Life on Land
Sustainably Farmed Food on Campus
The University of Newcastle uses its procurement framework to support more sustainable and ethical food sourcing across campus. The same principles that guide the purchase of goods and services across the University also apply to food and catering, with preference given, where practical, to sustainably and ethically produced products and locally sourced goods and services.
Sustainable food through responsible procurement
- Section 7, Clause 16 of the University's Procurement Policy states that, where practical, the University will favour products containing materials that are produced and distributed in a sustainable and ethical manner.
- The same clause also favours locally sourced goods and services and suppliers that minimise energy use and adverse environmental impacts.
- Supplier environmental and social performance forms part of the University's broader approach to value for money, alongside factors such as quality, source of supply and whole-of-life impacts.
The Procurement Policy took effect on 15 September 2023 and remained in place during 2025. Its sustainability requirements apply to the procurement of goods and services across the University and its controlled entities.
Putting sustainable sourcing into practice
- Local Connections at Callaghan Campus provides a practical example of how these principles are reflected in campus food services.
- The restaurant focuses on fresh, seasonal food and works primarily with Hunter Region suppliers, using local produce in farm-to-table dishes that connect campus dining with growers and producers from the surrounding region.
Learn more about Local Connections and the University's campus catering options, which highlight local and seasonal produce in University catering.
Working with food-service suppliers
NUservices, the University's controlled entity responsible for services including food and dining, uses supplier onboarding and risk-assessment processes that consider working conditions, environmental impacts and sustainability. These processes complement the University's procurement requirements by extending responsible sourcing considerations into day-to-day supplier relationships.
See the University's 2024 Modern Slavery Statement for further information about NUservices supplier due diligence.
These procurement and food-service practices support a campus food system that gives greater consideration to sustainable production, local sourcing, supplier responsibility and the environmental impacts associated with food.
Explore our campus food offerings
Callaghan
Bar on the Hill
Location: UH-212, Bar on the Hill
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8.00 am - late. (Last food orders at 8.30 pm)
Located on the Hunter side of our Callaghan campus, the Bar on the Hill is the centre of entertainment at the University of Newcastle. With nightly events, including pool, trivia and student parties, BOTH is the go-to place for students. Bar on the Hill is also one of Newcastle’s best live music venues, hosting some of Australia’s best artists, bands and international guests.
The cafe serves up a wide variety of delicious, healthy and well-priced breakfast, lunch and dinner options. With coffee, cold drinks and a licensed bar, BOTH has all your drink options covered.
Cadre Coffee
Location: The Lawn, behind The House, next to the SR Building
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00am - 2:30pm
Semester break hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00am - 2:00pm
If you've ever been to Harris Farm on Darby St, you may already be familiar with Cadre Coffee. Offering quality coffee, gourmet toasties, wraps, salad rolls, milkshakes and more for on-the-go needs.
Find us on Facebook
Heart Art Café
Location: SCH-306, The Forum
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Friday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Heart Art Café provides all things fresh with an extensive range of vegan and gluten-free options. Fresh fruit salads, smoothies, healthy wraps, juices and coffee to get you through your day. Stop by and fuel up in the morning with a delicious selection on the breakfast menu. You can also stock up on your bulk bag of coffee beans as well!
Find us on Instagram
Hive Café
Location: VE Building
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Providing people who want to eat healthy with a fast, easy and nutritious solution. The café serves a range of grab-and-go salads, wraps and sandwiches as well as a diverse range of chef-prepared meals which are restaurant quality, calorie controlled, low in sodium, free from preservatives and additives.
Drop in for great coffee and pick up a healthy snack.
Hussy's Kebabs
Location: The Lawn, behind The House, next to the SR Building
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Thursday 10:00 am - 7.00 pm
Friday 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
Semester break hours:
Monday to Friday 11.00 am - 3.00 pm
A small family-run business offering delicious kebabs, snack packs with fresh meat off the rack and falafel for you vegetarians out there.
Find us on Instagram
Kumache Kitchen
Location: The Lawn, behind The House, next to the SR Building
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 10.00 am - 4:00 pm
Semester break hours:
Monday to Friday 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Venezuelan/South American blend of vegan street food! Run by husband and wife duo Jose and Paola who aim to create sustainable food to captivate all palettes.
Find us on Instagram
LC Deli
Location: West Residence (SAA), Student Living Accommodation Precinct
Semester opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Semester break hours:
Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 2.00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Toasties, wraps, sweets, coffee and cold drinks – LC Deli is the ideal location to enjoy a quick bite to eat.
Find us on Instagram
Local Connections
Location: US-209, Shortland Building
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8.00 am - 6.00 pm.
Local Connections is the University’s casual all-day dining restaurant. Nestled in Callaghan's lush bushland setting, Local Connections aims to highlight the connection between the University and the local community.
Find us on Instagram
Newy Convenience Shortland (Pinkies)
Location: US-222, Shortland Building
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Semester break hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
You can purchase lollies, chocolate, fresh fruit, sandwiches, yoghurt, drinks, chips, ice cream, pies, sausage rolls and general supplies including stationery. Everything you need to get you through your uni day!
Sprout Café
Location: L-271, Auchmuty Library
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Semester break hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Along with 10/10 coffee, Sprout serves a delicious array of fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps, muffins, and heartier meals such as pasta and curries. There are meals for everyone with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available.
Subway
Location: US-226, Shortland Building
Semester opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5.00 pm
Semester break hours:
Monday - Thurs: 9:00 am - 3.00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am - 2.00 pm
Subway is a fast-food franchise that primarily offers healthy submarine sandwiches and salads. Subway is a popular choice for lunch on campus with both students and staff. They offer a huge range of fresh subs (including yummy breakfast subs!), wraps, salads, cold drinks and the famous Subway cookie!
Gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well as catering, are available.
Think Café
Location: SCH-306, Shortland Building
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Friday 6:30 am - 4:30 pm
Semester break hours:
Monday to Friday 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
Serving a selection of coffees, teas, juices and smoothies, as well as a range of healthy snack and meal options.
Newcastle City
Newcastle Food and Flower Markets
Location: NUspace, ground floor
Semester opening hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm
Semester break hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm
Boasting provisions of quality blooms, fresh produce, and a passion for sustainability and eco-friendly living, Newcastle Food & Flower Markets has expanded its operation from Sandgate to the ground floor of NUspace. Offering coffee and a menu of lunch and snack options, there's something here to satisfy your hunger and caffeine cravings!
Darks Coffee
Location: Q Building
Semester opening hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00am to 3:00pm
Semester break hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00am to 3:00pm
Darks Coffee Roasters is nestled in the heart of the city, on the ground floor of Q building. A local business with origins as wholesale coffee suppliers, the baristas at Darks will ensure your brew is crafted to perfection. Also offering cold beverages, a selection of light snacks, sandwiches, and wraps made with fresh ingredients to compliment your experience.
Central Coast (Ourimbah)
Ganda Burung
In Darkinung language, Ganda Burung are the words for food shelter. This name was chosen for the recently refurbished eatery to reflect the type of experience our students, staff and visitors will experience. This is a place to sit and connect with others and a place to connect with the outdoor spaces including the billabong located adjacent to the café. Sit back and enjoy a range of hot and cold meals, sweet treats and great healthy food options as well.
Location
SA-136, Student Amenities building
Semester opening hours
Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm (until 1:45pm for hot food)
Semester break hours
Monday to Friday 8:00am - 2.00pm
Central Coast (Gosford)
Gosford Hospital Campus
The Cook & Granger Community Café
Location: Ground floor
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Friday 9:00am - 2:00pm
The Cook & Granger is a café only just starting its journey at Gosford Hospital. Specifically designed with the Australian hospital and healthcare sector in mind. Delivering healthy food to meet the dietary and nutritional needs of staff, visitors and students. The café aims to bring social purpose and tangible sustainability to life through products, staff and programs. This philosophy will see small sustainable changes add up to positive environmental, health and wellbeing impacts.
Roastery Quarters Coffee Kiosk
Location: The foyer
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Friday 7:00am - 11:00am
When you need that early morning fix you can count on the baristas at the Roastery to serve up the very best brew on campus. Serving a rotating selection of coffee blends and premium teas along with a convenient hoard of snacks and cold drinks, the team at the roastery are ready to get you moving and refuelled.
Vending machines with snack food and drink items are located on Level 8.
Gosford Central Campus
Luni Café
Location: Ground floor
Semester opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm
The cafe specialises in coffee, with a diverse range of grab-and-go style food options and premade meals.
Vending machines with snack food and drink items are on Levels 1, 2 and 3.
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.