The University of Newcastle Students' Association (UNSA) has officially opened its new headquarters in a prime central location on campus, marking a significant shift from its previous peripheral site. The move to the ground floor of the Shortland Building places the student group at the heart of university activity, directly adjacent to popular retail and dining areas.
A Strategic Relocation to Enhance Student Engagement
Previously housed in the AE building near Bar on the Hill, UNSA has transitioned to a larger, more accessible space designed to foster greater student interaction and community building. The official opening on February 4 featured celebratory events including free food, a scavenger hunt, live music, and a caricature artist, drawing a diverse crowd of students.
From the Outskirts to the Centre of Action
Imogen Reid, Student Representative Council president and chair of the UNSA board, expressed enthusiasm about the relocation. "We are not on the outskirts anymore, we are in the heart of the action," Ms Reid stated. She explained that while the old location served students well for many years, increasing student migration toward the Shortland Building side of campus made the move necessary for visibility and accessibility.
"It was an important consideration to bring UNSA into the central part of the university," Ms Reid emphasised. "People often had to know about the old space and were less likely to just happen to walk by. This new location ensures we're part of the daily campus flow."
New Facilities Designed for Diverse Student Needs
The expanded headquarters features a spacious general area equipped with recreational amenities including table soccer and a pool table. Additionally, several dedicated meeting rooms have been established to support various student groups and initiatives.
Inclusive Spaces Fostering Belonging
A particularly significant aspect of the new facility is the dedicated queer guild room, which Ms Reid highlighted as sending a powerful message of inclusion. "It says you belong here, your identity belongs and your community belongs here," she remarked. The space also includes a dedicated room for the Student Representative Council and other guilds, providing essential infrastructure for student governance and extracurricular activities.
Ms Reid described the new headquarters as "a canvas, one that students will shape through how we use it," indicating the facility's potential to evolve according to student needs and preferences.
Student Reactions to the Enhanced Campus Hub
First-year and returning students explored the new headquarters during its opening, with many expressing positive impressions of the design and atmosphere. Nursing students Hannah Amogod, Fiona Sunil, and Parvathy Jayakumar noted the space seemed like an inviting place to socialise between classes.
"We have already seen so many students here today, unlike the old space, so I think it is going to be fun," observed Nidhi Maurya, an Environmental Science PhD student who visited with fellow researcher Krishna Pandey. "It's a break from our work and study, sometimes we get overwhelmed and stressed out and it is nice to chat to people," she added, acknowledging the value of such spaces for student wellbeing.
University Leadership Emphasises Safety and Community
Senior deputy vice-chancellor Belinda Tynan welcomed the relocation, noting the importance of having student association facilities in high-traffic areas. "This is a space where you can feel very safe, and you can engage with your peers as well," Professor Tynan stated, highlighting the dual benefits of security and social connection that the central location provides.
The move represents a strategic investment in student experience at the University of Newcastle, positioning UNSA as a more visible and accessible resource for the entire student community. With its enhanced facilities and prime location, the new headquarters is poised to become a vibrant hub for student life, supporting both academic and social engagement throughout the university.
