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

In person

2026 HDR Student Festival

Higher Degree by Research students are making breakthrough discoveries and solving the world’s most formidable problems. The HDR Student Festival will feature a range of conference-style activities, as well as University-wide events to showcase the excellence and innovation of our

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When Monday 3 August 2026
9:00am - 7:00pm
Location  Callaghan, City Campus and Central Coast

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.

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When Thursday 6 August 2026 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Duration 90mins
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Friday 7 August 2026 from 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration 2 hours
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Saturday 8 August 2026 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration 60mins
Location  The Conservatorium

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Live performance

2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Hands, Feet and Animals

Newcastle Music Festival presents a delightful performance of dance and music.

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When Saturday 8 August 2026 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration 60mins
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Sunday 9 August 2026 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration 2 hours
Location  The Conservatorium

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Live performance

2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Weavers of Song

A unique musical pairing of two great artists: Miriam Allan and Erin Helyard.

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When Saturday 15 August 2026 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration 60mins
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Saturday 15 August 2026 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Duration 90mins
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Sunday 16 August 2026 from 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration 2 hours
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Wednesday 19 August 2026
4:00pm - 6:00pm

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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).

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When Friday 21 August 2026 from 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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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.

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When Saturday 29 August 2026 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

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