In our last newsletter, we shared with you a short story of Ethan Hamilton, currently in his final year studying a Bachelor of Communication majoring in News and Digital Media at the University of Newcastle. Ethan plans to produce a portfolio including a feature article and up to three podcast episodes on Renewable Energy in Newcastle and the Hunter as a topic for his final project. In this newsletter, we are delighted to share with you Ethan’s finished products on the podcast and the published feature article:

• Podcast, “Renewing the Region – MGA Thermal”
• Feature article, “Innovation at the Heart of Energy”

Congratulations Ethan!

In terms of career aspirations, Ethan always thought that he would like to ultimately become a foreign correspondent, either political or in conflict areas. However, he has recently begun to see the value in more local journalism especially in relation to science and emerging technologies.

“Due to a combination of travel restrictions and funding issues with journalism around Australia, options are changing for next year. I hope to pick up a cadetship, however I am open to doing a year of honours in 2021”, Ethan said about the future as he is approaching the final stretch of his Bachelor of Communications.

For those who might be aspiring to commence a Communications degree at The University of Newcastle, Ethan advises “there is absolutely no need for you to be sure of what you want to do with your life. Communication is becoming an increasingly versatile degree as it opens up a range of possibilities. What you think you might want to do at the beginning of your degree will not necessarily be the same coming out the other end. My only suggestion is that, if you are doing journalism, choose a broad range of electives that expose you to the greatest number of ideas.”

Study here. Make an impact. Every path welcome. Every student celebrated. Click here to browse degrees by study area

The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) is committed to supporting research outcomes that strengthen and serve communities in our region. NIER is also focused on supporting exceptional student experiences that build on the Central Coast’s successes and unique attributes, and support future workforce needs.

Similar to the Upper Hunter Plan released earlier this year, NIER's Central Coast plan profiles NIER’s regional programs aligned to the University’s five year Strategic Plan, ‘Looking Ahead’. The Plan is closely aligned to local, state and federal government policy and programs, and outlines the University's framework to support advancement and resilience for the region.

The Plan sets out steps to maximise the region's assets, encourage diversification and promote vibrant communities. It shows a commitment to industry and community facing partnerships, and seeks to harness the Coast's skilled workforce, major industries, research and development capabilities, infrastructure and connectivity to realise long term regional development goals.

Click here to request your copy of the Central Coast Plan

2021 is just around the corner, and for some of you this will mean the commencement of your very first semester studying at university. At the University of Newcastle, we understand that it is exciting when you start your new chapter, but it can also be daunting at the same time.

This year has been more challenging than expected so it is understandable that you might not feel as prepared as you should be for the transition to university. In light of this, the University of Newcastle has established NUPrep which might be a solution for these concerns and worries.

NuPrep offers FREE academic preparation and support for all students in the weeks leading up to each Semester. It additionally offers discovery sessions to learn how to set goals, along with peer and academic mentoring. The courses will introduce you to learning content and completing assessment items in a similar format to Undergraduate or Enabling Pathways programs. You will participate in orientation activities where you can meet other commencing students as well as academic mentors.

There are a few options available online and on campus for you to undertake – NUPrep Bridging and Refresher Courses, NUprep Plus, and NUPrep Open.

Don’t wait! Take control, boost up your confidence and give yourself a head start on your journey with the University's NUPrep courses.

To align with the University of Newcastle's Christmas and New Year closedown, UON Upper Hunter will be closed at the close of business on Friday 18 December 2020 and will reopen on Monday 11 January 2021.

Wishing you all the joys of the season and happiness throughout the coming year!

We look forward to working with you again in 2021.

ALUMNI ARTIST: Jasmine Craciun
Bachelor of Visual Communication Design 2018
Alumna Jasmine Miikika Craciun is a proud Barkindji, Malyangapa designer and artist.

The symbol for people can be seen gathered within the growing vines. The brightly coloured people represent the older Aboriginal students at the University expanding their knowledge in their current fields while the smaller people symbols next to them are the new students just beginning their journey but with the older students as exciting role models. The leaves/vines represent the growing of cultural knowledge breaking through barriers (the black and white lines) to better educate our local community. The colours within the black and white lines represent the success of the growing vines - it reflects a change in education, where Indigenous people, knowledge and culture is recognised and valued. The connected circles between the two vines represent the growing of Aboriginal lead research - connecting students across fields and educating our community.

Drawing on the impressive expertise within the University of Newcastle global alumni community, the series provides you with inspirational, educational and relevant content to spark both your professional and personal interest.

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