GHD has received the Employer Excellence in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award in recognition of its sustained commitment to inclusive practices and its support for University of Newcastle students from equity groups.

GHD actively recruits students from diverse communities and provides a range of support mechanisms to ensure student wellbeing. Their partnership with the University includes sponsorship of the Women in Engineering Society (NUWIE) and HunterWiSE’s Schools Outreach program, providing year-round mentorship for female students. As the first firm nationally to host CareerTrackers interns, GHD has set a benchmark for inclusive industry engagement. Their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship, delivered in collaboration with the Wollotuka Institute, further demonstrate their dedication to equity.

Through innovative and intentional practices, GHD fosters a workplace culture where all students can thrive.

As a team, we’re proud to partner with the University of Newcastle to create opportunities for students from all walks of life. Welcoming students from diverse backgrounds goes beyond doing what’s right to building a stronger, more vibrant workplace. Our motivation comes from seeing the positive impact that equity and inclusion have on our people, our projects, and the communities we serve. Every student brings a unique perspective, and embracing that diversity has truly enriched GHD.

~ Simon Page (Northern NSW General Manager, GHD)

cyberSuite has been awarded the New Partner in Employability Award for its commitment to providing students with immersive, paid employment in the cyber security sector.

Over the past year, cyberSuite has employed 30 University of Newcastle students in live cyber incident response roles, offering early career exposure to a highly competitive field. Students work as Data Breach Reviewers, contributing directly to the protection of Australians from identity fraud and social engineering. This hands-on experience is supported by fortnightly cyber security training, on-the-job coaching, and professional references.

The partnership model is inclusive and flexible, allowing students to balance work with study while gaining valuable industry experience. cyberSuite’s approach exemplifies how targeted industry collaboration can accelerate career readiness and deliver measurable public impact.

Partnering with the University of Newcastle has been energising and straightforward to deliver real work, real outcomes, real careers. We brought students into our eDiscovery team because cyber security is tough to break into, and we wanted to create a paid, first step that matters. As Data Breach Reviewers, students work on live, real-world cyber incidents, helping to protect Australians and New Zealanders from identity fraud, and build job-ready skills. It has been impressive to watch capable students grow into confident professionals, knowing we are strengthening the Hunter’s cyber talent pipeline while delivering tangible community impact.

~ Cris White (Head of Cyber Advisory, cyberSuite)

Zenviron has received the New Partner in Employability Award for its extensive support of student development across the Renewable Energy, Electrical, and Civil Engineering degrees.

Since 2023, Zenviron has hosted multiple undergraduate students for placements, with several transitioning into full-time graduate roles. These placements provide students with exposure to live project environments and practical challenges, helping them build confidence and technical capability under the guidance of experienced supervisors.

Zenviron also contributes to curriculum development as a Program Advisory Board member and played a key role in securing Engineers Australia accreditation for the University’s Renewable Energy Engineering degree. Its sponsorship of the University of Newcastle Engineering Society, participation in career expos, and involvement in networking events offer students valuable industry exposure and opportunities to build professional connections.

Through this multifaceted engagement, Zenviron supports the development of career-ready graduates and plays a key role in strengthening the region’s renewable energy workforce.

Partnering with the University of Newcastle has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Hosting students has shown us the real value of blending academic learning with practical, industry-based experience. Our motivation has always been to help develop the next generation of renewable energy professionals, and in return, we gain fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking that genuinely strengthen our projects and culture. It’s a partnership that benefits both the student and the workplace.

~ Beth Rigby (General Manager, Zenviron)

The City of Newcastle has been awarded the New Partner in Employability Award in recognition of its commitment to supporting student employability through the Future Fit Program.

Established in 2023, the program offers structured cadetships, graduate roles, and multidisciplinary internships that provide students with meaningful pathways into the public sector. In 2025, the program welcomed six undergraduate cadets and five graduates, alongside ten students participating in a new internship model that blended workplace immersion with professional development and online learning. These students came from a range of disciplines including Business, Arts, Architecture, Engineering, Development Studies, Science and Environmental Science, and worked collaboratively on real-world challenges such as sustainability practices and accessibility in Newcastle’s public spaces.

The City’s active involvement in University events, including career expos, employer panels, and the iLEAD program, further demonstrates its commitment to nurturing future talent and building a skilled, community-focused workforce.

A large number of our employees are graduates of the University of Newcastle, which speaks to the exceptional quality of talent the institution produces. At City of Newcastle, we are committed to developing a skilled, resilient, and future-ready workforce for both our organisation and the broader community. Offering internships to University of Newcastle students allows us to attract emerging talent while contributing to the growth of our Local Government Area’s future workforce - a partnership that benefits students, our organisation, and our Local Government Area.

~ Melissa Moore (Career Ready Advisor, City of Newcastle)

Community Therapy has been inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame for its ongoing support of Allied Health students and its commitment to developing career-ready graduates.

Since 2020, Community Therapy has hosted more than 50 students across disciplines including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, and Nutrition and Dietetics. Placements are immersive and hands-on, offering students access to multidisciplinary teams, client interaction, and structured professional development.

The organisation also supports graduates through its New Graduate Program, which offers permanent roles to over 10 allied health professionals each year. Through its enduring partnership with the University, Community Therapy continues to foster confident, capable graduates who are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the Allied Health workforce.

A significant portion of our 150-strong staff are proud University of Newcastle alumni, which creates a strong, personal connection for us. We know firsthand the high caliber of education the university provides, and we share its values. Because of this, we feel a genuine desire to give back to the institution that helped build our team. We're passionate about nurturing the future of allied health and see this partnership as a vital way to help shape and support the next generation of professionals.

~ Sarah Campion (People & Culture Manager, Community Therapy)

In recognition of its long-standing partnership with the University of Newcastle and its commitment to student employability across a wide range of disciplines, Daracon Group has been inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame.

Since 1983, Daracon has employed University of Newcastle graduates across fields engineering, construction management, science, law, commerce, business administration, human resources, economics, management, project management, occupational health and safety, and surveying - with more than 70 alumni currently working across the organisation. Over the past 6 years, 17 students have been engaged in formal cadet and trainee roles. Since 2024, Daracon has also hosted career-ready placements for students in marketing and business analytics.

Daracon supports several University-affiliated clubs and initiatives through sponsorship or donation, including Newcastle University Women in Engineering (NUWiE), AUSIMM – Hunter Student Chapter, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), and Newcastle University Rugby.

Through its enduring partnership, Daracon continues to invest in student success and the development of a skilled regional workforce.

We’re incredibly proud to have welcomed hundreds of graduates into Daracon over the last few decades, and this meaningful recognition in the Hall of Fame category reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and shaping the future of civil construction in the Hunter.

~ Adele Stewart (People & Culture Group Manager, Daracon Group)

GHD has been inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame for its decades-long partnership with the University of Newcastle and its role in shaping the careers of hundreds of students and graduates through meaningful experiences and professional development.

Since opening its Newcastle office in 1980, GHD has employed over 500 University of Newcastle graduates, with many progressing into leadership roles. The organisation has worked with the University to design structured placements aligned with curriculum outcomes, providing students with exposure to multidisciplinary teams, client engagement, and real-world project delivery. Through mentoring, guest lectures, and industry collaboration, GHD continues to support student development and contribute to regional growth.

GHD’s commitment to inclusive practices is reflected in its scholarship program with the Wollotuka Institute, sponsorship of Newcastle University Women in Engineering (NUWiE), and support for HunterWiSE outreach initiatives.

This enduring partnership highlights GHD’s leadership in fostering talent, advancing equity, and building a future-ready workforce.

Our decades-long partnership with the University of Newcastle has been nothing short of inspiring. Taking on students has given us the chance to help shape future leaders and drive innovation across our industry. The greatest benefit is seeing students grow into confident professionals who contribute fresh ideas and energy to our teams. This collaboration has strengthened our organisation and played a key role in building a future-ready workforce for our region.

~ Simon Page (Northern NSW General Manager, GHD)

Hunter New England Local Health District’s (HNELHD) Medical Directorate has been inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame in recognition of its enduring contribution to medical education and student development.

Over the past 45 years, the HNELHD has hosted clinical placements for more than 17,000 medical students across hospitals in the Greater Newcastle and Hunter New England regions. These placements provide students with immersive, real-world experience and are guided by clinicians who are deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of doctors.

An estimated 70% of medical graduates go on to undertake paid employment within the Health District, reflecting the strength of the training environment and the value placed on continuity in regional healthcare. The Medical Directorate’s leadership in the Joint Medical Program and its emphasis on professionalism, compassion, and resilience have shaped the careers of thousands of graduates. Its sustained partnership with the University reflects a deep commitment to building a skilled and community-focused medical workforce.

The Medical Directorate maintains a strong focus on creating an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and valued. It provides thorough orientation, effective supervision, and high-quality education, while actively addressing feedback to enhance the student experience and position HNELHD as an employer of choice.

One day a student, the next day a world-leading expert in their chosen clinical field. Partnering with the University of Newcastle and hosting medical students in our facilities is such a privilege. Students are an incredible addition to every single team, and we have the pleasure of working together improving education, quality improvement, and research. The result is that not only do we have incredible doctors in Hunter New England, we provide world-class care every single time to the patients we care for.

~ Dr Paul Craven (Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families & Executive Director of Medical Services, Networks and Streams, HNELHD)

I-MED Radiology Coffs Harbour’s Nuclear Medicine Department has been inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame for its sustained support of Nuclear Medicine students. Since 2013, the department has hosted over 30 students for career-ready placements, offering immersive clinical experiences across all year levels.

The department fosters a welcoming and inclusive learning environment, where students receive thoughtful feedback, dedicated mentorship, and hands-on clinical experience that builds confidence and professional capability. Several graduates have also gone on to secure employment with the organisation, strengthening the connection between education and practice.

Through its long-standing partnership with the University, I-MED Radiology Coffs Harbour contributes to the development of a skilled regional healthcare workforce and plays a vital role in preparing students for clinical careers in nuclear medicine.

Sanctuary Medical Practice has been inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame for its long-standing partnership with the University of Newcastle. For more than a decade, the practice has hosted over 120 medical students from the University’s Joint Medical Program.

Students gain exposure to a broad range of clinical experiences in regional healthcare settings, supported by structured supervision and mentoring. The practice fosters a welcoming and professional learning environment, consistently delivering high-quality placements that contribute to student growth and clinical readiness.

Beyond placements, Sanctuary Medical Practice has offered employment opportunities to students and graduates in roles extending beyond traditional general practice, helping build a pipeline of skilled professionals in the region. Its commitment to enhancing student learning and supporting career transitions reflects a deep investment in community health. This partnership continues to play a vital role in preparing students for clinical practice and strengthening the local medical workforce.

When we embarked on practice ownership, one of our main business goals was to train and educate doctors and health professionals in general practice. Our partnership with the University of Newcastle has been key to making this vision a reality. Education at Sanctuary is a community effort—not only does our team contribute, but our patients also play an important role by sharing their experiences and supporting the development of future healthcare professionals. Welcoming students brings fresh ideas and energy, helping us maintain a vibrant and supportive learning environment.

~ Debra Walter (Practice Director, Sanctuary Medical Practice Fletcher)

For its sustained commitment to student placements and its support for student wellbeing in clinical environments, Toronto Private Hospital is being inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame.

For over 13 years, the hospital has hosted Nursing students for career-ready placements, offering hands-on experience in a multidisciplinary setting. In 2025 alone, 33 students completed placements, gaining practical skills and exposure to diverse healthcare challenges. The hospital’s compassionate and flexible approach to student support demonstrates its commitment to holistic learning. Staff provide structured supervision and mentorship, fostering professional growth and confidence.

Toronto Private Hospital’s collaboration with the University and openness to broader employability initiatives reflect a shared dedication to preparing students for the transition into healthcare practice. This partnership continues to contribute meaningfully to student development and the delivery of high-quality regional healthcare.

Uplift Exercise Physiology have been inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame for its outstanding support of Exercise Physiology students through high-quality placements and graduate opportunities.

Since being founded by University of Newcastle alumnus Jason Korotkich in 2019, Uplift has hosted more than 15 students, providing immersive, hands-on placements across diverse clinical caseloads. Students actively engage in client sessions, stakeholder communication, and evidence-based practice, building confidence, clinical reasoning, and professional judgment. Many have transitioned into ongoing full-time employment with Uplift, demonstrating the strength of the partnership.

As an indirect result of hosting University of Newcastle students, Uplift’s expanded service coverage has provided healthcare access to more than 2,000 Hunter region locals. Beyond placements, Uplift contributes through guest lectures, research collaboration, and a scholarship supporting final-year students - reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing employability and improving community healthcare outcomes.

Uplift’s partnership with the University is transformational for the Hunter Region. Students gain valuable practical experience that compliments their studies; our clinicians learn how to lead and become better versions of themselves; and the healthcare of our community benefits immensely from the supply of work-ready graduates (many of whom have gone on to gain employment at Uplift).

~ Jason Korotkich (Managing Director, Uplift Exercise Physiology)