A Lifetime of Community Service Continues
The extraordinary life of Janet Copley is celebrated through a generous gift to support women’s education, community engagement and social issues.
The Janet Copley Bequest will fund undergraduate and doctoral scholarships and provide seed funding for early- and mid-career researchers across the Humanities and Social Science disciplines to access the University’s historical archival and visual collections.
Supporting women and social science research
Janet Copley was a great supporter of these fields of study. She particularly wanted to support women to study; and help emerging researchers establish their own trajectory by funding projects relating to the community using local archival collections.
Janet understood that studying can be expensive and challenging, and sometimes some extra support can make all the difference. As students and academics, women often need to balance competing demands of family life, carer responsibilities, gaps in career and study opportunity, as well as other barriers to success.
"It is a privilege to be able to honour Janet’s wishes. These funds will help many students and social science researchers investigating themes Janet was passionate about, such as history, youth and labour, gender and community” - Professor Catharine Coleborne, Head of School and Dean of Arts in the School of Humanities and Social Science
Fighting for a better future
Long-time friend and Secretary of the Union of Australian Women, Lynda Forbes, honoured Janet’s unstinting commitment to the Newcastle community at her memorial service in 2017. Describing Janet and other members of the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association Regional Council, Lynda said: “No-one could count the number of letters they have written, placards they have painted and miles they have marched in the hope of achieving a better, fairer and safer future for all.”
Fleeting moments captured forever
Janet Copley and her late husband Mervyn were avid historians and donated their large collection of news clippings, election leaflets and personal diaries to the University of Newcastle. The Merv and Janet Copley collection contains material that captures many important moments in our local political and social history.
Have a confidential discussion regarding a gift in your will
If you would like to learn more about making a lasting impact beyond your lifetime, you can download a copy of our Gifts in Wills brochure or contact our Gifts in Wills team on +61 2 4921 8612 or via bequests@newcastle.edu.au
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.