Working together for our community

The Staff Donor Collective is a growing community of passionate University of Newcastle staff members committed to improving the lives of others through their generosity and kindness to make the world a better place.

By coming together across the University, these colleagues are making a big impact by transforming individual acts of kindness into collective action. With a regular donation from their fortnightly pay, this combined generosity is helping students continue their education, supporting life-changing research and programs that make our community thrive.

I understand the challenges and triumphs that come with being a first-generation university student because I am one. Working at the University for 30 years, I’ve also seen the incredible potential of our students and the difference that financial support can make in their academic journeys. Knowing that my contributions and those of others, no matter how modest, are part of a larger effort to help remove barriers and open doors for so many deserving students made this decision simple – it's a no-brainer for me!”

Michael Robertson
College General Manager, Office PVC – Human and Social Futures
Supports The Jo Franks College of Human and Social Futures Shaping Futures Scholarship

The Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Health Research cause particularly impressed me for its strong emphasis on partnership with and empowerment of community. I've seen first-hand some of the significant challenges communities are working to solve and I'm thoroughly convinced that true and lasting impact can only be achieved when programs and research are conducted alongside those they aim to serve. Enough people giving a little goes a long way and I’m very happy to be on board.”

Pete Newman
Team Leader, Science and Engineering Challenge
Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research

All children deserve access to the early intervention support they might need as this can make a lifetime of difference for them and their families. Supporting the great initiatives that promote health and wellbeing in our local, rural and regional communities through the Staff Donor Collective is a meaningful way I can support this great work.”

Josephine Smith
Education Project Manager, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy (Anatomy)
Supports Speech Pathology Early Intervention for Rural and Regional Children

As a woman, my greatest fear is to find myself alone and homeless, unable to support my children or see a future for us. Knowing how many people are in this situation, I am committed to supporting local women in need. It's a small way I can make a meaningful difference. I trust the University to use my donations effectively and am grateful for the sense of community it has fostered for me.”

Kirsty Fletcher
Accounts Receivable Officer, Financial Services
Supports Outreach for Women in the Hunter Experiencing Homelessness