Why I donate

My connection to the University of Newcastle goes back more than 40 years through work with various Centres of Research Excellence in Engineering, Materials Handling and Mineral Processing, as a member and chair of advisory boards and in establishing commercial licensing agreements. More recently I have assisted the Salvation Army to pioneer a workplace integrated placement program with the University. So you could say it has been a long innings!

I knew Bernie Curran from the late 1970s and welcomed his broad and pastoral approach as a team member of the University of Newcastle Rugby Club. He conferred gravitas to rugby in our region and, as a keen rugby player over many years, I wanted to acknowledge the role he played in promoting and inspiring traditional rugby values to the game in our region and to the Rugby Club.

The City of Newcastle is increasingly embracing the University and welcoming the vibrancy that a cohort of students and intellectuals brings to the city centre. Newcastle is coming into its own and Alumni & Community House is a timely reflection of that. I believe that the building, and spaces within it like the Bernie Curran Lounge, will stand as a great tribute to the welcoming, affable style of Bernie Curran who unquestionably wore the mantles of community and rugby amongst his many other gowns.

Glenn Turner AM

To donate to an area you are passionate about, please go to newcastle.edu.au/donate or email donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au for more details.