What Lies Behind the Autonomy Day Pranksters

  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

Vale Professor Marguerite Johnson and Soulmate Leni Johnson

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

VALE Emeritus Professor Kenneth (Ken) Dutton AM FRSN

  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

UON60: Decades of History

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

UON60: An Early University Graduate shares her Story

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

Hunter Living Histories – December 2025 Showcase

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

UON60: 1989 Year of Revolutions, Earthquakes & Amalgamations

1989 was a turning point in modern history. 1989 was the year that began with Time Magazine placing our endangered Earth on the front cover.     University of Newcastle’s Amalgamation During 1989, under the direction of N.S.W. Higher Education (Amalgamation) Act 1989 No 65  the University of Newcastle underwent amalgamation with the Hunter Institute … More UON60: 1989 Year of Revolutions, Earthquakes & Amalgamations

UON60: Altjiringa – The Student Magazine That Looked Toward A Better World

What Is Altjiringa? Altjiringa, founded in 1949, was the student magazine of the Newcastle Teachers’ College and later the Newcastle College of Advanced Education (N.C.A.E.).  How Long Did It Last? The University Archives holds copies from its very first issue published June 1949 to the last issue published in March 1985. Is it a complete … More UON60: Altjiringa – The Student Magazine That Looked Toward A Better World

UON60: Trade Unions and the Creation of the University of Newcastle and its Library

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