Alumni 2000-1977
Present day Newcastle High School evolved from four schools; the original Newcastle High School on The Hill, Newcastle Girls’ High School, Newcastle Boys’ High School and Hunter Girls’ High School. The graduates of all four schools have made huge contributions to our local community, our state and our nation. Here are some prominent alumni from 1977 to 2000 you may recognise. This page is under construction, we have many more alumni to add. If you notice any errors please send us an email
Hon. John Graham
1980 . NHS 1992-1997
John is a Labor member of the NSW Legislative Council & has previously held the roles of Special Minister of State; Minister for Roads; Minister of the Arts, Music, the Night-time Economy, Jobs and Tourism and, since 2025, the Minister for Transport. He was school NHS School Captain and later graduated with a Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences) from the University of Sydney. He worked in higher education & the Finance Sector Union before being elected to parliament. Graham is married to federal senator Jenny McAllister > learn more
Ben Gillies
1979 . NHS 1992-1997
Ben was the drummer in Silverchair until 2011 and formed side projects Tambalane (2003) and Bento (2012); as lead vocalist in the latter their debut album was 'Diamond Days'. In 1994 at 12yo Ben and mates Daniel Johns, Chris Joannou and Tobin Finnane formed grunge band Innocent Criminals. In October 1994, under new name Silverchair, their first single Tomorrow reached No 1. Silverchair went on to release five No. 1 albums Frogstomp, Freak Show, Neon Ballroom, Diorama and Young Modern and win the most ARIA band awards ever, with 21 from 49 nominations > learn more
Chris Joannou
1979 . NHS 1992-1997
Chris was the bass player in Silverchair and nicknamed 'Lumberjack' by fans for his love of trees and plaid shirts. Joannou was also the assistant producer for The Mess Hall albums Feeling Sideways and the ARIA award-winning Notes From A Ceiling. He mainly uses G&L and Fender Precision Basses. In 2006 Joannou spoke at the launch of a mental health scholarship set up to honour his cousin who died by suicide. He co-founded Lovells Lager beer company and part owner Parry Street entertainment venue > learn more
Brett Graham
1979 . NHS 1992-1997
Brett Graham started at Scratchley's seafood restaurant at the age of 15. His determination and talent then led him to Sydney, where he joined the prestigious Banc, headed by Liam Tomlin. In 2005, aged just 25, he opened The Ledbury in Notting Hill, London - which soon became an icon of contemporary British cuisine, with a philosophy based on the use of quality ingredients and sustainability. He is now one of the most influential chefs on the global culinary scene and was awarded the rare honour of three Michelin stars in 2024. > learn more
Sarah Wynter
1973 . NHS 1985-1990
Sarah is an actor who's TV credits include: as Kate in Beyond 24, as Beth in Windfall, Keitha in Flight of the Conchords, Rebecca in The Dead Zone and as Gina in Goliath. Her film roles include The 6th Day, Species II, Lost Souls, Shooting Livien, Dead Like Me and Three Dollars. After a tough battle with postpartum psychosi she has become an advocate for maternal mental health. Her grandmother, Joy Cummings, was Newcastle and Australia's first Lord Mayor.
Belinda Clark
1970 . NHS 1982-1987 . AO
Belinda is giant of Australian cricket as player, captain and CEO of Women's Cricket Australia. She averaged over 45 in Tests and one-day internationals, captained Australian to many World Cup, Ashes and series wins. She holds the women's record one-day score of 229 and was a prolific Test player with two centuries and six half centuries, and a top score of 136. She has a degree in Applied Science (Physiotherapy), was on the International Cricket Council's Women's Committee for a decade and appointed Director of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Local Organising Committee > learn more
Stuart Bellingham
1968 . NHS 1981-1986 . DSC AM CSC
Air Commodore Bellingham spent 34 years with the Australian Defence Force in training, command, leadership and capability acquisition roles. He was Commander of RAAF No 4 Squadron and RAAF 42 Wing, Director of Air and Space Operations Centre and Director General of Australian Defence Force Joint Collective Training. He was awarded the Bronze Star in 2003 (Iraq War) the Distinguished Service Cross in 2015 and Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019. He has Bachelors of Science and Teaching and Masters in Strategic Studies > learn more
Prof. David Currow
1965 . NHS 1977-1982
David is a physician by training and currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Sustainable Futures, at the University of Wollongong. He is a widely published academic with research in symptom control, population burden of symptoms and health services research. Previous roles include NSW Chief Cancer Officer; Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Institute NSW; and foundation Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Australia and was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences in 2015 > learn more
Miranda Otto
1967 . NHS 1981-1984
Miranda is an Australian actress and the daughter of actors Barry and Lindsay Otto. She has appeared in numerous stage, tv and film productions. In film: The Nostradamus Kid, Last Days of Chez Nous, Doing Time for Patsy Cline, Lord of the Rings, War of the Worlds and Talk to Me. For tv: Police Rescue, Rake, Homeland, 24 Legacy, Cashmere Mafia and Thou Shall Not Steal. On stage: The Girl Who Saw Everything, Gigi, A Doll's House, Boy Gets Girl and The White Guard. She is married to actor Peter O'Brien and they have a daughter together > learn more
Adam Boyton
1965 . NHS 1978-1983
Adam is head of Australian Economics at ANZ Bank and on the board of Biennale of Sydney. He has been a board member of the Centennial Park & Moore Park Trust, NSW Rural Assistance Authority, NSW Skills Board, NSW Rice Marketing Board, chaired the National Skills Commissioner, was Chief Economist at the Business Council of Australia, Chief Economist Deutsche Bank Australia and key advisor to Federal governments on labour markets. He is an expert in risk management, governance and policy analysis and is passionate about using economics to problem solve > learn more
Jonathon Biggins
1960 . NBHS 1973-1978 . OAM
Jonathan is an actor, singer, writer, director and comedian; appearing on stage, television, film, satirical sketches and comedy television. He is best known for his annual Wharf Revue, The Gospel According to Paul (Keating) and hosting ABC Radio 702 Sydney. Jonathon has hosted the AFI Awards, APRA Awards and Helpmann Awards. He has written four books, most notably The 700 Habits of Highly Ineffective People and appeared in over 110 stage productions, winning Best Male Comedian in 2000, best Musical Direction in 2010 and an OAM in 2021 > learn more