Hunter Living Histories

Collection Update: Lively sessions, Thoughtful Questions

February 17, 2026

Sessions on the Early History of Books in Australia Dr Amir Moghadam, Special Collections Last week, I and my colleague Davina Pellatt did run five Object-Based Learning sessions on the topic of the” beginnings of literature in Australia” with HAS1000, first-year students. It was one of those weeks that remind you why our expertise and collections … More Collection Update: Lively sessions, Thoughtful Questions

Harold and Gladys Brawn [Courtesy of University of Newcastle Archives A7498(iii)]

From Newcastle, With Love: For the Love of Gladys

February 13, 2026

For the Love of Gladys [Reprinted from Cetus Convocation News 1996 p.15] The late Harold Brawn was an intensely private man, reclusive in his later years, who had few friends, no children and no surviving family. An English immigrant who began his working life as a “fruito” in Newcastle, Harold Brawn donated a fortune … More From Newcastle, With Love: For the Love of Gladys

(age 5 of Mrs David Milson Kamilaroi vocabulary and Aboriginal songs, 1840

Further Colonial Historical Accounts of the Supreme Aboriginal Spirit Being

February 12, 2026

Further Colonial Historical Accounts of the Supreme Aboriginal Spirit Being By Leigh Budden Warning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: This brief paper contains historical references to Aboriginal cultural practices ‒ but does not provide secret details about those ceremonies. It references historical articles that contain terms or views that were considered appropriate for … More Further Colonial Historical Accounts of the Supreme Aboriginal Spirit Being

Pindimar: The Once and Future Australian “City of Peace”

February 10, 2026

This archival research guide containing the archival and rare book resources relating to Pindimar consulted on the day (6th February 2026) was prepared by Gionni Di Gravio OAM, University Archivist as a preliminary overview for the University of Newcastle’s Architect Master Level Students. We wish to acknowledge the research work of Mr Kevin McGuiness whose … More Pindimar: The Once and Future Australian “City of Peace”

1934 Singer 9 Sports 4 Seater Car as Constructed in Newcastle (Australia) [Re-visioned from News-clipping using ChatGPT]

John Sointu and Singer Car Bodies in Newcastle – a chronology (2026)

February 4, 2026

John Sointu and Singer Car Bodies in Newcastle – a chronology (2026). Compiled by Robert Watson Read the FREE ebook here: https://livinghistories.newcastle.edu.au/nodes/view/119001 Introduction In Newcastle, between 1936 and 1939, a Finnish family were making car bodies for imported British Singer car chassis. This paper presents newspaper content, in chronological order, covering their lives. The single … More John Sointu and Singer Car Bodies in Newcastle – a chronology (2026)

Hunter Living Histories February Showcase

January 30, 2026

Forthcoming Hunter Living Histories Showcase Monday, 2 February 2026, 1.00pm-2.30pm ZOOM link HERE Join us at 1.00pm-2.30pm for the University Library’s monthly Hunter Living Histories showcase. All Welcome. WHERE: via (ZOOM link HERE) or in person Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle. (See ONLINE MAP) WHEN – Monday 2 February 2026 (1.00pm-2.30pm) Afternoon Tea will be provided for … More Hunter Living Histories February Showcase

From Newcastle, With Love: Many Loves, One Timeless Message.

January 22, 2026

This is a proposed ideas overview of our forthcoming exhibition, to encourage participation and discussion and involvement across the University of Newcastle staff, students and its regional communities. We will populate the post with examples of imagery and stories from the archives and collections as the ideas evolve. [January 2026 Update: On Hold, Indefinitely] From … More From Newcastle, With Love: Many Loves, One Timeless Message.

UON60: Decades of History

December 16, 2025

In celebration of the University’s 60th Anniversary, please enjoy these videos detailing the six decades of history and key milestones of the University of Newcastle. Special thanks to our Career-Ready Placement students, NBN Television, the GLAMx Lab at the University of Newcastle Library and The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. 1965-1975: Autonomy This … More UON60: Decades of History

Vera Deacon Rings Bell to Start Amazing Race

Remembering Dr Vera Deacon OAM (2026) – Call for Contributions

December 8, 2025

A community Festschrift, a collected volume of stories, memories and scholarly essays, along with poetry and other creative biographical forms, will be launched on 19 July 2026, the 100th Anniversary of the birth and in celebration of the life and work of: Dr Vera Deacon OAM (1926-2021) Vera was born & bred on the … More Remembering Dr Vera Deacon OAM (2026) – Call for Contributions

Mt Dangar as seen from Golden Hwy near Sandy Hollow

Who is the “Giant” of Giant’s Leap? Sandy Hollow New South Wales

December 4, 2025

Who is the “Giant” of Giant’s Leap? By Leigh Budden Warning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: This brief paper contains historical references to Aboriginal cultural practices ‒ but does not provide secret details about those ceremonies. It mentions reference to historical articles that contain terms or views that were considered appropriate at the … More Who is the “Giant” of Giant’s Leap? Sandy Hollow New South Wales