Solar Panels Blown Off University Building At Honeysuckle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Strong winds from an East Coast Low lashing the Hunter have blown two solar panels off the roof on the University of Newcastle's Q Building at Honeysuckle.

The Police rescue and Firefighters were called to the building at the corner of Honeysuckle Drove and Worth Place just before midday on Friday to find two solar panels had been dislodged and lying on the ground next to the building.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one's been injured and a restricted access zone has been set up.

Maintenance staff from the university's Callaghan have been called into to isolate the electricity supply.

The westbound lanes of Honeysuckle Drive are closed as crews use a Fire Brigade Ladder platform to inspect the remaining solar panels on the roof.

Uni To Continue Welcoming International Students From "High Risk" Countries" For Now

 BY IAN CROUCH

The University of Newcastle will continue to welcome international students from countries deemed high risk at this stage despite concerns from the government.

The government announced its Migration Strategy in December aimed at weeding out non-genuine students applying for visas who only wanted to access Australia's labour market.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Kent Anderson says while the university always welcomes international students, there are rigorous processes in place to prevent non-genuine students from abusing the migration and student visa system.

International students contribute $30 billion a year to the Australian economy and are the country's fourth largest export.

A Review of Health at Every Size

 BY JOHN THOMAS

A recent review of the popular Health at Every Size (HAES) practice found that it's benefits to a person's health are limited.

Conducted by a research team at the University of Newcastle and Hunter Mediacl Research Institute, the team found that while the HAES method can positively impact people's wellbeing, body image, and improve people's relation with food, HAES is not a replacement for any other kind of medical intervention such as nutrition therapy, medication, or treating chronic disease such as high blood pressure.

Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics' Clare Collins at the University of Newcastle says HAES is not "an approach for improving blood fat levels, blood sugar levels, or blood cholesterol." 

"If you are seeking strategies to improve your health Clare suggests "If you're really trying to improve your weight related health go have a chat with your GP about what strategies might be most suitable for you," she said.  

New Student Accommodation Planned For Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

The University of Newcastle has unveiled plans for new student accommodation in the city.

The university purchased a two hectare site on the corner of Worth Place and Civic Lane from the state government in 2018.

Plans have now been revealed for a nine storey building on the site which will become home to 450 students.

The project will also feature outdoor communal spaces and ground-floor shops.

The building is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Artist's impression of proposed University of Newcastle student accommodation

Additional University Places Added in Newcastle to Grow AUKUS Workforce

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Additional places in STEM courses will be open at the University of Newcastle next year, in a bid to help grow the skilled workforce required to deliver AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

The Albanese Government is investing $128 million to fund an additional 4,001 university places across Australia. In Newcastle, 140 places have been allocated.

These additional places will apply to 38 STEM-related courses, designed to attract more students to train in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Federal Member for Patterson Meryl Swanson said she's celebrating the move.

"I'm delighted to say that the Albanese Labor Government has funded 140 additional places at the University of Newcastle over the next four years for STEM related subjects such as mechanical engineering and chemical engineering," says MP Swanson.

Ms. Swanson says it is important to increase training in STEM-related fields, as careers in these industries in Newcastle are in high demand.

"It's incredibly important that we do grow the workforce that is needed for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. In addition to that, it's also important that we constantly work with our businesses in the local area.

"The reason it's so important that we increase people taking up STEM courses is because that's where the jobs of the future in our region are going to lie. As a government we've recognised that, and that's why we've supported and funded these 140 places at Newcastle University over the next four years,," she said. 

Eligible students are able to apply and commence studies for STEM courses from the beginning of 2024.

Public Service Academy Launched At Newcastle University

 BY IAN CROUCH

More people living in the Hunter will be able to start a career in the public service, with the Federal Government launching the first Australian Public Service Academy in Newcastle on Wednesday.

Minister for Public Service, Katy Gallagher will be at the University of Newcastle's Advanced Technology Centre on the Callaghan campus for the launch.

She says the APS Campuses give people the option to accept advertised positions without leaving their communities.

The public service is facing critical skill shortages in data and digital roles, with 90 per cent of this expertise located outside of Canberra.

22 new APS employees will start their career in Newcastle.

Minister for Public Service Katy Gallagher

Dr Kelvin Kong Named 2023 National NAIDOC Person Of The Year

 BY IAN CROUCH

Renowned surgeon and Newcastle University Professor, Dr Kelvin Kong has been named the 2023 National NAIDOC Person of the Year.

As an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, Dr Kong, who's a proud Worimi man, has dedicated much of his work to addressing hearing loss in young indigenous children, which he says is often at chronic levels especially in remote communities.

Dr Kong hopes to use his award as a platform to speak about ear disease in Australian children.

 

Dr Kelvin Kong

 

University of Newcastle announces mandatory placement for all undergraduate students

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

The University of Newcastle has announced all students commencing undergraduate courses from 2023 onwards will complete mandatory placement within a workplace in their chosen industry.

Although placement has been an important part of medicine and teaching programs for years, science, arts, and business students have not had the same experience and take longer to gain employment after graduation across the country.

Minister for Tertiary Education, Tim Crakanthorp says the program will allow students to experience in the vocation they intend to go into after graduation and make an informed decision about their education and career path going forward.

"I am a perfect case example as I did a degree, got into work, and realised it wasn't for me. This is a great program and I can clearly see the benefit," Mr Crakanthorp said.

The program is one of the first of its kind in Australia, showing the University is a leading force not only in the state but in the country.

The 2021 Australian Skills Commission report found 75% of employers look for experience before even considering an applicant, and 40% of roles were given to someone the employer already knew.

These findings show how important it is for students to gain industry experience while studying and to grow their network of contacts within their industry to improve their chances of future employment.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic at the University of Newcastle, Mark Hoffman says the university has great relationships with local businesses and "they are really passionate about supporting us in this program".

"This is possible particularly for the University of Newcastle because of the great industry support and relationships we have in the region and nationally," Mr Hoffman said.

UPDATE: Police Investigate Stabbing Of Two International Students In Newcastle West

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for dash-cam footage as they investigate the stabbing of two men In Newcastle West early Thursday morning.

Police and paramedics were called to Devonshire Street between King and Hunter Streets at about 3.30am to find two men aged 25 and 28 with stab wounds.

Police have told 2NURFM News the two international students were confronted by two men and a woman.

Police say the wallet of the 25-year-old man was stolen during the incident.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

EARLIER:

Police are investigating a savage assault on two international students from the University of Newcastle early Thursday morning.

Police say the two young men were walking in a lane way off King Street around 3.00am when they were confronted by two men and a woman.

It's understood one of the students suffered a stab wound during the incident - both young men were injured and were taken to the John Hunter Hospital where they are reported to be in a stable condition.

Police say a motive for the attack is not known at this stage and they're asking anyone with information or witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers. 

University of Newcastle staff reject proposed enterprise agreements

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The University of Newcastle's proposed enterprise agreements put to staff have been overwhelmingly rejected.

The separate agreements for Academic and Professional staff members went to an all-staff ballot after negotiations with unions stalled after 15 months.

Of 1,085 academic staff who voted, 971 voted against, and just 114 for the agreement.

Among the professional staff, 1,295 of the 1,720 voters also voted against their agreement.

It wasn't mandatory for staff to have their say, with 1,085 of the 1,676 eligible academic staff voting, and 1,720 of the 2,725 eligible professional staff voting.

Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky says they'll engage with staff and take time to reflect on the feedback.

"We’ve heard clearly that the package of benefits we are offering in the new agreements isn’t right yet," he said.

"We will engage further with our staff early next year as we consider the next steps."

The proposed agreements included a 9.5 percent salary increase over three years, six additional days of paid leave per year, and increased flexibility in the use of other leave, as well as an increase in superannuation for casual staff from 10 percent to 17 percent.

The National Tertiary Education Union has raised concern, however, regarding pay, workloads and job security.

The union will resume good faith bargaining with management, and says the vote is "a resounding message to management that they will not be bullied".

The existing enterprise agreements will remain in place in the meantime, and staff have been advised to expect more information in early February. 

Child Protection Week draws to a close with Hunter panel

BY EMILY WILLIAMS 

Local organisation What Were You Wearing is presenting a panel on the importance of safeguarding children this evening.

The event, which will be held at the University of Newcastle's City Campus, comes as Child Protection Week draws to a close.

The theme of this year's Child Protection Week is 'every child, in every community, needs a fair go', part of a push to make sure children in Australia are growing up safe and supported.

What Were You Wearing Australia Founder Sarah Williams says the panel will be a great source of education for parents and community members.  

"We're trying to get the community together to work on ending child abuse and neglect," she said.

The event also falls on Bravehearts Day (formerly Bravehearts White Balloon Day), which aims to raise awareness of and prevent the sexual abuse of children. 

The recent Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse found that 1 in 5 children will experience sexual assault.

Guest speakers at the event will include Vicki Weller from Disability Advocacy NSW, Sharon Grimmond from Newcastle Sexual Assault Service, and Hillary Milton from Child Abuse Protection Service Newcastle (CAPS).

What Were You Wearing is a survivor-run community organisation working to provide awareness and education across the country and advocate against sexual assault. 

Tickets to this evening's panel are $20 or $15 for concessions and can be bought here. You can find more information on the panel on What Were You Wearing's social medial channels.

New Campus For Newcastle University

 BY IAN CROUCH

The University of Newcastle is set to expand, with a new campus planned for Gosford.

It comes after the university and the state government agreed to match federal funding of $18 million dollars for the project.

The campus will be built on a half hectare site on Mann Street which includes the location of a former Mitre 10 store.

Vic Chancellor Alex Zelinski says the campus will offer courses to support the development of a health, innovation and education, as well as law, business and cyber security.

"We are proud to have been on the Central Coast for more than 30 years at our Ourimbah Campus, educating more than 40,000 students during that time. Today marks the next stage of our partnership with the people of the Central Coast - a new campus that demonstrates a commitment to our young people and assurance that they will be able to complete their study without leaving the region," he said.

It's expected the campus will be open within 5 years, catering to an initial intake of 1000 students, growing to 3000 students a year within a decade.

Newcastle University Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinski

 

Public forum exploring generational changes to women's health

BY SIOBHAN HARVEY 

Newcastle Institute are holding their first public forum of the year this Wednesday on Generational Changes in Women's Health. 

University of Newcastle academic Professor Julie Byles will share the insights into healthy ageing that she has found from conducting the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's health. 

The study started over 25 years ago and has involved surveying over 57 thousand women from all over Australia. 

During the study Professor Byles noticed that mental health generally tends to improve as women age however, it is clear that COVID - 19 has taken its toll on younger women. 

"Women now are more distressed than women the same age 25 years ago," she said.

"When COVID came along we found through surveying women every two weeks during 2020 and some of 2021, that the younger the women were the more they were distressed and the more they were distressed in relation to COVID." 

Professor Byles said over the past 25 years women across four generations have provided a wealth of data on their lives, their health, and their health care use. 

From her research there has been many interesting and useful findings, some hopeful and some concerning. 

"I've been really lucky because I've concentrated on ageing, and the things that surprise me there have been less concerning and more positive and hopeful about women's adaptability and their ability to reinvent themselves," she said. 

During the forum she will talk about the circumstances younger generations are facing and whether or not health care systems are up to par with women's health. 

"The other thing that I think is very important is looking at our health systems and our society and thinking whether or not we have the right shaped society for who we are as people and what our life course looks like." 

The forum will be held at Newcastle United Sports Club from 6pm to 7.30pm, the event is free and there is no need to book. 

University of Newcastle academic Professor Julie Byles AO 

University of Newcastle offering support to staff and students impacted by Ukraine conflict

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The University of Newcastle says it will provide support to students and staff affected by the conflict in Ukraine. 

Students are being encouraged to access personal and academic support through the University, and staff through the Employee Assistance Program.

Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky made a statement to staff on Monday, saying his parents were Russian-Ukrainian refugees and he's been personally saddened by the events in Eastern Europe.

Professor Zelinsky said his son Misha had also been in Kyiv, reporting for Australian and international media. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Mark Hoffman says the University has a large Ukrainian community, and they deserve solidarity.

"We have quite a number of staff and students, who were actually born in the Ukraine," Mr Hoffman said.

"We don't have any, strictly speaking, international students, but we have students who were born in Ukraine and are now starting at the University of Newcastle."

"It's very distressing for them to see what's in the media, they're likely hearing from friends and family in the Ukraine, and it would be extremely distressing for them to hear what's happening to their homeland, the place they left not so many years ago."

Plans To Welcome International Students Back To Newcastle Delayed

 BY IAN CROUCH

The University of Newcastle's plans to welcome back international students has been put on hold.

The Morrison government has delayed re-opening the Australian border to skilled workers, international students and other visa holders until it gathers more information about the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Border restrictions were due to be lifted on Wedneday, but this has now been delayed until December 15.

250 international students are due to arrive early next month, with 14 heading to Newcastle.

Image Credit: University of Newcastle

Vaccination Clinic Open Today At Newcastle University

BY IAN CROUCH

A free vaccination clinic is open today (Wednesday 6 October, 2021) at the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus.

The on-campus medical centre is offering Pfizer and Astrazeneca shots.

There's no need for anyone to be a patient at the clinic, but you will need to book.

People can book by going to www.hotdoc.com.au   and search by the postcode 2308.

Spots are available from 9.40am this morning.

Meanwhile walk-in Pfizer clinics will be open at the Finding Yellow Hall at Weston on  Friday and the East Maitland Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

The clinics are open to everyone over the age of 12, with priority being given to indigenous people, those with disabilities or significant health issues and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

A vaccination clinic is opening today at the
University's on-campus medical centre
Picture:theguardian.com

UPDATE! Two University of Newcastle Students Test Positive To COVID-19

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle University Vice Chancellor, Alex Zelinski has confirmed two students have tested positive to Coronavirus.

The students are residents of on-campus accommodation at Callaghan and they have now been transferred into care by NSW Health.

Several close contacts of the two students have been identified as close contacts and have undergone testing and have been moved into self-isolation.

It takes the number of confirmed cases in the Hunter to nine. Hunter New England Health says seven of those are linked. It's not known at this stage if the latest two cases are linked to this cluster.

Meanwhile, NSW Health has advised of more venues which are now exposure sites.

Anyone who visited the Corset Bar and Supper Club at Hamilton on Wednesday 28 July from 7.30pm until 10.00pm and the HealthSure Medical Centre at Jesmond on Monday 2 August from 3.20pm to 3.55pm is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, or await further advice from NSW Health.

In addition, anyone who visited the following venues is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

Priceline Pharmacy at Jesmond on Monday 2 August between 4.00pm and 4.20pm.

JD Sports at Westfield Kotara on Wednesday 28 July between 3.30pm and 3.40pm.

Kmart at Westfield Kotara on Wednesday 28 July between 3.40pm and 3.50pm.

Update 12.25pm Saturday 7 August:

State member for Newcastle, Tim Crackanthorp says the Big W store at Raymond Terrace has advised a delivery driver who attended the store has tested positive to COVID-19

Staff at the store on Thursday 29 July between 10.15am and 10.45am are considered a casual contact and should get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received.

Two students at the University of Newcastle have tested positive to COVID-19

Vaile Pulls Pin On UON Chancellor Appointment

 BY IAN CROUCH

Former Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile has taken a parting swipe at his opponents after deciding not to take up his appointment as Chancellor of the University of Newcastle.

The announcement of his appointment two weeks ago prompted a storm of protest from academics, students, donors and community members over his links to the coal industry being at odds with the university's aim to become carbon neutral by 2025.

Detractors say appointing the Chairman of Whitehaven Coal would've hampered the university's role in leading the region through structural change away from a reliance on fossil fuels.

In a statement, Mark Vaile said he made the difficult decision not to pursue the Chancellor's position,  describing an unjustified campaign against him, saying it demonstrates contempt for proper process.

Current Chancellor, Paul Jeans will continue in the role until a replacement is found.

Mark Vaile

University of Newcastle's Sport and Aquatic Centre Set to Reopen Following $7.8 Million Upgrade

BY LAURA WILLIAMS 

The University of Newcastle is celebrating the final milestone of the refurbishment of their Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre, with the pool taps turning on this week. 

The three-day pool refill is the final stage of a $7.8 million refurbishment of the 23 year old facility.  

University Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky says the refurbishment represents the university's dedication to providing world class facilities for students, staff and community. 

"When you have the right facilities you can attract events and activate the campus."

The scope of work included a restructure to include a disabled access ramp, touch pad timing for competition-level swim meets and a new elevator with improved accessibility. 

"Let's hope someone in the Hunter can set a world record here."

The project was fast tracked following the closure of the sports centre during COVID-19, allowing opportunity to begin construction with minimal community interruption. 

"The upgrades provided an opportunity for us to provide work to those who needed it during Covid, and have a ready-to-use facility in a post-Covid world," says Professor Zelinsky. 

The Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre is set to reopen June 15th and will be open to the community. 

Pictured: Vice Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky and NUsport CEO Deborah Wright commencing the pool refill

 

Dozens Of Jobs To Go In University Restructure

 BY IAN CROUCH

It's been confirmed 75 jobs are set to go at the University of Newcastle as part of an organisational restructure.

The merging of 5 faculties into 3 schools was made to address financial concerns from the loss of revenue during the COVID pandemic last year.

It's expected the changes will deliver savings of $33 million a year.

The university says the changes won't affect current students, however certain degrees which have seen declining interest are likely to affect future student intakes.

Impacted staff were briefed yesterday.