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
December 2025
Exhibition
2025 Karen Thrift Original Music and Lyrics Prize
The University of Newcastle School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences is happy to announce the launch of the 2023 Karen Thrift 'Original Music and Lyrics' Prize.
Event
2025 Karen Thrift Prize for Poetry
The University of Newcastle School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences is happy to announce that applications for the Karen Thrift Prize for Poetry for 2025 is now open.
January 2026
In person
Neurodivergent Student Orientation Program Day 1: Preparing for University Success – Semester 1, 2026
Day 1 of the Neurodivergent Student Orientation helps you prepare for university success. Hear from a student, learn about support services, meet the Vice-Chancellor, and join activities to create your wellbeing plan. Includes tips for academic success and navigating library
In person
Neurodivergent Student Orientation Program Day 2: Preparing for University Success – Semester 1, 2026
Day 2 of the Neurodivergent Student Orientation focuses on building your support network. Connect with peers, staff, and student associations, learn about career services, and join activities to strengthen your support system. Includes a customised campus tour.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
April 2026
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.