Gender Equality
Childcare Facilities for Staff and Faculty
The University of Newcastle recognises the importance of accessible, high-quality childcare in helping staff balance their professional and family responsibilities. Through on-campus childcare services, family-friendly facilities and flexible working arrangements, the University supports staff with caring responsibilities and promotes an inclusive and supportive working environment.
The University's Balancing Family / Carer Responsibilities with Work and Study Policy establishes a commitment to supporting access to high-quality, affordable childcare facilities for staff and students, recognising the importance of family-friendly policies in enabling participation in university life. This policy was effective from the 23rd of May 2023 and will be reviewed on the 23rd of May 2026.
On-campus childcare for staff
In 2025, childcare facilities available to staff and faculty across the University included two KU childcare centres at Callaghan and one at Ourimbah. These facilities offer convenient childcare options for staff and their families, supporting parents and carers in managing their work and family commitments.
Newcastle campus (Callaghan)
- KU Kintaiba Children's Centre
- Kooinda Workbase Child Care Centre (for the children of students and staff only)
Central Coast campus (Ourimbah)
Access and affordability
Families may be eligible for the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy, which helps reduce out-of-pocket childcare expenses. Additional fee relief may also be available for preschool-aged children through NSW Government programs. Staff can contact individual childcare centres for information about fees, eligibility and available financial assistance.
Supporting staff with caring responsibilities
In addition to our childcare facilities, the University provides a range of free parent- and carer-friendly amenities, including:
- Parent Rooms for breastfeeding, changing nappies, and heating bottles
- Carers and Kids Rooms in our University Libraries, allowing staff to supervise children in a study-friendly environment
- Designated spaces for breastfeeding, expressing, and storing milk across our campuses
The University's Managing Family Responsibilities webpage provides further information about childcare services, parenting facilities, leave entitlements and flexible working arrangements, helping staff access the support available to balance their professional and family commitments.
Expanding childcare capacity
The University is also working to improve childcare accessibility and capacity, particularly for staff returning to work following parental leave.
The University's Athena Swan Silver Action Plan identifies limited childcare availability for children aged 0–2 years as a potential barrier to returning to work. To address this, the Action Plan includes a commitment, commencing in 2025, to make University land available at Callaghan for the development of an additional childcare centre, with a target of increasing childcare places for children aged 0–2 by 10%.
This planned expansion reflects the University's ongoing efforts to improve access to childcare and support staff and their families throughout different stages of their working lives.
Managing family responsibilities
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.