Alumni Sessions: 1974-1993| ‘Creative & Cultural Change’
A series of panel events telling the history of UNE through the eyes of UNE Alumni and Staff
Date: Wed June 26, 2024 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Arts A1 Lecture Theatre, Arts Building UNE & Zoom
2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the University of New England. Over seven decades, the University has grown from humble beginnings and given generations of students a place to learn and play (and occasionally protest), creating some wonderful memories.
Step back in time to hear the fascinating stories of cultural and creative change that have shaped UNE's legacy. Our distinguished alumni, Rod Noble, Mandy Bishop, and Dr Lynette Riley, will share their personal accounts and unique perspectives of UNE from 1974-1993 in the Arts 1 Lecture Theatre.
After the panel discussion, join us for drinks and nibbles at Oorala, providing an opportunity for further discussion and a chance to view some memorabilia from the era.
We look forward to celebrating the cherished history of UNE and the remarkable individuals who have contributed to its success.
RSVP now to secure your place.
Share your Memories!
To help us celebrate this milestone we would love you to share your UNE memories with us!
Follow this link to share your memories.
Panelists Bios:
Rod Noble: Rod began his journey as an electrician before embarking on global travels, igniting his passion for workers' rights and politics. After earning his Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and Sociology at UNE, he delved into academia, teaching Work Health and Safety, Labour History, and Industrial Relations at the University of Newcastle for two decades. Amidst his academic pursuits, he earned a Master of Arts (Economics), leading to the publication of his thesis. Rod's activism extended to various political organizations, including co-founding the Armidale based Socialist Action Movement and engaging with the ALP and CPA. He contributed significantly to publications, focusing on labour history and occupational health. Rod's cultural engagement included involvement in folk music bands and organizing a social justice choir. His enduring commitment as a delegate to the Newcastle Trades Hall Council reflects his dedication to workers' rights and advocacy.
Mandy Bishop: Receiving a Bachelor of Music from UNE Armidale, she then trained at WAAPA, Perth. Whilst at UNE, Mandy coordinated the ‘World’s Largest Painting’ Project for the Gunness World Records in 1990. Mandy has been living and working in Sydney and New York, as an actor, producer, singer and writer. Recent credits include many years of the Wharf Revue for Sydney Theatre Company, where she learnt to portray Julia Gillard. She has also toured Australia with Bell Shakespeare and appeared in TV shows such as Drop Dead Weird, A Zoom With A View, Law & Order SVU, Maximum Choppage, Wednesday Night Fever, Q&A, and Rake. Co-writing and co-creator credits include cabarets: Music & Mandy & Scott, Bite My Chilli, ABC’s At Home With Julia, Short Message Service for Q Theatre and various special events.
Dr. Lynette Riley: (Dr) Lynette Riley is a Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman from Dubbo and Moree she is an Associate Professor and Chair of Aboriginal Education and Indigenous Studies, in the Sydney School of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney. Aunty Lyn trained as a primary teacher through Armidale CAE from 1975-1977. She has been a classroom teacher in primary and high school; a consultant for schools; an Aboriginal Development Manager for TAFE; Manager of the Dubbo TAFE Campuses; State Manager for NSW DET, Aboriginal Education; and a senior lecturer at UNE and Sydney University. She had her PhD conferred through ACU in 2017 on “Conditions of Academic Success for Aboriginal Students in Schools”. Aunty Lyn seeks to find solutions creating sustainable change for Aboriginal programs, entwining understandings through knowledge of cultural education and competence. Whilst at UNE, she founded UNE’s ground-breaking Oorala Aboriginal Centre, and the Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture.
