News and Events

News

News • 08 Jul 2026

Gift or loan? The legal grey area of the ‘bank of mum and dad’

A growing reliance on familial financial support is presenting unprecedented legal risks for Australian families, leaving both parents and adult children vulnerable to costly disputes and fractured relationships.

News • 17 Apr 2026

Community Support for the Arts

A landmark gift is helping strengthen the cultural legacy that has shaped the University of Newcastle’s long-standing commitment to Australian artists. Aaron and Samantha Sampson have generously donated 80 artworks to the University of Newcastle Art Collection.

News • 12 Mar 2026

Feminisms from/of the Souths

To celebrate International Women's Day, Purai Global Indigenous History Centre hosted a dialogue across and between feminisms and feminists from/of the South.

News • 09 Mar 2026

Globally recognised academic named 2026 Lake Mac Ambassador

Professor Tamara Blakemore honoured with Lake Macquarie’s top annual civic award for her tireless work as a global leader in community violence prevention.

News • 25 Feb 2026

Exceptional educators celebrated in national teaching awards

Two academics from the University of Newcastle have been recognised for their innovative and creative teaching styles at the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT).

News • 11 Feb 2026

Post‑mining research comes to life in community art exhibition

A new art exhibition has emerged from a four‑year study led by University of Newcastle researcher Associate Professor Hedda Askland, exploring how the Hunter Valley can navigate its post‑mining future.

News • 10 Feb 2026

Exciting International Opportunities for Creative Industries Students coming this year

Applications are now open for students studying Visual Communication Design or Media and Communication in 2026 as plans come together for the 2026 Singapore Study Tour and the 2026 Annecy Visual Communication Design Study Tour to France.

News • 16 Dec 2025

Translating compassion: a linguist's commitment to social inclusion

Dr Suzan Makhloof is a decorated lecturer in linguistics and cross-cultural communication, teaching English in Hunter schools to students from diverse backgrounds. Marking the completion of the PhD in linguistics, she will cross the stage at University of Newcastle graduation on Tuesday, 16 December.

News • 20 Nov 2025

We’re not going anywhere: Muswellbrook faces transition beyond coal head on

As the Hunter region of New South Wales inches toward the closure of the state’s largest coal mine, Muswellbrook community members are urging industry to leave a positive legacy in their wake.

News • 12 Nov 2025

New research reveals hidden cost of supporting adult children

A new study has uncovered the hidden burden of the financial and practical support many Australian parents are bearing for their adult children.

News • 20 Oct 2025

A lasting tribute to friendship and song

A remarkable bequest to the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium of Music continues to shape the future of music education and nurture the next generation of performers in our region.

News • 28 Aug 2025

Journalism student Blair Wise wins 2025 Kennedy Awards Student of the Year

University of Newcastle journalism student Blair Wise was named Student Journalist of the Year at the 2025 Kennedy Awards, Australia’s most prestigious journalism awards.

Events

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.

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When Friday 18 July 2025 - Saturday 1 August 2026
Location  Library (Auchmuty)

Workshop

Percussion - School Holiday Workshop

A one-day fun and informative ground-up, immersive percussion workshop in a relaxed group setting.

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When Thursday 16 July 2026
9:00am - 1:30pm
Location  The Conservatorium

Workshop

Jazz and Groove Improv - Two Day Workshop

Two day workshop designed to unlock creativity and build confidence in jazz and groove improvisation.

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When Thursday 16 July 2026 - Friday 17 July 2026
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Friday 17 July 2026
7:45pm - 8:45pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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In person

Newcastle Comedy Festival: Mid Flight Brawl

Nick Cody and Luke Heggie are back in town for another hour of crook plane mishaps.

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When Saturday 18 July 2026
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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In person

Newcastle Comedy Festival: Nick Cody

Nick Cody is back where he belongs, saying hilarious/distasteful things on stage.

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When Saturday 18 July 2026
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Duration 60mins
Location  The Conservatorium

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In person

Newcastle Comedy Festival: Luke Heggie

Luke Heggie takes the stage as part of Newcastle Comedy Festival.

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When Saturday 18 July 2026
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Wednesday 22 July 2026
3:00pm - 4:30pm

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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.

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When Friday 24 July 2026
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Friday 24 July 2026
8:00pm - 9:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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In person

The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards Concert

The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards celebrate our next generation of talented jazz musicians.

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When Saturday 1 August 2026
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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Live performance

Echoes of the Globe

An afternoon of music from across the globe brought to you by The University of Newcastle Arts Orchetsra.

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When Sunday 2 August 2026 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium