News and Events

News

News • 23 Oct 2026

University celebrates graduates making an impact in media, literature and health

The University of Newcastle has recognised the achievements of graduates making a difference locally, nationally and internationally at the 2026 …

News • 08 Sep 2026

Birds of an opera perform together

Telling the story of a little bird with big aspirations has inspired Associate Professor Helen English and Co-Director of Purai Global Indigenous History Centre, Professor Kate Senior, to investigate how creative arts supports the health, wellbeing and inspiration of primary school children.

News • 10 Aug 2026

Overcoming silence: a renewed effort to listen to the voices of religious sisters

Efforts to engage with the rarely heard stories of religious sisters have received a renewed pledge of support to further inform Australia’s understanding of women’s experiences in the Church.

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.

Events

Event

2026 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 2026 is now open.

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When Monday 19 October 2026 - Sunday 29 November 2026

Exhibition

2026 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 2026 Karen Thrift 'Original Music and Lyrics' Prize.

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When Monday 19 October 2026 - Sunday 29 November 2026

Live performance

Postcards from Eternity: Terence Koo Album Launch

Experience the launch of Terence Koo’s 4th album, Postcards from Eternity. Performed live on a Steinway concert grand featuring Newcastle Conservatorium Showband.

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When Sunday 25 October 2026 from 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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Exhibition

Solar Energy Research Showcase

Connecting design, technology, environmental and social sciences, experience the future of household energy.

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When Monday 26 October 2026 - Monday 26 October 2026
Location  Q Building

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In person

GFF26: Acropolis Cats and Other Wondrous Animals

Exploring the lives of stray cats in Athens and beyond.

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When Tuesday 27 October 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location  Tower Cinemas Newcastle | 183 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300

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Live performance

Fernleigh Orchestral and Arts Network: Pink Meets Purple

Bridge the worlds of rock and classical with the iconic music of Pink Floyd and Deep Purple.

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When Saturday 31 October 2026 from 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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Live performance

End of Semester Send at the Hamo

Check out Newcastle’s up-and-coming musos from the Uni’s Bachelor of Music & Performing Arts at the end of Semester Send @ the Hamo!

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When Wednesday 4 November 2026 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location  The Hamilton Station Hotel

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Live performance

Soul Song Newcastle Show

Homegrown anthems. Pop classics. Songs we all know and love.

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When Saturday 7 November 2026 from 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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Live performance

Christ Church Camerata's All that jazz!

Raise the roof in a joyous interweaving of jazz, pop and classical.

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When Sunday 8 November 2026 from 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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In person

Works In Practice Muster 4

A new research collective at the University of Newcastle that aims to foster a supportive and collaborative community of practice.

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When Friday 13 November 2026
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location  NUSpace

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Live performance

Christmas Strings Concert

Get into the Christmas spirit with our end of year strings students showcase!

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When Sunday 15 November 2026 from 10:30am - 12:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Wednesday 18 November 2026
3:00pm - 4:30pm

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In person

The 11th Annual Newbie Awards

Dress up and walk the red carpet for an evening showcasing the impressive work of Bachelor of Media and Communication students.

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When Thursday 19 November 2026
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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