Neutral Platform to Discuss Issues

The University of Newcastle provides a neutral safe platform for differing political views for policymakers, community leaders, academics, advocates and members of the public to engage with important social and political questions in welcoming spaces. Through public lectures, panel discussions and facilitated forums, the University connects research and informed perspectives with the wider community and encourages open, respectful discussion of complex challenges.

A central part of this work is the Looking Ahead Speaker Series, which offers free public keynote lectures and panel discussions at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, supported by livestreams and recordings. These events give members of the community access to people involved in public policy, research and civic life, alongside opportunities for discussion and further engagement.

Public dialogue and engagement in 2025

Looking Ahead: Pacific relationships and public policy

On 20 November 2025, the University hosted A Strong, Stable and Prosperous Pacific with the Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Minister for the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry, at the Newcastle Conservatorium. The lecture explored Australian foreign policy, regional security, and relationships with Pacific nations, including Tuvalu, Nauru and Papua New Guinea. The public event was livestreamed and recorded, enabling interested audiences beyond the venue to hear directly from a government minister on regional policy challenges.

Looking Ahead: medicine, technology and healthcare decisions

On 4 March 2025, Professor Benjamin Seet presented Medicine & Technology: A 21st Century Gordian Knot, examining healthcare technology, ageing populations, chronic disease, patient-centred care and the costs of health innovation. The public lecture was accompanied by networking with an expert panel and members of the health, research, industry and community sectors, creating space for further discussion of choices affecting healthcare systems. The event was also livestreamed and recorded.

Young people and democratic renewal

On 20 August 2025, the University hosted the online panel New Possibilities: Young People and Democratic Renewal. Researchers and a youth climate advocate examined young people’s political participation, climate activism, public responses to advocacy, protest law and the relationship between research and policymaking. The panel brought academic analysis and experience in community advocacy into the same discussion of democratic participation.

Youth Forum on human rights protection in NSW

On 11 September 2025, the University’s Centre for Law and Social Justice and Australian Lawyers for Human Rights co-hosted a Youth Forum on Human Rights Protection for NSW. The forum involved 60 high school students from 21 schools across the Hunter and Sydney regions. Students met several NSW parliamentarians at Parliament House, shared perspectives on human rights and developed a collective statement setting out recommendations for lawmakers. This off-campus event provided a structured opportunity for young people to participate in political discussion and contribute their perspectives to public debate.

An established forum for different perspectives

The Looking Ahead series has a record of convening speakers and panels on policy issues of regional and national importance. Earlier events provide examples of the University bringing government, sector experts and community perspectives into public discussion.

Equitable access to education – November 2024

On 19 November 2024, Achieving Equitable Access to Education featured the Hon. Fiona Nash, Regional Education Commissioner, in a keynote and expert panel considering barriers to education in regional Australia and ways to improve opportunity. The Newcastle Conservatorium event was livestreamed and recorded for wider public access.

Australia’s energy transition – September 2024

On 19 September 2024, Delivering Australia’s Energy Future brought Heidi Lee, CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, together with an expert panel to discuss renewable-energy transition, decarbonisation and practical responses for communities and businesses. The free public event was hosted at the Newcastle Conservatorium and made available through a livestream.

Indigenous Voice to Parliament – May 2023

On 16 May 2023, the University hosted a panel on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament featuring First Nations academic and University leaders, with a keynote by Professor John Maynard and a facilitated discussion hosted by Shahni Wellington. The public event enabled discussion of the proposed constitutional change, its history and its significance for communities, with livestream and recording access.

Accessible spaces for civic conversation

The University supports public participation by holding lectures and panels in accessible venues, providing free online viewing where available and making recordings accessible through event pages. Alongside large public lectures, smaller forums create opportunities for students, researchers, community organisations and policymakers to engage directly with one another on issues that matter to their communities.

By opening University spaces and expertise to informed public discussion, the University helps connect diverse community perspectives with decisions and debates that shape the region and beyond. These opportunities strengthen civic participation and encourage constructive engagement with complex social and political questions.

Past events

Recurring

Thrive for Wellbeing

THRIVE for Wellbeing is a free weekly group for students wanting to improve their wellbeing and learn new ways to navigate challenges, whilst connecting with fellow students.