In memory of Emeritus Professor Kenneth (Ken) Dutton By Dr Marie-Laure Vuaille-Barcan Professor Ken Dutton passed away quietly in his Newcastle apartment on 27 February, aged 87. “Ann Hardy and I had the privilege of interviewing him in September 2025 in his apartment. The interview formed part of Copley-funded research on the creation of … More VALE Emeritus Professor Kenneth (Ken) Dutton AM FRSN
An Early Graduate’s Story: Interview with Mary Stewart (1962-1966) A detailed interview with Mary Stewart (nee Henery) , one of the first graduates of the University of Newcastle (Australia). Conducted on June 27, 2025, at the Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus, the discussion explores her formative student years (1962–1966), early career choices, and subsequent academic and … More UON60: An Early University Graduate shares her Story
By Lisa Pritchard (UoS Masters Museum & Heritage studies) I arrived as an intern from University of Sydney to meet Dr Ann Hardy and Gionni di Gravio (Archivist) from the Special Collections Library at the Auchmuty Library. My project was to research and participate in a collaborative architectural project. The celebration of Newcastle University Callaghan … More UON60: School of Architecture Callaghan Campus
Hunter Living Histories Showcase Monday, 1 December 2025, 1.00pm-2.30pm ZOOM link HERE Join us at 1.00pm-2.30pm for our final Hunter Living Histories showcase for 2025. All Welcome. WHERE: via ZOOM link HERE or in person Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle. (Type Room no. into ONLINE MAP) WHEN –  Monday 1 December 2025 (1.00pm-2.30pm) Afternoon Tea will be … More Hunter Living Histories – December 2025 Showcase
Do Working Class People Care For Universities? Well they certainly did here in Newcastle and the Hunter Region! It was always the stuff of legend that the Trade Unionists of the Hunter Region helped create the University Library and University of Newcastle by collecting a shilling out of their pay packets to help finance the … More UON60: Trade Unions and the Creation of the University of Newcastle and its Library
UON60: Who created the exquisite tapestry that hangs in the Great Hall of the University of Newcastle? In celebration of the University of Newcastle’s 60th anniversary, we highlight the story of the Hunter Tapestry and its creators. This significant piece of community art was commissioned by the Friends of the University of Newcastle. Funded by … More UON60: Weaving History – The Makers Behind the Hunter Tapestry
What Ever Happened to Baby Alexander? “Baby Alexander” as the Newcastle Herald named him, was found abandoned and crying under a gum tree in a University car-park, on the 3 February 1998. Luckily, he was found at 8:30am by a medical student on what is now the present site of the Information and Communication Technology … More UON60: What Ever Happened to Baby Alexander? Abandoned under a Gum-tree in a University Car-park in 1998
![Rhona Beare (1935-2018) [Photo Credit: https://www.girton.cam.ac.uk/giving/legators-and-their-stories]](https://hunterlivinghistories.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rhona-Beare-02-YoungRhona-365x365.jpg?crop=1)
The Unique Dr Rhona Beare (1935-2018) Classics Lecturer at the University of Newcastle (1966-2000) By Dr Jude Conway Rhona Beare was born on 20th July 1935, the oldest child of Sylvia Gibson and William Beare, professor of Latin at Bristol University, and the author of The Roman Stage which is still available for purchase today. … More UON60: The Unique Dr Rhona Beare (1935-2018) Classics Lecturer at UON (1966-2000)
University of Newcastle’s Grant of Arms By Gionni Di Gravio, University Archivist The Grant of Arms is our University’s Declaration of Independence The University’s beautiful Grant of Arms is our very own Declaration of Independence. This historic document, along with Autonomy Day celebrates the University’s emergence as an autonomous institution on 1st January 1965. Design … More UON60: The University of Newcastle’s Grant of Arms
“Chasing Our Pioneering Tales” Great Stories From the Secret Archives. Recorded: 16 February 2005 University of Newcastle (Australia) A Gathering of the Founding Mothers and Fathers It was twenty years ago, back in 2005, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of an autonomous University of Newcastle, that we held a gathering of surviving founding mothers and … More UON60: Chasing Our Pioneering Tales – Founding Mothers & Fathers Speak!