Retired lecturers' association
The Newcastle Retired Lecturers' Association (NERLA) was formed some forty years ago to provide an opportunity for retired academic staff and senior administrative staff to meet maintain contact with friends and former colleagues and to stay in touch with the changes in university life.
Our mission
NERLA provides a quarterly lunch-meeting gathering to bring together former colleagues and their partners to enjoy each-others' company in an informal setting, such that the friendships made over many years whilst in employment at the University of Newcastle and its associated and predecessor institutions can be sustained.
NERLA meets four times a year (in March, June, September and December) on the second Wednesday of the month for a social gathering including a guest speaker. The topics vary widely and are based on member requests. At the December meeting, the Vice-Chancellor usually speaks, and the venue is at Local Connections on the Callaghan campus. The main purpose of NERLA is social. Former academic staff can meet with each other and catch up on current and past activities.
At the December 2025 meeting, the Vice-Chancellor spoke to 42 members about the status and future of the University, and the challenges of staffing.
The association normally meets at Mercure West Newcastle, on the corner of King and Steel Streets, opposite Market town Shopping Centre. The meetings start at 11.30am and last about two and a half hours.
The current President is Associate Professor Howard Bridgman (School of Environmental and Life Sciences). A Committee of 8 former academics from different disciplines help organise the meetings and speakers. Annual subscriptions are $10 for members, and $5 for partners (associate members).
If you are retiring from the University of Newcastle and would like to join, please contact: Howard Bridgman (President and Communications Officer) by email Howard.Bridgman@newcastle.edu.au or by phone on 0425 281 387.
Please tell any of your recently retired friends and colleagues about NERLA.
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.