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
June 2026
Exhibition
Agape in the Hunter
Explore the Hunter Region’s spirit through powerful stories of crisis and courage. From floods to earthquakes, this display reveals "Agape" - love in action, where communities unite above all differences. See ordinary gestures of extraordinary people.
July 2026
Exhibition
Finding home: life outside institutions
Exhibiting the stories of those who attended and left mental hospitals between 1900 to 1960 to better understand mental health care in the community before new ideas about 'community psychiatry'.
Exhibition
FINDING HOME Life Outside Institutions
This exhibition tells their stories by drawing from a rich set of archival material to evoke the spaces of care and the varied experiences of individuals who sought help. It shines new light on twentieth-century journeys between hospital and home
August 2026
Info Session
Ma & Morley Scholarship Program Information Session (Gosford)
Join the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program team at our upcoming Gosford information session to learn more about this life-changing Scholarship Program.
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.
Webinar
Student Admin Support Session (online)
Need help getting set up? Attend our online admin support session.
Info Session
Ma & Morley Scholarship Program Information Session (Callaghan)
Join the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program team at our upcoming Callaghan information session to learn more about this life-changing Scholarship Program.
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
Canberra Alumni Masterclass
Join us for the 2026 Canberra Alumni Event - an energising evening to be inspired and connect. The evening will feature an engaging masterclass: The Secret to Conflict Resolution: A masterclass in conversations and confidence with alumnus Matt Taylor, Director
In person
NUmates Mosaic Masterpieces
Unleash your creativity at Mosaic Masterpieces, a relaxed and social workshop where you’ll enjoy a light breakfast before learning the basics of mosaic art and creating your own unique piece to take home, guided by an experienced artist.
Workshop
Ed Tech for Active Learning
Explore the educational technology available to increase student engagement through active learning.
In person
NUmates Hunter Valley Segway Tour
Glide through the Hunter Valley on a guided Segway tour, taking in stunning vineyard views before relaxing with a winery picnic—no experience needed, just come for the fun, scenery, and great company.
In person
Wear It Purple Day x Respect at Uni stall
Celebrate Wear It Purple Day with the Respect at Uni Peer Leaders in the Auchmuty Courtyard! Drop by for free merch, lollies and activities, and help us show LGBTQIA+SB young people they are seen, supported and never alone.
Webinar
GenAI and Data Security
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
Central Coast Open Day 2026
The University of Newcastle is excited to welcome future students and their families to Open Day at our Ourimbah & Gosford campuses on and 29 August 2026.
Live performance
Waratah Choir Girls Annual Concert: Fire & Ice
The Waratah Girls Choir will be joining us here at the Con for their evening concert of choral music celebrating artistry, connection and legacy.
In person
Global Experience Week
Current Student event for seeing the world while you study or intern overseas. Newcastle Students can register for an event or simply walk up to a pop up stall to ask any question about travelling through the University of Newcastle
In person
Numates Textured Canvas Creations (Gosford)
Unwind, get creative, and connect with fellow students at this free textured canvas art workshop
September 2026
In person
Newcastle Tech Futures
Newcastle Tech Futures is your opportunity to meet leading tech employers from across the region. This event can help you explore career options, find job and placement opportunities, and expand your professional network.
In person
Brisbane Alumni Masterclass
Join us for the 2026 Brisbane Alumni Event - an energising evening to be inspired and connect. The evening will feature an engaging masterclass: The Secret to Conflict Resolution: A masterclass in conversations and confidence with alumnus Matt Taylor, Director
In person
NUmates Sand Dune Safari
Skip the freezing slopes and join NUmates for an unforgettable day of sandboarding at the spectacular dunes of Anna Bay!
Workshop
GenAI Foundations for Teaching
This hands-on session provides an introduction to using generative AI (genAI) to enhance teaching and learning for educators and students.
In person
Melbourne Alumni Masterclass
Join us for the 2026 Melbourne Alumni Event - an energising evening to be inspired and connect. The evening will feature an engaging masterclass: The Secret to Conflict Resolution: A masterclass in conversations and confidence with alumnus Matt Taylor, Director
Workshop
Claude Skills for Educators
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.
Gala event
Guthi Wangga - Indigenous Excellence Ball
Guthi Wangga ('to dance a song' in Gathang language) Join us for an evening of connection, celebration and community as The Wollotuka Institute welcomes you to its exciting new annual gala event.
Live performance
A Night of Percussion
Showcasing the rhythmic and foot tapping sounds of the percussion students and ensembles at the Con.
Live performance
Orchestra Nova: Symphony of Stories
Journey through the music of Matilda, The Lion King, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Wicked, and The Wizard of Oz, performed by Orchestra Nova with guest singers bringing these beloved songs to the stage.
Workshop
Neurodivergent Peer2Peer Program - Workshop 1
Ready, Set, Semester – Building a University Experience that Works for You Start your semester strong with practical tips to stay organised, manage overwhelm, and create routines that stick.
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.
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.
Webinar
Writing Questions for Secure Online Assessment
This workshop is delivered by the Education Development team and will focus on writing high‑quality exam questions for online secure assessments.
Event
Ed Tech in Action: Assignments & Marking in Canvas
The LDTI Ed Tech in Action sessions are targeted sessions focussed on supported educational technology tools and their use in teaching, learning and assessment. Each 30-minute session will be delivered via Zoom and will feature a short presentation or demonstration
Live performance
Newcastle University Choir - Dvořák
Newcastle University Choir presents Czech composer Antonin Dvořák’s Mass in D Major for the first time in Newcastle.
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 and we will set you in the right direction to
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
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.
Campus tour
Ourimbah Campus Tour | September
Come and explore the vibrant atmosphere of The University of Newcastle's Ourimbah Campus in Australia. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our beautiful campus.
Campus tour
Callaghan Campus Tour | September
Experience our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle. Join us for the Callaghan Campus Tour!
Webinar
Teaching in Action: Mid-Semester Student Feedback
The LDTI Teaching in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to discuss a teaching tool, concept, or pedagogy to prompt reflection on their practice and uplift the educational experience for UON students. Each 30-minute session will be delivered via
Campus tour
Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour | September
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
Gosford Campus Tour | September
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 | September
Located on Auckland Street, NUSpace is easily accessible and offers a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or simply curious about the future of education, this tour is perfect for you.
Campus tour
Q Building Campus Tour | September
Join us for a fun and interactive Q Building Campus Tour where you'll explore our amazing facilities firsthand!
Live performance
Newcastle Young Suzuki Musicians Celebration Concert
An unforgettable evening celebrating the achievements of the Newcastle Young Suzuki Musicians through the beauty and joy of classical music.
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
Teaching in Action: Improving Inclusivity in Your Course
The LDTI Teaching in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to discuss a teaching tool, concept, or pedagogy to prompt reflection on their practice and uplift the educational experience for UON students. Each 30-minute session will be delivered via
Live performance
Stories of Water & Earth: Ensemble Offspring and Nardi Simpson
First Nations storyteller and singer Nardi Simpson joins leading chamber orchestra Ensemble Offspring in this evocative and beautiful afternoon of song, ceremony and country. Nardi (one half of the Stiff Gins) draws on her Yuwaalaraay freshwater stories and brings her
October 2026
Campus tour
Ourimbah Campus Tour | October
Come and explore the vibrant atmosphere of The University of Newcastle's Ourimbah Campus in Australia. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our beautiful campus.
Campus tour
Callaghan Campus Tour | October
Experience our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle. Join us for the Callaghan Campus Tour!
Campus tour
Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour | October
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
Gosford Campus Tour | October
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 | October
Located on Auckland Street, NUSpace is easily accessible and offers a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or simply curious about the future of education, this tour is perfect for you.
Campus tour
Q Building Campus Tour | October
Join us for a fun and interactive Q Building Campus Tour where you'll explore our amazing facilities firsthand!
Live performance
GILES HENDERSON WANNAN, Chamber Music for Flute Viola & Harp
Harpist Alice Giles, flautist Jonathan Henderson and violist James Wannan join forces to present a programme centred around French music and contemporary living composers.
Workshop
Neurodivergent Peer2Peer Program - Workshop 2
From Delay to Done: Overcoming Procrastination and Mastering Time ManagementAlways finding ways to put things off? From Delay to Done will help you break free from procrastination with practical strategies to manage your time and make real progress.
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 and we will set you in the right direction to
In person
Finding Work in Australia
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
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
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.
Webinar
Finding Work in Australia
Finding Work in Australia is designed to support international students in developing self-awareness, identifying opportunities, and improving their employability in the Australian market.
Workshop
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
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 and we will set you in the right direction to
In person
National Science and Engineering Challenge Final
This year’s National Science and Engineering Challenge final will be held in the Great Hall at Australian Parliament House, Canberra. The top scoring school from each state and territory, plus a local wild card school will compete in increasingly difficult
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 services and more!
November 2026
Workshop
Neurodivergent Peer2Peer Program - Workshop 3
Workshop 3: Staying Grounded – Managing Overwhelm Your Way In Staying Grounded you will explore practical, flexible strategies to manage stress, regulate your energy, and stay connected to what matters most—without pressure to “do it the right way.”
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 and we will set you in the right direction to
Campus tour
Ourimbah Campus Tour | November
Come and explore the vibrant atmosphere of The University of Newcastle's Ourimbah Campus in Australia. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our beautiful campus.
Campus tour
Callaghan Campus Tour | November
Experience our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle. Join us for the Callaghan Campus Tour!
Campus tour
Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour | November
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
Gosford Campus Tour | November
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 | November
Located on Auckland Street, NUSpace is easily accessible and offers a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or simply curious about the future of education, this tour is perfect for you.
Campus tour
Q Building Campus Tour | November
Join us for a fun and interactive Q Building Campus Tour where you'll explore our amazing facilities firsthand!
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
Campus tour
Ourimbah Campus Tour | December
Come and explore the vibrant atmosphere of The University of Newcastle's Ourimbah Campus in Australia. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our beautiful campus.
Campus tour
Callaghan Campus Tour | December
Experience our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle. Join us for the Callaghan Campus Tour!
Campus tour
Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour | December
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
Gosford Campus Tour | December
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 | December
Located on Auckland Street, NUSpace is easily accessible and offers a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or simply curious about the future of education, this tour is perfect for you.
Campus tour
Q Building Campus Tour | December
Join us for a fun and interactive Q Building Campus Tour where you'll explore our amazing facilities firsthand!
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.