In an interview on June 27, 2025, university alumna Mary Stewart (née Henery) shared memories and reflections of her student days at the University of Newcastle. Interview Summary Student Life & Academic Journey Mary reflects on her studies in Arts, majoring in English with honors. She describes the small, tight-knit cohort, the close (and occasionally … More Alumna Mary Stewart Looks Back at Her University Days
By Rosie Furlong Grady – Volunteer – Special Collections and Archives The below selection of photographs are part of a digitised collection of slides, scanned from originals taken in August 1963, held in Special Collections and Archives Box C3164(v). Creator of photographic slides unknown. The collection is held along with other items relating to School … More 1960s Architectural Modernism in Newcastle, NSW
Dr Amir Moghadam Acknowledgment of Country The author  acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. The author pays his respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present. Disclaimer: This post focuses primarily on migrant cultures. It is not about the … More Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
Opus Issue: August, 1965. Special Collections and Archives. Pranksters of the year, 1965 By Davina Pellatt – Archives Engagement Officer – Special Collections and Archives In the grand tradition of Autonomy Day, where mayhem and mischief have long been part of the celebration, a recent enquiry prompted me to explore the motivations behind the … More What Lies Behind the Autonomy Day Pranksters
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 3 August 2026 (1.00pm-2.30pm) Afternoon Tea will be provided for those attending in person (from 12.30pm) WELCOME & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY RECENT NEWS … More Hunter Living Histories August 2026 Showcase – The Joys of Recollect, Autonomy Day Pranks & Brass Bands
Last Wednesday 15 July 2026 (our time Thursday) we awoke to the devastating news that our University colleague, the wonderful Professor Marguerite Johnson and soul partner Leni, had perished in a tragic car accident on the Island of Lesvos, Greece. A GoFundMe page has been created to help their children Kate and Jack: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kate-and-jack-after-the-tragic-loss-of-their-parents Tributes … More Vale Professor Marguerite Johnson and Soulmate Leni Johnson
What’s Going On? Five letters, written in 1858, by the Reverend Lancelot Edward Threlkeld have come to light after 170 years. Threlkeld, along with Biraban, leader of the Lake Macquarie & Newcastle peoples now known as the Awabakal, were Aboriginal language preservation pioneers, ensuring the ancient language of this land and region was preserved for … More Five Letters by the Reverend Threlkeld, Aboriginal Language Preservation Pioneer, Come to Light After 170 Years
Dr Amir Moghadam, Contact Special Collections & Archives Collections often begin with family memory: photographs, documents, letters, business papers and the everyday traces of lives lived in particular times and places. In the University of Newcastle’s collections, the Glass and Morrison Family Collection offers a valuable window into Singleton and the Hunter Valley in … More The Glass and Morrison Family Collection
Join us at 1.00pm-2.30pm for the University Library’s monthly Hunter Living Histories showcase. All Welcome. WHERE: via (Join ZOOM here ) or in person Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle. (See ONLINE MAP) WHEN –  Monday 6 July 2026 (1.00pm-2.30pm) Afternoon Tea will be provided for those attending in person (from 12.30pm) WELCOME & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY PRESENTATIONS ‘Newcastle’s New … More Hunter Living Histories July Showcase
Dr Amir Moghadam, Special Collections and Archives A Life Devoted to Music, Teaching, and Culture The University of Newcastle’s Special Collections holds the archive of Dr Alexander Burnard (1900–1971), a composer, teacher, and one of the quietly influential figures in twentieth-century Australian classical music. Although Burnard’s name is not as well known today as some … More Alexander Burnard: A Quiet Musical Genius