A project designed to provide affordable inner-city housing to University of Newcastle students has reached new heights, as construction of the accommodation tower reaches its tallest point.
The university announced on Tuesday at a topping out ceremony that the nine-storey student accommodation building, on the corner of Civic Lane and Worth Place, would be named Muloobinba House.
The name, meaning the area where the Hunter River meets the sea and translating to "place of sea ferns" in the Awabakal language, honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.
Awabakal and Worimi people are recognised as the traditional custodians of the Newcastle area.
The Assistant Minister for International Education, Julian Hill, was at the topping out ceremony on September 22 to mark the building reaching its highest point.
"As the University of Newcastle continues to attract talented students from across Australia and the world, having affordable housing to support and welcome them is an important piece of the puzzle," he said.
"Purpose-built student accommodation like Muloobinba House demonstrates how universities can help meet housing demand, strengthen communities and provide a great student experience."
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon welcomed the naming of the building.
"Muloobinba House will provide affordable accommodation for hundreds of students in the heart of our city, easing pressure on the rental market while giving students access to world-class education, jobs and opportunities," she said.
"It's wonderful to see this building carry a name that recognises the rich Awabakal history of Newcastle, ensuring that students from near and far can connect with the deep and enduring history of this place."
University of Newcastle vice-chancellor Alex Zelinsky said students came from across the Hunter, Australia and the world to pursue their education.
"At a time when rental affordability is a real challenge, this development is about more than providing additional student beds," he said.
"Muloobinba House will be a welcoming community where students can build friendships, engage with their studies, and enjoy everything this city has to offer."
The acting pro-vice-chancellor of Indigenous strategy and leadership, Loren Collyer, said the name reflected the university's commitment to embedding Indigenous knowledge across campuses.
Muloobinba House will deliver 445 student beds and has been designed to support wellbeing and inclusivity. The ground level includes a music room, spaces for socialising and cooking.
Construction started in September last year and the development is slated to be finished in 2027.
