Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Neutral Platform to Discuss Issues
The University of Newcastle provides a neutral platform and safe space for different stakeholders to come together to frankly discuss challenges through the Looking Ahead Speaker Series. This is a series of free public lectures, panel discussions and keynote events designed to bring together diverse voices — including policymakers, community leaders, academics, technologists, and the public — to explore pressing local, regional and global challenges. These events are structured to ensure open dialogue, expert insight, and neutral facilitation, encouraging frank, informed discussion in a respectful environment.
The Looking Ahead Series in 2024 and before
See the University’s Looking Ahead events show how this platform functions in practice:
- Achieving Equitable Access to Education (November 2024)
- The Hon. Fiona Nash, Regional Education Commissioner, gave a keynote address and joined a panel to discuss access to education, especially for regional communities. The event included multiple perspectives (government, policy, education sector) and was livestreamed/recorded for public access.
- Delivering Australia’s Energy Future (September 2024)
- A panel hosted Heidi Lee, CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, along with local experts. Key topics included practical strategies for renewable energy transition, with input from government, industry and community stakeholders. Again, free and open to the public.
- Indigenous Voice to Parliament Panel
- The event brought together Indigenous leaders, university leadership, and community to explore the Voice to Parliament referendum. This type of panel explicitly creates space for different political and community stakeholders to share views and engage dialogue.
- Format & Principles
- The Speaker Series is clearly positioned as public, free, and inclusive. Events are announced as “free keynote lectures and panel discussions,” with topics that are locally and globally relevant. The University frames this as an opportunity for “communities to be part of our journey toward this future.”
- The topics cover politically relevant issues: energy policy, education equity, Indigenous rights, climate change etc. The inclusion of region‑ally relevant issues underlines the University's role as neutral space for discussing them.
Past events
Event
2025 University Book Fair
Grab a bargain at the early bird hour of 4pm Friday 12 September! Join us for the 2025 University Book Fair. The fair hosts an assortment of rare and collectible books, making it an unmissable occasion for every book lover.
Great Hall, Callaghan Campus
In person
Newcastle Open Day
Newcastle Open Day is packed with everything you need to know about going to the University of Newcastle. Explore Callaghan and City campuses, attend degree presentations, and have all your questions answered by friendly staff and students.
This In-person event was held on Saturday 16 August 2025
Webinar
Parents and Carers Information Webinar
We will be hosting an information webinar touching on key topics for parents and carers in supporting their students considering studying at University.
This webinar took place on Tuesday 24 June 2025
Webinar
Online Postgrad Info Session
Book your free 15-minute online one-on-one appointment with our expert staff to get your postgrad questions answered.
This webinar took place on Tuesday 17 June 2025
In person
Parents and Carers Info Session - Coffs Harbour
Join local Parents and Carers for an evening to hear from university staff and current students, covering a range of different topics to assist you in supporting your chiild through their transition from high school to university.
This In-person event was held on Thursday 12 June 2025
In person
Parents and Carers Info Session - Port Macquarie
Join Port Macquarie Parents and Carers for an evening to hear from university staff and current students, covering a range of different topics to assist you in supporting your chiild through their transition from high school to university.
This In-person event was held on Wednesday 11 June 2025
Webinar
Y10 Subject Selection Webinar
Our student ambassadors will share key subject selection information and share their stories and experiences with subject selection and transition to University studies.
This webinar took place on Wednesday 28 May 2025
In person
Parents and Carers Info Session - Armidale
Join Armidale Parents and Carers for an evening to hear from university staff and current students, covering a range of different topics to assist you in supporting your chiild through their transition from high school to university.
This In-person event was held on Thursday 22 May 2025
In person
Parents and Carers Info Session - Mudgee
Join local Parents and Carers for an evening to hear from university staff and current students, covering a range of different topics to assist you in supporting your chiild through their transition from high school to university.
This In-person event was held on Thursday 22 May 2025
In person
Parents and Carers Info Session - Tamworth
Join Tamworth Parents and Carers for an evening to hear from university staff and current students, covering a range of different topics to assist you in supporting your chiild through their transition from high school to university.
This In-person event was held on Wednesday 21 May 2025
In person
Parents and Carers Info Session - Dubbo
If you have a child who is currently completing Year 12, come and visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
This In-person event was held on Wednesday 21 May 2025
In person
Parents and Carers Info Session - Bathurst
If you have a child who is currently completing Year 12, come and visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
This In-person event was held on Tuesday 20 May 2025
Webinar
Parents and Carers Info Session - Orange
If you have a child who is currently completing Year 12 we invite you to join us at our Parents and Carers Info Session on Monday 19 May at the Greenhouse, Orange Ex-Services Club.
This webinar took place on Monday 19 May 2025
Webinar
Parent and Carers Info Session - Maitland
Join Newcastle Parents and Carers for an evening to hear from university staff and current students, covering a range of different topics to assist you in supporting your child through their transition from high school to university.
This webinar took place on Thursday 8 May 2025
In person
Parents and Carers Info Session - Central Coast
Central Coast Parents and Carers will have the opportunity to hear from knowledgeable university staff and current students, covering a range of different topics to assist you in supporting your child through their transition from high school to university.
This In-person event was held on Wednesday 7 May 2025
In person
Parents and Carers Info Session – Newcastle
Join Newcastle Parents and Carers for an evening to hear from university staff and current students, covering a range of different topics to assist you in supporting your chiild through their transition from high school to university.
This In-person event was held on Tuesday 6 May 2025
In person
HSC Kickstart Seminar
We know how overwhelming the HSC can be at all stages, which is why we have partnered with InspirationED to present a set of free seminars designed to handle stress and motivate students in the lead up to their HSC
This In-person event was held on Saturday 16 November 2024
Webinar
Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Webinar
Join Professor Stephan Chalup to learn more about the Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Newcastle. Gain an understanding of the program and engage in a Q&A.
This webinar took place on Tuesday 29 October 2024
Webinar
Master of Construction Management (Professional) Webinar
Join Program Convenor Cameron Beard to learn about the Master of Construction Management (Professional) at the University of Newcastle. Gain an understanding of the program and engage in a Q&A.
This webinar took place on Tuesday 22 October 2024
Exhibition
The Big Picture Fest
The Big Picture Fest 2024 is A 3-day festival celebrating street art, large-scale public murals and immersive projections. You’re invited to watch large scale murals being painted live in person, transforming unused walls in high profile locations in Newcastle's CBD.
Public Lecture
Delivering Australia's Energy Future
Join Heidi Lee, CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, and our expert panel as they dive into practical, scalable strategies that will help empower communities and businesses to achieve ambitious climate goals and ultimately assist Australia’s renewable energy transition.
Exhibition
50 Years Fifty Stories Callaghan Exhibition
The 50 Years-50 Stories Exhibition showcases 50 former Open Foundation students and shares their stories about the transformative power of the program.
Webinar
Mid-Year Info Session
You're invited to join our online info session to find out more about starting your degree in July. There is over 100 mid-year undergraduate programs to choose from. Hear from current students and ask your questions.
This webinar took place on Wednesday 5 June 2024
Live Stream
Future of Work: AI and Cyber Security
Join us for an online panel discussion on LinkedIn as staff and industry discuss AI’s use in the workplace, ongoing impact of cyber attacks, the increased need for skilled professionals in the industry, and what you can do to prepare
This Live Stream occured on Tuesday 28 May 2024
Event
Investiture of the eighth Chancellor The Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM
The Investiture is a traditional academic ceremony in the first year of the Chancellor’s tenure in which they are formally ‘vested’ with the symbols and ornaments of their particular office.
Public Lecture
In conversation with Professor the Honourable Gareth Evans AC KC
The University of Newcastle’s Asia Pacific Research Centre, together with the Newcastle Institute, proudly invite you to attend a special public lecture and conversation with Professor the Honourable Gareth Evans AC KC.
Public Lecture
Freedom, Only Freedom: Behrouz Boochani
Award-winning Kurdish-Iranian journalist, writer, filmmaker, and human rights activist Behrouz Boochani will speak about his most recent book Freedom, Only Freedom at this special event.
Webinar
Online Postgrad Info Session
Book your free 15-minute online one-on-one appointment with our expert staff to get your postgrad questions answered.
This webinar took place on Tuesday 14 November 2023
Event
Chromatic Festival 2023
Chromatic Festival is back in 2023 and is jam-packed with engaging events and celebrating students, industry partnerships and alumni from the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences.
Event
Alumni Excellence Awards 2023
Join us as we proudly celebrate the incredible achievements of our global alumni community at the University’s prestigious 2023 Alumni Excellence Awards.
Event
An Evening with Noel Pearson
Noel has been travelling the country sharing his vision for constitutional recognition, and we are fortunate to have him visiting us in Newcastle this month.
Event
Friends of the University Book Fair
Join us in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Friends of the University Book Fair this September!
Event
In conversation with Dr Alan Finkel
Please join us at the University of Newcastle Gallery for the Hunter launch of former Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel’s new book ‘Powering Up: Unleashing the Clean Energy Supply Chain’.
Public Lecture
Celebrating National Science Week
Join us to celebrate National Science week with an exploration of science and innovation at our upcoming Looking Ahead Speaker Series!
Event
ACHIEVE Launch Event
We would like to invite you to join us in person to welcome in ACHIEVE for this session. There will be presentations from members about the plans for ACHIEVE including upcoming events, HPE opportunities and future plans in 2024 and
Public Lecture
Women in Sport
In this thought-provoking session, we will explore the extraordinary achievements, challenges, and societal impact of women who have defied boundaries and shattered glass ceilings in the world of sport.
Event
Beanie for Brain Cancer Event
The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research is hosting a Beanie for Brain Cancer Fundraiser on Thursday 8 June from 11:00 am at Bar on The Hill. Please join us to show your support for this important cause.
Event
‘The Voice’ and Indigenous Health Panel Discussion and BBQ
How will the upcoming referendum impact the health of First Nations Australians? The University of Newcastle's Thurru Indigenous Health Unit has brought together a panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health experts to talk through the impact of the
Public Lecture
Indigenous Voice to Parliament
Working closely with the University’s Indigenous Strategy and Leadership office we have identified a panel of indigenous leaders from within the university, to discuss the role the university plays in sharing information about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.
Event
Professor Penny Jane Burke UNESCO Chair
Share an evening with Professor Penny Jane Burke as she examines how higher education can be mobilised for social transformation. In her first in-depth public presentation as UNESCO Chair Penny Jane Burke will discuss the program of work to illustrate
Event
Nursing and Midwifery Community Engagement event
Join us to hear from teaching staff, researchers, and current students and get to know the community you could be studying in if you choose to study a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery with the University of Newcastle
Event
In conversation with the Hon. Kevin Rudd AC
The University of Newcastle’s Asia Pacific Research Centre, together with the Newcastle Institute, proudly invite you to attend a special public lecture and conversation with: The Honourable Kevin Rudd AC, 26th Prime Minister of Australia.
Event
National Science Week celebration with Dr Karl
Join us for a fascinating evening celebrating National Science Week with the one and only Dr Karl on Saturday 27 August as we explore the wonderful world of science as well as answer any of your curly science questions –
Event
Brain and Biomes Exhibition
This National Science Week, 13th-28th August, visit Newcastle Museum for the Brain and Biomes 2022 exhibition, brought to you by the University of Newcastle and STREAM.
Event
Sustainable Futures Forum - Partner Event
Join a panel of local sustainability experts as they discuss how they are helping lead us to a more sustainable future in a joint event by Hunter Young Professionals and the University of Newcastle, hosted at Q Building.
Event
Climate Change and Humanity in the Asia Pacific Region
The Asia Pacific Research Centre, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Australia, is delighted to present this lively and informative symposium and panel discussion event covering the effects of climate change on humanity in the Asia Pacific
Event
Gifting Day
The University of Newcastle is holding its first ever Gifting Day on Wednesday 9 March 2022.
Event
Karen Thrift Prize for Poetry and Lyrics
The University of Newcastle School of Humanities and Social Science, is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2021 Karen Thrift Prize for Poetry or Lyrics.
Event
Guest Speaker: The Hon. Michael Kirby POSTPONED DUE TO COVID NEW DATE TBA
Please join us for a lecture by the Hon. Michael Kirby titled: Love v The Commonwealth on the topic of the rights of indigenous Or First Nations Peoples under the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia
Event
Third Year Music Students' Showcase At Lizottes
Third Year Bachelor Of Music Students Performance At Lizotte's, 3rd yr BMUS, School Of Creative Industries, SOCI, University Of Newcastle, Australia
Event
Euripides: Medea
This production is a University of Newcastle research project to investigate how a Greek play may be performed in the modern proscenium arch theatre, as opposed to the arena configuration for which they were originally designed.
Event
Jobs on Campus Info Session: AskUON Customer Service Assistant
The AskUON team within Student Central is looking for 30+ current students to become casual Customer Service Assistants. In this online information session we will provide details about the position and tips on how to submit a high quality application.
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.