Goal 4:
Quality Education
Public Events (lifelong learning)
The University of Newcastle regularly hosts a wide range of events that are open to the general public, including public lectures and community educational activities.
Throughout the year, the University presents an engaging calendar of community events spanning Music, Art, Literature, Education, STEM, Entrepreneurship, and much more. These events are designed to foster connection, spark curiosity, and promote lifelong learning.
Signature public events include the annual Book Fair, a popular community event supporting literacy and access to books (as well as recycling pre-loved items to divert from landfill), Ngarrama, an annual reconciliation event that celebrates the traditional custodians of the land and supports community through educational storytelling and cultural immersion, and Gifting Day, a University-wide celebration that brings together staff, students, alumni, and the broader community in support of impactful causes.
Many of these events are free of charge and are open to all, reflecting the University's ongoing commitment to community engagement and accessible education.
Standout events in 2024 are as listed:
Friends of the University of Newcastle Book Fair
- Dates: September 2024
- Location: Great Hall, Callaghan Campus
- Details: This beloved event featured over 50,000 second-hand books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records, attracting a diverse crowd of book enthusiasts. The fair not only offered a vast array of literary treasures but also served as a community gathering point, fostering connections among attendees.
Ngarrama – Reconciliation Day Event
- Date: Thursday, 25 January 2024
- Location: King Edward Park, Newcastle
- Details: Ngarrama, meaning "to sit, listen, and know," is a significant reconciliation event organised by the University in partnership with Awabakal Ltd, the City of Newcastle, and NGM Group. The event features traditional dance, music, storytelling, and knowledge sharing, aiming to foster meaningful reconciliation through truth-telling and cultural acceptance. Thousands of people attended the event and enjoyed a warm night under the stars, hearing stories of the traditional custodians of the land.
Open Day
- Date: Saturday, 31 August 2024
- Location: All campuses
- Details: The University opened our doors to the public, offering interactive demonstrations, talks, and campus tours. The event provided an opportunity for prospective students and the general public to explore University life and learn about study and entry options.
Built Environment Showcase 2024
- Date: Thursday, 14 November 2024
- Theme: Construction Innovations: Housing Availability and Affordability in Regional NSW
- Details: This showcase brought together industry professionals, local businesses, community groups, academics, and research centers to discuss and collaborate on issues related to housing availability and affordability in regional New South Wales.
Looking Ahead Speaker Series
- Details: The University's Looking Ahead Speaker Series featured free keynote lectures and panel discussions on topics such as empowering Australia's First Peoples, providing equal opportunities for education, and safeguarding the environment. These events aimed to engage the community in discussions about the University's future directions and societal impact.
Browse What's On
July 2025
Exhibition
Say Aahhhh: Health, Medicine and Everyday Care in Newcastle from 1945 to 2000
Come and explore Say Aahhhh: Health, Medicine and Everyday Care in Newcastle from 1945 to 2000, an exhibition exploring the unique and surprising history of health care in Newcastle.
February 2026
Exhibition
Helen Britton – The Story So Far
An exhibition by celebrated multidisciplinary artist Helen Britton, developed through the Australian Design Centre’s Living Treasures: Masters of Australian Craft series.
Exhibition
Welcome to the Void: Community Voices in Post-Mining Landscapes
This immersive exhibition invites you into the heart of the Hunter Valley, NSW, where landscapes bear the deep scars of open-cut coal mining.
In person
Global Experience Week
Our info sessions will cover Semester exchange, study abroad, overseas short courses, overseas internships and overseas placements, study tours, the Overseas Help loan, scholarships and grants and special sessions on Europe, Asia, and North America.
In person
Neurodivergent Peer to Peer Program: Start Strong - Building a semester that fits you
Kick off the semester with confidence at this free, in‑person session for neurodivergent students. Connect with peers, swap practical tips to stay organised and manage overwhelm, and explore routines that work for you.
Every week on Tuesday, until Apr 21, 2026
Event
Rubrics Workshop (Callaghan)
This Rubrics workshop will cover the principles of using rubrics for assessment. Participants will learn how to construct a rubric that will support student learning and increase the efficiency and consistency of marking.
In person
Neurodivergent Study Club
A weekly study session organised for neurodivergent students. Learn to use the Pomodoro Technique, study together, and connect with peers. Snacks are provided!A timekeeper will help you stay on track and will let you know when to study and when
In person
Science, Technology and Maths Expo
Ready to explore your future in science, technology, and maths? This expo is your opportunity to connect with leading employers, discover career pathways, and learn about job and placement opportunities in high-demand fields.
Workshop
Getting Started with GenAI in Education
This hands-on session provides an introduction to using generative AI (genAI) to enhance teaching and learning for educators and students.
In person
Engineering and Built Environment Expo
Ready to explore your future in engineering and the built environment? This expo is your opportunity to connect with leading employers, discover career pathways, and learn about job and placement opportunities in high-demand fields.
Workshop
Virtual Reality Stress Management Training Program - Callaghan
Immerse yourself in our five-session stress management training program designed to help students build practical skills, resilience and stay focused throughout university life.
Every week on Wednesday, until Mar 5, 2026
Event
Conversation Corner: College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
A relaxed conversation space for newly commencing College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing students to get to know University support services and how to access them.
Workshop
Ed Tech for Active Learning
Explore the educational technology available to increase student engagement through active learning.
Workshop
Active Learning in Online Classrooms
Explore active learning teaching techniques to increase student engagement in online classrooms. Ascertain the benefits of active learning practice and determine when to employ active learning in the classroom.
In person
Learn to surf with NUmates - 25 February
Live out your surfer dreams with our learn to surf classes! Wet suits and boards provided, with both on-land and in-water lesson time. Beginners welcome; intermediate swimming skills are required. Followed by a catered lunch and an optional beach volleyball
Webinar
Using GenAI in Assessments: 7 Approaches for Students
This hands-on workshop is designed to empower educators to leverage generative AI as a tool to enhance student engagement, foster creativity, and strengthen constructive alignment in assessment practices.
Event
AI Sector Voices: Cogniti and Biochemistry Education
In the lead up to our initial Cogniti training session on 02 April, LDTI is pleased to welcome Dr Barbara Hadley (Griffith University School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences). Barbara will be discussing how Cogniti supports engagement in a biochemistry
March 2026
Live performance
Seniors Festival Concert - Australian Army Band - Newcastle
Newcastle's Australian Army Band performs at the Con, kicking off the start to the 2026 Seniors Festival.
Workshop
Leveraging GenAI for Assessment Design
How can AI help us design better assessment tasks? In this session, we'll explore key considerations when using AI to generate ideas for assessments, focusing on how to craft effective and meaningful tasks, and other important factors to ensure a
Webinar
Job Application Bootcamp
Are your job application documents working for you? Writing an effective resume, cover letter or statement addressing the selection criteria can be a tricky process! Come along to this bootcamp we will set you in the right direction to develop
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: The Debt Cycle
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
Workshop
Discussing GenAI in the Classroom
Participants will explore key considerations and policies for using GenAI, examine different use cases in the classroom, and discuss how to have conversations about GenAI with their students.
Webinar
AI in Action: Deep Research
The LDTI AI in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together and discuss how they are using GenAI in their teaching, learning, and research. Each 30-minute session includes a brief demonstration and time for Q&A.
Event
AI Sector Voices: Cogniti and Sports Marketing Education
In the lead up to our initial Cogniti training session on 02 April, LDTI is pleased to welcome Dr Sarah Wymer (Senior Lecturer - Sport Leadership and Management, Auckland University of Technology) to discuss her use of Cogniti in a
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Class Diplomacy - Cross-Class Friendship and Social Mobility
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
Event
Public Lecture: Australia, International Law and Armed Conflict
A briefing on international law and Australian state and territory international obligations on overseas conflicts and the environment.
Event
AI Tinker Session: Draft a Course Plan with ChatGPT
The LDTI GenAI Tinker Sessions provide an opportunity for academic staff to try out different tools, experiment with their functionality, and think about how they could be used in day-to-day work.
In person
Neurodivergent Peer to Peer Program: From Delay to Done – Tackling procrastination and time management
Join our Neurodivergent Peer to Peer Program and this session to learn to beat procrastination, share strategies, boost motivation, and enjoy lunch with Student Wellbeing.
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Born to Rule
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Gambling and the Financialisation of Everyday Life
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
Event
Orange Parents and Carers Info Session
We are in Orange supporting parents and carers of year senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our FREE Parents and Carers Info Session.
Event
Coffs Harbour Parents and Carers Info Session
We are in Coffs Harbour supporting parents and carers of year senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
Event
Academic Misconduct using Gen AI
This 60-minute session is intended for academic staff, and will include a discussion of how implementing secure assessments (as outlined in the University of Newcastle Assessment Framework) can limit opportunities for misconduct and support the integrity of our awards.
Event
Bathurst Parents and Carers Session
We are in Bathurst supporting parents and carers of year senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our FREE Parents and Carers Info Session.
Event
Port Stephens Parent and Carers Info Session
We are in Port Stephens supporting parents and carers of senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
Event
Port Macquarie Parent and Carers Info Session
We are in Port Macquarie supporting parents and carers of senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
Webinar
Job Application Bootcamp
Are your job application documents working for you? Writing an effective resume, cover letter or statement addressing the selection criteria can be a tricky process! Come along to this bootcamp we will set you in the right direction to develop
Event
HSC Music Day 2026
HSC Music Day returns to the Con for 2026 inviting year 11 and 12 students to an information day designed to prepare them for their music HSC.
Live performance
Callaghan Singers: A Taste of History
Callaghan Singers performs as part of the 2026 Newcastle Fringe Festival.
Event
AI Sector Voices: Cogniti and Statistics Education
In the lead up to our initial Cogniti training session on 02 April, LDTI is pleased to welcome Minh Huynh (AI in Research Training Lead) and Dr Liana Pozzo (School of Life and Environmental Sciences) from the University of Sydney
In person
Finding Work in Australia - NUspace
Finding Work in Australia is designed to support international students in developing self-awareness, identifying opportunities, and improving their employability in the Australian market.
In person
Finding Work in Australia - Callaghan
Finding Work in Australia is designed to support international students in developing self-awareness, identifying opportunities, and improving their employability in the Australian market.
Event
Maitland Parent and Carers Info Session
We are in Maitland supporting parents and carers of senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
In person
Finding Work in Australia - Online
Finding Work in Australia is designed to support international students in developing self-awareness, identifying opportunities, and improving their employability in the Australian market.
Webinar
AI in Action: AI-Augmented Expert Judgement in Assessment
The LDTI AI in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together and discuss how they are using GenAI in their teaching, learning, and research. Each 30-minute session includes a brief demonstration and time for Q&A.
Event
Newcastle Writers Festival: This Writing Life
Celebrate the best Australian writing and meet your favourite authors at the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival.
Event
Newcastle Writers Festival: Talking Footy - Helen Garner and Brandon Jack
Celebrate the best Australian writing and meet your favourite authors at the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival.
Event
Newcastle Writers Festival: A Vanishing World - Charlotte McConaghy in Conversation
Celebrate the best Australian writing and meet your favourite authors at the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival.
Event
Newcastle Writers Festival: Always Home, Always Homesick - Hannah Kent in Conversation
Celebrate the best Australian writing and meet your favourite authors at the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival.
Event
Mudgee Parents and Carers Info Session
We are in Mudgee supporting parents and carers of year senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our FREE Parents and Carers Info Session.
Webinar
AI Sector Voices: Cogniti and Law Education
In the lead up to our initial Cogniti training session on 02 April, LDTI is pleased to welcome Tyler Sprague from the University of Sydney Law Extension Committee. Tyler will be discussing the use Cogniti agents across the LPAB program.
Webinar
Job Application Bootcamp
Are your job application documents working for you? Writing an effective resume, cover letter or statement addressing the selection criteria can be a tricky process! Come along to this bootcamp we will set you in the right direction to develop
In person
Allied Health Expo
The Allied Health Expo is the perfect opportunity to connect with employers and learn more about your future industry and career options.
Event
Dubbo Parents and Carers Session
We are in Dubbo supporting parents and carers of year senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our FREE Parents and Carers Info Session.
April 2026
Event
Introduction to Cogniti
All academic staff interested in using Cogniti to support their teaching and learning activities are invited to attend an initial “Introduction to Cogniti” session. This session will be run by Professor Danny Liu from the University of Sydney.
Webinar
Job Application Bootcamp
Are your job application documents working for you? Writing an effective resume, cover letter or statement addressing the selection criteria can be a tricky process! Come along to this bootcamp we will set you in the right direction to develop
In person
Neurodivergent Peer to Peer Program: Stress Less - Find calm in the chaos
Join our Neurodivergent Peer to Peer Program for a supportive lunchtime session focused on managing burnout, reducing pressure and staying balanced while studying. Connect with fellow neurodivergent students, share strategies, and leave with practical tools you can use straight away.
Webinar
AI in Action: GenAI and Privacy
The LDTI AI in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together and discuss how they are using GenAI in their teaching, learning, and research. Each 30-minute session includes a brief demonstration and time for Q&A.
Event
Tamworth Parents and Carers Info Session
We are in Tamworth supporting parents and carers of senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
Event
Newcastle Parents and Carers Info Session
We are in Newcastle supporting parents and carers of senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
Event
Armidale Parents and Carers Info Session
We are in Armidale supporting parents and carers of senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
May 2026
Event
AI Sector Voices: Integrating AI into Engineering via Open Ended Projects
LDTI is pleased to welcome the University of Wollongong’s Dr Sasha Nikolic (President of the Australasian Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Education Centre) to discuss how GenAI can be integrated into engineering education as part of open-ended student projects.
Webinar
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Maternal Secrets - Shame, Silence, and the Materiality of Mothering
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
Event
BiG Day In
The BiG Day In is an exciting event for Year 9–12 students to discover the world of technology and the amazing careers it offers.
In person
Central Coast Parents and Carers Info Session
We are in the Central Coast supporting parents and carers of year senior school students. If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.
Campus tour
Central Coast Campus - Gosford Central Campus Tour
Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Campus - Gosford Central! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge education facilities happening on campus.
Event
AI in Action: 3P Assurance of Learning
The LDTI AI in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together and discuss how they are using GenAI in their teaching, learning, and research. Each 30-minute session includes a brief demonstration and time for Q&A.
June 2026
Event
AI in Action: GenAI and Copyright
The LDTI AI in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together and discuss how they are using GenAI in their teaching, learning, and research. Each 30-minute session includes a brief demonstration and time for Q&A.
Webinar
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: From Resisting AI to Decomputing
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
Event
Graduation - Ourimbah
Congratulations on completing your studies, it’s a milestone achievement and one you deserve to celebrate. Join us on campus with your family and friends to celebrate your achievements.
Event
Graduation - Newcastle Callaghan
June Graduation Ceremonies – Congratulations on completing your studies! This incredible milestone deserves to be celebrated with your family, friends, and fellow graduates.
July 2026
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Scholarship Disabled: Crip research, crip scholars
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
August 2026
Event
AI in Action: Indigenous Perspectives
The LDTI AI in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together and discuss how they are using GenAI in their teaching, learning, and research. Each 30-minute session includes a brief demonstration and time for Q&A.
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Fintech Futures
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
September 2026
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Lived Experiences of LGBTQ+ Religious Youth in a hostile policy landscape - Digital Media, Wellbeing, and Visual Methods
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
October 2026
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Youth Side-Hustles - Entrepreneurship and Employment in Enterprise Culture
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
November 2026
Webinar
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Intergenerational Dialogues and Activism
Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.
December 2026
Event
Graduation - Newcastle Callaghan
December Graduation Ceremonies – Congratulations on completing your studies! This incredible milestone deserves to be celebrated with your family, friends, and fellow graduates.
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.