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.


Prof David Powis, Medicine, discussing the renovation of the Sydney Opera House pipe organ

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.

The association meets at Mercure West Newcastle, on the corner of King and Steel Streets, opposite Market town Shopping Centre. The meetings start at about 11.30am and last about two and a half hours.

The current President is Emeritus Professor Brian Fraser (Physics). 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 (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