Margaret Henry

Margaret Henry was a Tutor, Senior Tutor and Lecturer in Australian History (1968-1985) at UON. In 1984-1986 she was an elected staff representative on the University Council. From 1986 until her retirement in 1990 she taught in UON’s Department of Community Programs. Margaret was a key proponent for the establishment of Wollotuka Institute in 1983.

Margaret was born in New Lambton in 1934 and lived most of her life in Newcastle. She attended Newcastle Girls’ High, trained as a History/English teacher furthered her study gaining a Masters degree in History. For most of her professional life (1969-1990), she worked as an academic – mainly within the Department of History at the University of Newcastle and then in the Department of Community Programmes where she was responsible for the Open Foundation course. As an academic at Newcastle University, she is remembered very fondly as a mentor and supportive influence by hundreds of mature aged students and in particular women students. She was responsible for the establishment of innovative new courses within the Department of Community Programmes. Additionally, she involved the department and her students in many local social and environmental campaigns. She is especially remembered for mentoring indigenous students and her active involvement in the establishment of indigenous studies at the university.

Margaret was a great mentor and supporter to many in the community, sharing her tremendous knowledge about Newcastle’s past. She encouraged generations of Novocastrians to engage in history and cultural heritage of the region. She loved for people to share their stories, was a good listening, and these oral history interviews are testament to Margaret’s passion for history, and her vision to have these important ‘voices’ documented.

Margaret has been remembered in the community for her fearless community campaigns and willingness to speak out about a range of issues.