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
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
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
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