particular. The University of Newcastle's Department of Rural Health (UONDRH) will continue to support final-year allied health students on clinical placements at the Base Hospital, contributing to development of the regional health workforce and health services available to the local community.
Through its position as one of Australia’s leading universities in health and medical research, the University of Newcastle will remain a key partner with the MNCLHD and Port Macquarie Base Hospital, seeking to advance and grow the region’s health and medical research capacity and expertise, to deliver enhanced health outcomes informed by evidence and research.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.