Indigenous collaboration

The University of Newcastle has a proud history of collaborating with Indigenous Australians. We are committed to Aboriginal reconciliation and to our responsibilities as educators in this process.

We have an outstanding track record in Indigenous education. The University has reached a major milestone of over 1000 Indigenous enrolments with 2017 enrolments standing at 1,115 - 3.5% of the total enrolments, the largest percentage ever at the University. These students enrolled across all program areas and levels of the University. Our enrolment of Indigenous students is significantly higher than the national average maintaining the University's national leadership role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education.

Professor John Maynard's book published in 2015 "Callaghan, the University of Newcastle, Whose Traditional Land?" is the result of a study undertaken through a joint idea expressed by the then Department of Aboriginal Studies and the University of Newcastle in 1999.  The directive was to ascertain the clear identity of the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land now occupied by the Callaghan campus of the University of Newcastle. The consensus indicated that findings would assist the University in recognising and symbolically acknowledging the traditional custodians' prior occupation of the University site. It was the University's desire that the study would assist with an on-going commitment to recognise the traditional custodians within the University grounds.

Purchase the book on-line by searching "Whose Traditional Land" at a cost of $30 plus postage and handling.

Leader in Indigenous employment

We are a sector leader in Indigenous employment and have the highest number of Indigenous staff of any university in Australia.

Our Strategic Plan prioritises the embedding of Indigenous knowledges across the University to nurture, among staff and students, an awareness of issues and a strong commitment to social justice.

A 'whole-of-university' plan

The University of Newcastle was commended in the 2012 Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, Final Report for a 'whole-of-university' approach to Indigenous education and research.

The report highlighted key strategies, including:

• University-wide Key Performance Indicators
• priorities embedded across the institutional strategic plan
• a shared 'whole-of-University' vision, supported by the University's executive management.

The University of Newcastle draws on the knowledge and expertise of The Wollotuka Institute to inform good practice, that contributes to ongoing success.

Education, Innovation and Engagement

The University of Newcastle has a nationally recognised history of achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and actively pursues a "whole-of university" commitment to Indigenous collaboration.

Learn more