NEWCASTLE, NSW – 14 APRIL 2026
An identified engagement gap has been transformed into a clear pathway for students entering the music industry.
The UNSA University of Newcastle DJ Competition has recorded a significant milestone, with a strong increase in student registrations since its inaugural 2025 event. This growth reflects UNSA’s grassroots, student-led approach to engagement, accessibility and creative opportunity.
The high-energy competition sees student DJ’s battle across four (4) heats and a semi-final, before finalists take to the decks at the much-anticipated Grand Final Party, where the crowd decides the ultimate winner.
The introduction of UNSA’s DJ School workshops and mentorship initiative has played a key role in this year's DJ Competition, with a significant portion of the talent coming directly from the program. Registration numbers more than doubled for the competition from nine (9) registrations in 2025, to twenty (20) in 2026, alongside a notable increase in female participation.
The reach of the initiative extended beyond the competition, with UNSA’s Events team highlighting that 35 students registered for these workshops, 27 of whom identified as non-male.
Bridging the Student Engagement Gap:
Driven by its commitment to strengthening student connection, engagement, and enriching campus life through events, clubs and advocacy, The University of Newcastle Students’ Association (UNSA), identified that lower participation rates in previous years weren’t driven by a lack of interest, but instead reflected a gap in accessible entry-level opportunities for students interested in developing their skills.
In direct response to this gap, UNSA designed and delivered the free DJ School initiative; a series of hands-on sessions hosted at Bar on the Hill throughout February and March this year, actively providing students with entry-level exposure to the industry, and an opportunity to foster their own skill development within a supportive learning environment.
Several students that participated in the workshops highlighted that the level of support provided by UNSA as a key pathway into their DJ journey, noting that without ongoing guidance, it would have been challenging to know where to begin. Workshop participant and one of this year's competition entrants, DJ Ally shared, “It was such a comfortable environment to learn the basics – it would be so hard to learn on your own!”
Music Industry Promotion & Local Support:
Beyond the competition, all entrants are given first-hand experience performing live and are provided with access to self-promotional opportunities that many emerging artists often struggle to obtain early in their careers. This includes a photoshoot to help the upcoming artists promote themselves via social media and build on their personal brand.
Davy Roe from UNSA’s Events Team played a key role in organising these opportunities and emphasised the importance of these fundamentals as a foundation for entering the industry, noting; “For many students, this is their first time having access to professional media assets, which can otherwise be costly and difficult to obtain independently.”
With strong industry backing from major sponsor AlphaTheta supporting the initiative, alongside a network of Newcastle-based organisations including Silent Shout, Vision Collective, Newy Studio, Band Aid Bookings and The Audio Agency, the competition not only serves as a key pathway for emerging student talent into the Newcastle music scene, but as a connection between students and the community.
Making Creative Connections
While the students battle it out on the decks, the meaningful growth has come from the connections formed between like-minded peers, and the support that builds confidence and skills.
Many participants described the workshops and the competition as the confidence boost needed to put themselves out there. Competition entrant DJ 2LULU commented, “I think without going, I would have stayed in my shell. I’ve met so many wonderful people and have already been offered opportunities!”
Through initiatives like the DJ Competition, UNSA and The University of Newcastle continue to deliver meaningful opportunities that empower students, elevate local talent and enrich campus and community culture.
Competition Grand Final:
The competition will come to an end this Wednesday,15th April at The Grand Final Party hosted by the Bar on the Hill, with the finalists hitting the decks to battle it out one last time for the title.
Doors open at 7pm with sets starting at 7.30pm and all students and members of the wider community are encouraged to come along to show their support – this is an event not to be missed!
UNSA Communications Team
unsa-media@newcastle.edu.au
(+61) 02 4921 6006
About UNSA
The University of Newcastle Students’ Association (UNSA) is the peak representative body for students at the University of Newcastle. UNSA is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing student experience through social engagement opportunities, independent advocacy, and welfare support for all University of Newcastle students across Callaghan, Newcastle City, Central Coast, and online campuses. UNSA is governed by a student-elected Student Representative Council (SRC) and a Board of Directors comprised of both student and community directors.
For more information about UNSA head to: www.unsa.org.au