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Bernie Curran OAM a ‘great contributor’ to the community

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Bernie Curran OAM has been remembered as a “great contributor” to the University of Newcastle – and the wider community.

Sadly, the popular Novocastrian, and sports lover, died at the age of 76 at the weekend.

However, the tributes have flowed in to honour the man loved by many throughout the Hunter.

“Bernie’s contribution to University of Newcastle Rugby Union was unrivalled, solidified in 2019 when University Oval No 1 was officially renamed Bernie Curran Oval,” a Hunter Rugby official said.

“His memory will forever live on as current and future generations take the field on Bernie Curran Oval.

“He was often found at our home games chatting to our players and old boys alike.

“Our hearts go out to Bernie’s family, the university rugby family and everyone who was lucky enough to be graced by his presence.

“He will be sorely missed.”

University of Newcastle (UoN) Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky also offered a heartfelt accolade.

“Bernie’s been an integral part of our UoN community for more than 50 years; as a student, rugby player, sports leader, academic, mentor, fundraiser, active alumnus, donor, researcher and, most of all, a compassionate friend to many,” he said.

“In 2018, he was recognised by the university with an Alumni Award for Exceptional Community Service.

“His outstanding contributions were also recognised nationally in 2018, when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education, particularly through higher learning opportunities for young people in rural areas.”

After graduating from the university with first class honours and a PhD in Classics in 1972, Dr Curran worked as a lecturer at the UoN from 1976 to 2001, teaching classics.

During these years he was heavily involved in the culture of the university and, from 1989 to 1996, he was the Foundation Warden for Evatt House, a residential college for country students and continued to stay connected to Evatt House.

Rugby was Dr Curran’s other great and abiding passion, according to Professor Zelinsky.

“A former captain of the First XV and Anderson medal winner, in 1983, he became the University Rugby Club president and held the position for five years,” he said.

“He was awarded Life Membership of the club in 1987, with a University Colour in 1988 in recognition of his exceptional contribution.

“Bernie’s maintained a deep connection with the University Rugby Club and is respected as one of the club’s foremost ‘legends’.

“As president of the Sports Union for eight years from 1985-1993, he played a critical role in the long process of planning, developing and realising The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre, serving as chair (1998-2002) and then deputy chair (2005-2014) of NUsport.

“He was also the University Council appointed representative of the University of Newcastle Sports Union Executive from 1977-1980; and received honorary life membership in 1993.

“From a personal perspective, Bernie has been a voice of sage counsel and great kindness since I first came to Newcastle in 2018.

“Generous in his time and robust in his advice when needed, he provided the best possible support to a new Vice-Chancellor.

“It was a great pleasure to stand with him and open the Bernie Curran Oval in 2019, named in his honour for his exceptional contributions to rugby and university sport.

“I know that he would have continued to serve for as long as he was able.

“His untimely passing is a loss for us all.

“Great of heart, mighty of spirit.”

Dr Curran is survived by wife Mary, his children Penny, Elizabeth and James, their mother Jeannie, his many grandchildren and all of the broader Curran family.

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