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.
May 2026
Exhibition
Michael Cusack – FIELD NOTES: The Ruins of Ideas
An exhibition by Micael Cusack bringing together painting and found objects as parallel modes of creative inquiry.
June 2026
Webinar
GenAI Foundations for Teaching (repeat)
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.
In person
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.
Webinar
Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions
The LDTI Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions are intended as an opportunity for staff to come together to discuss their use of the platform, and share what is working and what is not. We will also discuss any upcoming enhancements, new
Event
MHF Centre - Beanie Day at Bar on the Hill
Join us for an annual event where you get to buy a new season Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) Beanie and hear about the important research and patient care they fund through the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research
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
Event
Founder Stories - Mika Koelma
You've seen them before but where are they now? Hear the highs, lows, wins, mistakes and inside story from an entrepreneur who's lived it.
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
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.
Webinar
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
An Introduction to Vibe Coding in Education
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
Public Talk: Booze and Culture
Grab a drink and join us for a talk on Booze and Culture by Dr Kirk French, Professor of Anthropology at The Pennsylvania State University.
In person
Film as Method: Community Engagement and Reciprocal Research
Join this special screening and workshop exploring how film is used for community engagement, co-produced knowledge & reciprocal research.
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.
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
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.
In person
Screening and Q+A: A Century After Nanook
See 'A Century After Nanook' - an Emmy-nominated, award-winning documentary on the big screen that offers a rare, community-led perspective on the profound environmental and cultural transformations unfolding in the Arctic.
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.
In person
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.
In person
Careers in Government
Curious about what it's like to work in the public sector? This event gives you the chance to connect directly with representatives from a range of government organisations and gain insights into their careers, workplaces, and what they look for
Webinar
Winter Webinar - Living the Social Determinants of Health
Join this Winter Webinar with featured speaker for the Centre for Society, Health and Care Research Professor Kate Senior.
Webinar
Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions
The LDTI Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions are intended as an opportunity for staff to come together to discuss their use of the platform, and share what is working and what is not. We will also discuss any upcoming enhancements, new
Live performance
Bruce Mathiske in Concert
Get ready to experience the hypnotic fusion of guitar and didgeridoo like never before!
Live performance
Community Strings Winter Concert
Showcasing the achievements of the wonderful string students at the Conservatorium of Music.
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
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.
In person
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.
Workshop
Avatars in Education
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.
Live performance
Make your own Music! NYO Term 2 Concert
A choral collaboration with the BrainWaves Stroke Survivors Choir, Callaghan Singers, Supertonics, Unforgettables and Vocal Company.
Webinar
Master of Special and Inclusive Education
Join Dr Carl Leonard to learn more about how studying the Master of Special and Inclusive Education at the University of Newcastle can help you achieve your career goals.
July 2026
Webinar
Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions
The LDTI Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions are intended as an opportunity for staff to come together to discuss their use of the platform, and share what is working and what is not. We will also discuss any upcoming enhancements, new
In person
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.
Event
HSC Maths & Computing Study Hub Winter Holiday Intensives
Get ready to boost your HSC math and computing skills with some intense, focused and free exam preparation sessions!
Live Stream
Virtual International Open Day
Join our International Open Day online and experience what makes the University of Newcastle a standout choice for ambitious students from around the world.
Webinar
Master of Business Psychology Webinar
Join Program Convenor Associate Professor Emina Subasic to learn all about the Master of Business Psychology program at the University of Newcastle. Gain an understanding of the program and engage in a Q&A.
Live performance
Northern Lights: Journey to the World Choir Games
Newcastle Chamber Choir showcases their competition repertoire before they represent Australia at the 2026 World Choir Games in Sweden.
Live performance
SEUSSICAL JR.!
A Dr Seuss-inspired stage spectacular is coming to Newcastle this July school holidays!
Workshop
Cinematic Sounds - School Holiday Workshop
A two day school holiday workshop that provides students with the opportunity to put sound to a short, animated film.
In person
Mental Health First Aid Training for Students
Empower yourself to make a meaningful difference when it matters most.
Workshop
Jazz and Groove Improv - Two Day Workshop
Two day workshop designed to unlock creativity and build confidence in jazz and groove improvisation.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Tom Cashman
Tom Cashman is back in town with a new hour of stand-up that promises to creep ever so close to proficiency as part of Newcastle Comedy Festival.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Mid Flight Brawl
Nick Cody and Luke Heggie are back in town for another hour of crook plane mishaps.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Nick Cody
Nick Cody is back where he belongs, saying hilarious/distasteful things on stage.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Luke Heggie
Luke Heggie takes the stage as part of Newcastle Comedy Festival.
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.
Webinar
Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions
The LDTI Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions are intended as an opportunity for staff to come together to discuss their use of the platform, and share what is working and what is not. We will also discuss any upcoming enhancements, new
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Daniel Muggleton
Come see the man in the red tracksuit live on-stage, with a brand-new hour of fearless stand-up comedy.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Ivan Aristeguieta
Australia’s favourite Venezuelan is back with a hilarious new show about dancing through tough times, finding joy in chaos and shaking off your worries to a Latino beat.
Webinar
Creating Course Content with an LLM
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.
August 2026
In person
The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards Concert
The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards celebrate our next generation of talented jazz musicians.
Webinar
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.
Webinar
An Introduction to NotebookLM
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.
Recurring
Virtual Reality Stress Management Training: 5 Week Program
Boost your focus, calm, and confidence with Performance Edge — a powerful five-week Virtual Reality program designed to provide skills to help you manage stress and challenging emotions.
Every week on Wednesday, until Sept 16, 2026
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.
Webinar
Artificial Intelligence Detection
LDTI is pleased to welcome the Charles Sturt University’s Associate Professor Mark Bassett (Director Academic Quality, Standards and Integrity and Academic Lead Artificial Intelligence) for a discussion of the use of AI detection software.
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.
Event
Creating Presentations with Gamma
The LDTI GenAI Tinker workshops have been developed for staff who see value in hands on experiences using a variety of GenAI tools to tackle common problems.
Webinar
TAFE to Uni Webinar - Semester 2
You will learn about: • what it’s like studying at our University • TAFE and other vocational qualifications entry pathways • how to apply • scholarships • jobs on campus • support and services • and more!
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.