Support for Underrepresented Groups

In 2025, the University of Newcastle continued to provide a wide range of mentoring, counselling, and peer support programs to assist students and staff from underrepresented groups, ensuring equitable access to wellbeing, academic, and professional development support. Support was available through specialist programmes, peer networks and staff development.

Targeted counselling and wellbeing support in 2025

The University’s 2025 Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) Student Wellbeing initiatives provided coordinated support for students from low socioeconomic, regional and remote backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. In the first quarter of 2025, the portfolio reported more than 2,800 enabling counselling sessions for Pathways and Academic Learning Support students, engagement with more than 2,500 students in enabling wellbeing services, and additional support through disability, financial wellbeing and student engagement advisers.

Students can access free University counselling and wellbeing services through online or face-to-face consultations and after-hours support. Staff can access free, confidential counselling through the Employee Assistance Program, which provides six sessions per calendar year for employees, with limited additional support for immediate family members.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support

The Wollotuka Institute Student Advancement Team provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with academic guidance, free subject-specific tutoring, cultural connection, scholarship and accommodation assistance, and dedicated wellbeing support. The Institute also provides access to an Indigenous counsellor and culturally safe Men’s and Women’s Groups that help students connect with their peers. The Indigenous Student Support and Development service were available in 2025.

Supporting Indigenous staff and academic careers

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, the University’s Indigenous Staff Network provides peer support, networking and professional development. The Maligagu Employment Strategy 2020–2025 committed to mentoring and culturally safe career development.

The 2025 Annual Report demonstrates active 2025 mentoring, professional development and leadership pathways for Indigenous staff, alongside wellbeing and cultural safety initiatives.

Disability, neurodivergence and tailored academic support

The University’s AccessAbility service supports students with disability, neurodivergence and health conditions through individual Reasonable Adjustment Plans. Its disability support services include specialist academic advice and the Neurodivergent Peer2Peer programme.

Inclusive peer networks and international student support

LGBTIQ+ students and staff can connect with the University’s ALLY Network, which trains staff and student advocates. Student-led groups such as the Queer Collective offer additional connections, and gender and sexuality support information identifies counselling and specialist support contacts.

In 2025, the University’s International Student Support programme welcomed approximately 1,200 new students through January–March orientation and engagement activities, including work with NUmates. The 2025 international HDR support programme reported about 60 participants in peer-led activities and outreach to the Indigenous HDR Network.

Through culturally informed services, targeted counselling, peer networks and mentoring pathways, the University of Newcastle helps students and staff from underrepresented backgrounds feel supported and participate fully in university life. Its 2025 programmes demonstrate how individual assistance and inclusive communities contribute to wellbeing, belonging and opportunity.

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