The legacy of Mr Griffith Hammond Duncan, Founding Principal of the Newcastle Teachers' College, has been recognised at the University of Newcastle today with the School of Education building at Callaghan campus renamed in his honour.
Mr Duncan was a pioneering educator who played a central role in establishing teacher education in the region. Under his stewardship, the Newcastle Teachers' College evolved into the Newcastle College of Advanced Education and later the Hunter Institute of Higher Education, which formally amalgamated with the University of Newcastle in 1989.
Mr Duncan was born in Kurri Kurri and attended East Maitland Boys' High School before being educated at the University of Sydney, where he was awarded First Class Honours and the University Medal in Mathematics. His distinguished career spanned teaching, military service in the RAAF, and academic leadership.
Along with Professor James Auchmuty, the University's first Vice-Chancellor, Mr Duncan is recognised as one of the two foundational figures of our Callaghan campus.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said 2025 was an opportune time to recognise its founders, as the university celebrates its 60th anniversary.
"For 60 years, the university has opened doors to higher education for thousands, teaching and nurturing future leaders, innovators and pioneers. As we reflect on the achievements of the past six decades, I see no better time to recognise and honour those leaders who helped shape our university."
"The University's School of Education with its innovative approach to guiding and supporting the next generation of teachers is a fitting location to honour the life's work of Mr Duncan, one of the great visionaries of education in this region and Australia."
Professor Zelinsky today welcomed guests at an unveiling ceremony of the new sign, plaque and a portrait of Mr Duncan which will hang in the building.
Mr Duncan's great-nephew, Professor Alan Broadfoot, Executive Director of NIER (the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources), attended the ceremony and said he thinks Griff would be extremely proud. "My uncle was first recognised with the naming of the Griffith Duncan Theatre in 1975, a central hub for learning and performance," said Professor Broadfoot.
"With its location in the Hunter building now decommissioned, our family is honoured that this new building in the School of Education will become an enduring home to remember his contribution for future generations."
School of Education Facts and Figures
- The University of Newcastle is one of the largest providers of teacher education in NSW.
- The Undergraduate Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) are among the most popular programs at our University, accounting for more than 3,200 enrolments in 2025.
- In 2024 alone, approximately 640 new teachers graduated from the University joining the ranks of those shaping and supporting the next generation of leaders.
- 97.6% of teacher graduates are employed with 4 months of graduating.
