University receives Keys to the City in its 60th year
The University of Newcastle received the Keys to the City on Friday, marking six decades of transforming lives, driving innovation, and supporting growth across the Hunter region.
The special honour was presented by City of Newcastle Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge, during the 10am graduation ceremony at Newcastle City Hall - acknowledging the University’s deep and enduring impact on the city it proudly calls home.
The Keys were accepted on behalf of the University by Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM. The ceremony also included Aunty Cheryl Newton and Aunty Amanda Kelly, Elders in Residence at the University’s Wollotuka Institute, alongside students and special guests from the University’s 60-year history - including some who have been part of the community since its earliest days.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, said the honour was a powerful symbol of the shared journey of progress between the University and the city.
“Receiving the Keys to the City is an incredible honour. It’s a symbol of our strong and enduring partnership with Newcastle, a city that has grown and evolved alongside its university for 60 years,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“The keys aren’t just for the University - they’re for all of us. Every student, every staff member, every teacher and graduate who has walked through our doors has played a part in shaping our story. This moment belongs to our entire University community.”
Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle was proud to recognise the University’s six decades of service and its profound impact on generations of Novocastrians.
"The University and its students have played a pivotal role in transforming Newcastle into a city of learning, aspiration and progress. Their influence is woven through our city and communities," Cr Kerridge said.
"Over the past 60 years, the University has transformed lives and opened doors for tens of thousands of people in our city."
From its humble beginnings teaching 1,700 students in the mid-60s, today the University of Newcastle educates more than 37,000 students each year and is ranked in the top 1% of universities globally.
More than 1 in 20 students at the University of Newcastle are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students - the highest number of any university in Australia.
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
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.