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
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'.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Rhapsody
Join us for the opening event of the 2026 Newcastle Music Festival featuring Mitchell Berick and Erin Sweetman.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Weddings and Parties Over Coffee
Miriam returns home for this very special program featuring Bach’s poignant and heartwarming Wedding Cantata together with his Coffee Cantata, a miniature comic opera about a disgruntled father and his coffee-obsessed daughter.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Four Hands, One Piano
Combining virtuosity, expressive depth, and refined ensemble playing, Duo Mimesi captivates audiences with performances marked by brilliance, precision, and strong artistic intensity.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Hands, Feet and Animals
Newcastle Music Festival presents a delightful performance of dance and music.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Festival Choirs
Internationally renowned soloists Meechot Marerro, Elizabeth Cooper, Brad Cooper and Christopher Richardson join Italian piano Duo Mimesi and the Festival Choirs in a dazzling work by Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Weavers of Song
A unique musical pairing of two great artists: Miriam Allan and Erin Helyard.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Al Andalus
An evening of dazzling excitement as brilliant guitarist Paco Lara is joined by three flamenco dancers led by the wonderful Deya Giner.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Festival Finale
Mahler’s epic vision of his first symphony soars in this version for chamber orchestra, in which the Christ Church Camerata expands to include wind percussion and brass.
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Fintech Futures
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.
Live performance
The Newkulele Festival 2026 Concert
The Newkulele Festival returns to the Conservatorium for one massive night of fun and music featuring three top-line acts from across the country (and one much closer to home).
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.
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.