On June 26, UNE is hosting its second alumni gathering as part of the university’s 70th year celebrations.
The event will look at the eventful decades between 1974-1993, when UNE had survived and prospered after its uncertain beginnings, but then found new challenges in maturity.
These were the years in which digital technology started to appear, heralding the immense changes to Higher Education that would be ushered in with the internet.
It was a period when the cultural revolution that began in the Sixties continued to change university campuses, as students protested against injustices within and without. It was also the time in which UNE’s Oorala Aboriginal Centre was established.
And UNE was hit with a crisis of identity, as the Dawkins reforms introduced a wave of forced amalgamations with Colleges of Advanced Education that quickly failed, but left UNE in financial difficulties.
This special event brings together alumni from the period to collectively step back in time and review the technological, cultural and political forces that shaped UNE.
Special guests Rod Noble, Mandy Bishop and Dr Lynette Riley will be discuss their time at UNE. Each have a fascinating story to share.
The evening event will then wrap up with refreshments at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre.
Rod Noble: Rod graduated from UNE with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and Sociology and was a founding member of the Armidale based Socialist Action Movement from 1971 - 1976. His interests in workers' rights and global travel led to a career in academia and activism.
Mandy Bishop: Receiving a Bachelor of Music from UNE, she then trained at WAAPA, Perth. Mandy has been living and working in Sydney and New York, as an actor, producer, singer and writer. She is known for her comedy portrayals of Julia Gillard, the former Prime Minister of Australia, in the television comedy At Home with Julia.
Dr Lynette Riley AO: Lynette is a Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman, she is currently the Chair, Aboriginal Education & Indigenous Studies in the School for Education & Social Work at the University of Sydney, she is co-chair of the National NAIDOC Committee, and on the board of the Aboriginal Languages Trust. Whilst at UNE, she founded UNE's ground-breaking Oorala Aboriginal Centre.
We look forward to celebrating the cherished history of UNE and the remarkable individuals who have contributed to its success.
Venue: Arts Lecture Theatre (A1), Building E012, University of New England, Armidale NSW or via Zoom
Date: 26th June 2024
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm followed by refreshments at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre
RSVP now to secure your place at this event, or access the Zoom details here.
