A taste of royalty at the Uni House
Professor Kate Senior wears many hats, but never did she imagine having to prepare tea and cucumber sandwiches for a surprise Vice Regal visit to the University Of Newcastle’s Purai Global Indigenous History Centre at the University House.
Professor Senior and her co-Director of Purai, Doctor Ray Kelly, welcomed and lead a tour of the Centre to Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, the Governor of New South Wales and her husband, Mr Dennis Wilson.
The Governor and Mr Wilson explored the Centre’s research and met with some researchers while enjoying some morning tea.
Professor Senior said it was a very unexpected experience.
“Here I am working away when I receive an email from the Governor of NSW’s office asking for a tour of our Centre for Her Excellency!” Professor Senior said. “I was shocked and couldn’t believe she wanted to come and see us but also felt honoured at the same time that she chose us during her visit to Newcastle.”
The Governor and Mr Wilson received a list of things to see and do in Newcastle, and they were adamant they had to visit the Purai Global Indigenous History Centre – as they’re passionate about Indigenous issues and history and wanted to see the amazing work happening.
“I think it was great for Her Excellency to see the importance of Purai and how it brings the community in and works with young people,” Professor Senior added.
“For such a small team, the breadth of our research here at the Centre covers health, education, history, anthropology, language and arts.”
During the Governor’s visit, the team highlighted some current projects they’re doing at Purai. Two of these include the Truth Telling Project for the Department of Education which has included 108 Interviews with people across NSW, and the Ngukurr to Newcastle project which explores the link between Indigenous activists in Northern Australia and Unions in Newcastle.
Fun fact:
The office of Governor of New South Wales is the oldest public office in Australia, dating from 1786 when Captain Arthur Phillip was issued with a Commission to become the Governor of New South Wales after the First Fleet has arrived. More than two and a quarter centuries later, the Governor has an important constitutional and ceremonial role in the state as well as being closely involved in the activities of community organisations and events.
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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.