Newton-John Alumni Medal
Named after Professor Brinley Newton-John, the Newton-John Alumni Medal recognises innovation and creativity of alumni who have achieved excellence in arts, creative sectors and culture.
The community has been inspired by past recipients working in film and television, leading animation studios and world class photography.
Nominees must meet the following selection criteria:
- Hold a minimum undergraduate Bachelor degree from the University of Newcastle
- Demonstrate innovation or creativity in any field with the emphasis on originality, longevity, cultural and/or social value to the community.
About Professor Brinley Newton-John
Professor Brinley Newton-John was a man of many facets. Upon being commissioned in the Royal Air Force, he was seconded to the infamous top-secret Ultra project at Bletchley Park; the intelligence unit that famously broke the German Enigma codes and provided Allies advance knowledge of enemy plans.
In 1954, he and his young family, including daughter Olivia, emigrated to Australia where he took the role of Master of Ormond College at the University of Melbourne.
He joined the University of Newcastle in 1958 as an associate professor in German and head of the department of arts.
In 1968 he was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor and frequently stepped in as acting Vice-Chancellor in place of J. J. Auchmuty. This was an important time for our University, achieving independence and rapidly expanding throughout the following decade.
He is remembered by former students not only for the brilliance of his instruction, but also for the sense that he took them seriously and treated them without condescension.
“He had a special interest in student activities and welfare, establishing the first university choir, participating in productions by the Student Players, and encouraging revues.”
2023 Recipient
Morgan Evans
Bachelor of Communication 2006
CMA and ARIA Award-winning Country Music Singer and Songwriter
From Newcastle to Nashville: Morgan Evans - one of Australia's biggest international country music success stories
Born and raised in the city of Newcastle, Australia, Morgan's love affair with music began at a young age. After graduating from the University of Newcastle in 2006 with a Bachelor of Communication, Morgan embarked on a journey that would see him go from a local talent to an international sensation. His first foray into the industry came during his university days when he took on work experience as a production assistant at Foxtel.
“University gave me the space to be creative that I wouldn't have had, had I gone into the workforce. That space to have ideas and have ideas that are wrong and try them and then get to start over again. Musically there was such a great scene at the time, like Bar On The Hill – all the proper touring bands would stop there, that was the Newcastle gig for so many. I was part of the generation that all saw what Silverchair did – when you see someone from your hometown do something like that, it makes you feel like you can too.”
Morgan has been a big deal in country music circles for some time. His success in winning the Road to Tamworth competition in 2007 paved the way to Nashville, where he recorded his first single, Big Skies and was subsequently picked by Taylor Swift to support her 2009 Australian tour.
In 2013, Morgan released two hit EPs which climbed the chart to #1 singles, catapulting him into the limelight and earning him the title of "New Oz Artist of the Year" at the CMC Music Awards.
"I think authenticity is everything in country music. Articulating exactly how you feel is not always easy but I think aspiring to do that is all you can hope for and sometimes you get it right."
Morgan's self-titled debut album, produced by the Nashville-based Aussie ex-pat Jedd Hughes and featuring an all-star lineup of musicians, dropped in March 2014. The album soared to #1 on the iTunes and ARIA Country Album Charts and made its mark at #20 on the ARIA Mainstream Album Chart. It wasn't just the chart-topping success that made headlines; the album also garnered three #1 singles and marked Morgan's first APRA nominations. Featuring in People, Billboard, and Rolling Stone Morgan has cemented his status as an artist of exceptional calibre.
"It's a big deal to move to the other side of the world, especially to do music in a town like Nashville. My best way to describe it is it's intimidating and inspiring at the same time, and you almost get to choose each day."
2023 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient | Morgan Evans 2:06
The stage was set for something even bigger. Morgan received an invitation to perform at the prestigious Nashville CMA Music Festival and the legendary Grand Ole Opry. His captivating performances caught the attention of the world's largest talent agency William Morris Endeavor, who signed Morgan up for international representation.
Morgan’s trajectory continued, as he became the face of Foxtel's Country Music Channel - a recognition that marked a historic moment in Australian country music. Morgan's television presence was a first for an Australian country music star. He took the role seriously, hosting television coverage of the CMC Rocks music festival, conducting artist interviews, and overseeing the CMC Music Awards (Australia).
In 2015, Morgan received a message from none other than Grammy-winners Lady Antebellum, delivering the news of his most prestigious achievement yet—the CMA (USA) Global Artist Award. This accolade recognised Morgan's outstanding contribution to spreading the popularity of country music in his home country, Australia, and beyond.
In the summer of 2022, Morgan headlined the biggest country music festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia’s CMC Rocks, where he dazzled a crowd of over 20,000 Aussies. He has now reached over one million record sales in Australia, and he has no interest in slowing down. Since then, his music has been recognised with Platinum-certified No. 1, Gold-certified status, and garnered over 800 million streams (and counting).
"The best thing, the best experience, of what I do and the reason that I do it, is that moment when everyone is standing up, singing along, in this hopeful kind of feeling together - that's it. That's the reason I do it."
Morgan Evans, the boy from Newcastle with a passion for music, has become an international sensation in the world of country music. His journey from local roots to global artist speaks to his authenticity, passion for his craft, and innate ability to connect with his audiences around the world.
"I think there's a place in the world for everyone, with whatever they do... And I hope that people go looking for it and find it."
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.