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.
November 2025
Event
Centre for Society, Health and Care Research Symposium
Join us for this thought-provoking symposium exploring current and future challenges in health and care research.
Webinar
Graduate Certificate in Prescribing for Midwives Webinar
Join Program Convenor Heidi Williams to learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Prescribing for Midwives at the University of Newcastle. Gain an understanding of the program and engage in a Q&A.
Event
A strong, stable and prosperous Pacific
Today’s healthcare systems face significant challenges, join us to discuss how we look to technology to find solutions and answers.
Event
Sixty: A Celebration in Sound
Celebrate six decades of excellence at Sixty: A Celebration in Sound, a special concert showcasing the incredible talent of the University of Newcastle’s music graduates in the University’s 60th year.
Exhibition
Unseen Unspoken
The 2025 Newcastle Art School graduation exhibition celebrates and acknowledges the work of 3 artists completing the Bachelor of Creative Practice degree program – Eliza Blackwell, Chloe Hooper and Leanne Swainson. The exhibition marks the creative milestone for the graduates
In person
Glenrock Bush Walk Adventure!
Get out into the beautiful bushland of Newcastle with the NUmates team! This trek will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete, and boasts view of dense bush, waterfalls, rock formations, and secluded beaches. Everything you could want all wrapped into
Webinar
Master of Clean Energy Webinar
Looking to upskill and drive change in Australia's energy infrastructure? Join Program Convenor, Dr Cui Ying Toe, to learn about the Master of Clean Energy at the University of Newcastle. Gain an understanding of the program and engage in a
December 2025
Event
Sneak peek - Central Coast Campus - Gosford Central
Explore the future of education at our Gosford Central Campus sneak peek. Tour cutting-edge facilities, meet university staff and students, and discover study, career, and community opportunities ahead of Semester 1, 2026.
In person
FLIP Showcase
I2N is home to the #1 Accelerator Program in regional Australia, and is working to make the Hunter and Central Coast the nation's epicentre of innovation and entrepreneurship. Join us for the first Showcase of FLIP, our program designed to
Event
Summer Ball 2025
You’re invited to celebrate in style because every achievement deserves a spotlight.
Event
Graduation - Newcastle Callaghan
December Graduation Ceremonies – Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence Congratulations on completing your studies! This incredible milestone deserves to be celebrated with your family, friends, and fellow graduates. In 2025, the University of Newcastle proudly marks its 60th anniversary.
Campus tour
Ourimbah Tour
Whether you are a prospective student, a parent or carer, or simply curious about the university experience, this tour is an ideal way to get a firsthand look at everything Ourimbah Campus has to offer.
Campus tour
Callaghan Campus Tour
Join a tour and explore the vibrant atmosphere of the University of Newcastle's Callaghan Campus in Australia. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our beautiful campus.
Campus tour
Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour
Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Clinical School! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge medical education and research happening on campus.
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.
Campus tour
NUSpace Campus Tour
Join us for an exciting in-person tour of NUspace, located at the University of Newcastle in Newcastle, NSW, Australia. Get ready to explore the state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant campus atmosphere.
Campus tour
Q Building Campus Tour
Join us for an exciting tour of the Q Building! Explore the state-of-the-art facilities and immerse yourself in the vibrant campus atmosphere. This in-person event is your chance to discover the cutting-edge technology and innovative spaces that make the Q
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.