Goal 5:
Gender Equality
Childcare Facilities for Students
At the University of Newcastle, we understand that balancing study and family life is essential to the wellbeing and success of our students. That’s why we are deeply committed to providing supportive, flexible, and inclusive environments for working parents and carers.
As an accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, we ensure our campuses are welcoming and accommodating for parents. We offer comfortable, private spaces across campus for breastfeeding, expressing and storing milk, and nappy changing, so that returning to work or study after the birth of a child is a supported and respectful experience.
In 2024, we’re proud to have continued to offer dedicated childcare facilities, including:
- Three childcare centres located on our Callaghan campus
- One childcare centre at our Ourimbah campus
These centres provide high-quality, affordable care that meets the diverse needs of our university community. Whether you're seeking permanent, temporary, or emergency childcare, our services are designed to support you.
Our commitment goes beyond childcare alone. We offer:
- Parent Rooms for feeding, changing, and resting with your child
- Carers and Kids Rooms in our University Libraries – quiet, child-friendly spaces where staff and students can supervise children while working or studying
- Flexible work and study options to help you manage parenting and caring responsibilities effectively
Through our 2024 Balancing Family / Carer Responsibilities with Work and Study Policy, we ensure our practices align with national standards and uphold a culture of equity, inclusion, and flexibility. This policy was effective from the 23rd of May 2023 and will be reviewed on the 23rd of May 2026.
We recognise that supporting our people in their roles as parents and carers is not just a policy — it's a core part of who we are as a University community.
Newcastle campus (Callaghan)
- KU Kintaiba Child Care Centre
- Kooinda Workbase Child Care Centre (for the children of students and staff only)
Central Coast campus (Ourimbah)
If you require emergency or out-of-hours childcare services in Newcastle and the Central Coast regions include:
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.