What is Agape?
In ancient Greek culture, agape is seen as one of the highest forms of love. It is selfless, unconditional and requires nothing in return. Unlike other loves, it rises above personal desire and centres on the wellbeing of others. It extends to all people, including strangers and communities across the world.
Agape is expressed through acts of compassion, altruism, and service to others. It is the love that asks, "What do we owe each other?" and answers through action. Agape is expressed in many ways. It shows up in big actions and small ones. In charity, volunteering, and activism. In the choice to help, to listen, to stand together for something larger than ourselves. It is the love that shows up when it matters most.
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Agape and the Hunter Region
From the 1955 Maitland Flood to the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake, from university students demanding change to volunteers staffing hospitals, from emergency workers to neighbours helping neighbours, these photographs and objects tell the stories of people choosing each other.
Agape is the love that rises above difference. In these moments of crisis and courage, differences fall away. What remains is humanity. People picking up tools to help, standing together for a cause larger than themselves, giving time and energy without recognition or reward.
This display is an invitation to see love not as romantic, but as action. To recognise it in the ordinary gestures of extraordinary communities. To feel part of a place where people have always come together when it mattered. Whether you call this home, or you are discovering it for the first time, these stories are yours too.
Agape reminds us that compassion is one of love's most enduring forms. It is the love that shows up when it is needed most, and the love that persists even when no one is watching. It is the antidote to division. It is proof that we are capable of so much more.
Gallery
Army personnel assist in the evacuation and aid of Maitland flood victims, February 1955. From the Jim Lucey Collection, University of Newcastle Special Collections.
Workers survey and clear earthquake rubble in the Hamilton suburb of Newcastle, NSW, following the 1989 earthquake. Photo: Medical Communication Unit, University of Newcastle.
Salvation Army officers Wendy Parkes and Gina Holland, along with police officer Adrian Norris, coordinate emergency response efforts following the 1989 Newcastle earthquake. Photo: Medical Communication Unit, University of Newcastle.
Emergency personnel manage a surge of calls in the aftermath of the 1989 Newcastle earthquake. Photo: Medical Communication Unit, University of Newcastle.
Floodwaters engulf Victoria Street, Maitland, during the 1955 flood. Photo: Jim Lucey, digitised by David E. Sciffer.
Dignitaries and community members gather for the official opening of the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Station on James Street, Hamilton, NSW, 23 October 1906. Photo: Ralph Snowball.
Hospital volunteers known as the "Pink Ladies" pose for a photograph at the Royal Newcastle Hospital, circa 1998. From the Hospital archives, University of Newcastle Special Collections.
A helicopter carries out a rescue operation above flood-stricken Maitland during the catastrophic 1955 flood. Photo: Jim Lucey, digitised by David E. Sciffer.
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.