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
November 2025
January 2026
Event
Advance HE Fellowship - Writing Day
Advance HE Fellowship - Writing Day. This session will allow you to focus time on writing your fellowship application and provide you with tips and suggestions throughout the day.
Webinar
Semester/Trimester 1 - How to Library Webinar
Join our “How to Library” webinar to explore the spaces, resources, and expert staff ready to support your learning journey.
In person
Choc and Chat (Under 18s Social Event)
Join other 16–17-year-old uni students for Choc and Chat! Decorate chocolate, learn creative techniques, and connect in a fun, relaxed setting. RSVP and share dietary needs.
Event
Ngarrama 2026 - "To sit, listen and know"
Ngarrama - "To sit, listen and know" In this milestone fifth year, we invite you to come along to listen, reflect and celebrate the cultures, stories and knowledges that have shaped our region for tens of thousands of years.
Event
Semester 1 Welcome Week Expos
Welcome Week is just for new students, but our Welcome Expos are for everyone! Enjoy free food, live music and explore UNSA's wide range of clubs and societies.
Event
Campus Welcome 2026
Our Campus Welcome is one of the highlights of the Welcome Week Expo, taking place across each of our campuses throughout the week. This special event brings together our new and returning students to officially welcome them to Semester and
Workshop
Alternatives to the Lecture
This hands-on workshop explores options for adapting the traditional lecture to an engaging, interactive online delivery. It will introduce a range of strategies, opportunities, and design and development pathways that align with key principles of learning to maximise student engagement.
February 2026
Workshop
Foundations of Active Learning
Explore active learning teaching techniques to increase student engagement. Ascertain the benefits of active learning practice and determine when to employ active learning in the classroom.
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
Workshop
Retention Strategies Workshop
Retention strategies for teaching staff. Learn about retention strategies, analytics tools in Canvas and Panopto, and how to identify and support “at risk” students.
Workshop
Marking and Feedback
This workshop will focus on Marking and Feedback of Assessments. Participants will learn how to apply best practice in marking coursework assessments.
In person
Leadership Stories: An Evening with Elliot Waters
Join us for an evening with Elliot Waters, host of The Dysregulated Podcast and 2025 Young Alumni Award recipient. Elliot will share his journey, offering insights on resilience, leadership, and compassion to inspire personal and professional growth.
Event
Interactive Oral Assessments at Adelaide University
LDTI is pleased to welcome Adelaide University’s Dr Sarah Davey (Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences) and Dr Christopher Della Vedova (Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences) to discuss their experiences implementing interactive oral assessments.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
March 2026
Event
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
April 2026
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
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.
June 2026
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.
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.