It was chaos: Photos from the Newcastle earthquake

Hamilton community rallies to help vicitims of earthquake and to clear debris in search of more trapped persons. Picture: Supplied

Woman stacking bricks to be used in reconstruction Pam Goldman 41 Stevenson Place 2-1-1990

Hamilton community rallies to help victims of earthquake and to clear debris in search of more trapped persons

Kathryn Gray outside her wrecked home at 44 Laman St Newcastle Earthquake

Newcastle residents in a demolished home following the 1989 earthquake

Newcastle 1989 earthquake 25-year anniversary. Former NBN cameraman Stewart Osland films the event on the corner of King and Union streets, Newcastle west.

Newcastle Workers Club demolition Steven Bennett 13 of Blackalls Park and Martin Blaxell 9 of Lapston, Blue Mountains. Picture: Anita Jones

Newcastle earthquake victim being taken into the Mater Hospital by Ambulance and hospital staff 28-12-1989 photo by Anita Jones

Gaye Windsor says her bit at the meeting at West Leagues Club to Ross Hemsworth, manager of Health & Building Surveillance.

Otto, Lindsay demolished shop Newcastle Earthquake

Blood donors at police boys club broadmeadow Bruce Garnham of Marylands.

Royal Newcastle Hospital staff being briefed by Dr 28-12-1989. Credit- Newcastle Museum

Bob Hawke talks to the press Newcastle earthquake disaster aftermarth 28-12-89 Bob Hawke Talks To The Press 28-12-89

Newcastle earthquake victim being transported by ambulance to the Mater Hospittal Photo by Ken Robson 28-12-1989

devastated newcastle buildings Newcastle Earthquake Laman Street 28-12-1989 Museum

Hamilton community rallies to help victims of earthquake and to clear debris in search of more trapped persons

Mrs Kay Brown outside the ncle ambulance station in Hamilton. She was inside when the earthquake hit and collapsed the walls next to her

Woman stacking bricks to be used in reconstruction. Pam Goldman, 41 Stevenson Place

Earthquake repairs. Paul Williams and Andrew Gilkinson of Project Technology installing porting for grout injection on the face of the Newcastle Court House

War memorial and Junction Motor Lodge damaged by quake.

he chief of the Geophysics Division at the Australian Seismolegicial Centre in Canberra, Dr David Denham, with the seismologicial chart of the earthquake

George Hotel in Newcastle just after the earthquake on the day of its demolition as a result of earthquake damage

Earthquake damage to road, Bridge St, Waratah.

Police rescue squad from Marrickville get their first break from earthquake duty at Ncle Workers Club Newcastle Earthquake

rescue crews working to find people trapped under rubble beneath the kent hotel awning in hamilton

Mary Ironman rescued from the Newcastle Workers Club in 1989

Denny Milligan at his home in the Junction

Newcastle Workers Club.

Tech College Vice Principal Phil Warren in courtyord of Darling Building at Tighes Hill campus.

Western end Workers Club 1989

1989 Earthquake - Disposing of asbestos - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

1989 Earthquake - Newcastle residents - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

1989 Earthquake - Patients & staff outside Royal Newcastle Hospital - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

1989 Earthquake - Cleaning up - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Auchmuty Library damage following the Newcastle Earthquake, the University of Newcastle, Australia - 1989 This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Auchmuty Library damage following the Newcastle Earthquake, the University of Newcastle, Australia - 1989 This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

George Hotel, Scott and Watt Streets, Newcastle, NSW, December 28 1989 shortly after earthquake This image was scanned from a negative in the Bert Lovett collection. It is part of the Norm Barney Photographic Collection, held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Damage to ELMA works after 1989 earthquake.

Damage to ELMA works after 1989 earthquake.

Earthquake - Collapsed carpark - poker machine visible (top left) - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Collapsed tower - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Collapsed tower - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Ambulance Station - Hamilton, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Ambulance officer being interviewed - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Ambulance work - Mater Hospital, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Collapsed club & rescuer - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Bob & Hazel Hawke, Lionel Bowen & Peter Morris - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Bob & Hazel Hawke, Peter Morris, Bob Carr, Bill Hayden, Virginia Chadwick, Nick Greiner & others - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Collapsed carpark - poker machine visible (top left) - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage [at the old Newcastle Royal Hospital], Australia - 1990 This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Cracks in brickwork - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Concert - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Bakery - Crompton Street Hamilton - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Christchurch Cathedral spire - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Crane outside Workers Club - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Crushed car - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Damaged brickwork at top of brown building - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections

Earthquake - Damaged brickwork at top of brown building - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections

Earthquake - Crushed car - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Collapsed roof tiles - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Crushed car - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage on the old NCAE campus, the University of Newcastle, Australia This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Exposed interior brickwork - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collec

Earthquake damage - Kotara High School - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Damaged detailing around roof - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Residential building - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Dowling Real Estate Building - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Damaged interior plasterwork - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Newcastle Ambulance Station - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Kent Hotel - Hamilton, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Residential building - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Presbyterian Church - Hamilton, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Residential building - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Damaged building - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Solicitor's building - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collect

Earthquake damage- The Junction Public School - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - The Junction Public School - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - TAFE courtyard - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - The Junction Motor Lodge - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

arthquake damage - Roof collapse - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage, the University of Newcastle, Australia This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Earthquake damage, the University of Newcastle, Australia This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Earthquake damage, the University of Newcastle, Australia This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Earthquake damage, the University of Newcastle, Australia This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Earthquake damage to the Computer Centre in the Hunter Building, the University of Newcastle, Australia - 1990 This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Earthquake damage to the North and York wings of the old Royal Newcastle Hospital, Australia - c.1990 This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Earthquake damage to the York wing of the old Royal Newcastle Hospital, Australia - c.1990 This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Wickham Public School - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Wickham Public School - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Demolishing a pub - Broadmeadow - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

arthquake - Demolition - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Union Street - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Destruction - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - [Disposing of meat] - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake damage - Union Street - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Doctor Leon Klienman - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Kent Hotel - Hamilton, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Newcastle RSL Club - partially demolished - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - John McNaughton (then Mayor), Nick Greiner & others - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Earthquake Information Centre - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Newcastle RSL Club - partially demolished - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Helping injured person - Hamilton, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Patient on stretcher - Mater Hospital, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Patient on stretcher - Mater Hospital, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Light fallen out of ceiling - Mater Hospital, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Patient on stretcher - Mater Hospital, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Rescuers & destruction - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Rescue team - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Rubble & injured person - Hamilton, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Rubble & rescuers - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Patients on stretchers - Mater Hospital, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Patients moved outside - Mater Hospital, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Rescuers & external view of club with tables visible - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Rubble & reinforcing - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Poker machines exposed - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Rubble & reinforcing - Old Newcastle Workers Club, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Professor Adrian Page with Professor Rob Melchers inspecting earthquake damage, the University of Newcastle, Australia - 1992 This image was scanned from a film negative [B16366] housed in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

The Junction Public School - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - [Ruptured pipes] - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Rubble & workmen - Hamilton, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Taking emergency calls - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Unidentified family opposite the George Hotel - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Rubble, roofing & helpers - Hamilton, Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Salvation Army, Ambulance & Police - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Earthquake - Scotts Kirk - Newcastle, NSW This photograph was taken by a member of the University of Newcastle's former Medical Communication Unit. The original slide is held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Mary Cameron, the University of Newcastle, Australia This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Temporary accommodation village, the University of Newcastle, Australia - 1990 This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

From left to right) Phillip Greentree, David Cater and Bede Jordan - played a vital role in rescue operations in the recent Newcastle earthquake. Bulletin - The University of Newcastle 1990. This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Temporary Switch Room (Earthquake) Pam, Betty and Margaret, the University of Newcastle, Australia - c.1990 This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

George Hotel, Scott and Watt Streets, Newcastle, NSW, December 28 1989 shortly after earthquake This image was scanned from a negative in the Bert Lovett collection. It is part of the Norm Barney Photographic Collection, held by Cultural Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

ON THIS DAY: It was 10.27am on Thursday, December 28, 1989, when the apparently unthinkable happened. An earthquake with the substantial magnitude of 5.6 on the Richter scale shook Newcastle and some of its surrounding areas to their very core.

Within seconds, long stretches of Newcastle and Hamilton looked like war zones. The collapse of the Newcastle Workers Club took nine lives. Three people died under collapsed awnings in Hamilton. A tenth person died in hospital of shock.

Rad more: Everyone in Newcastle has an earthquake story

In the street, a local television reporter was conducting an interview when the quake suddenly struck. News reports at the time described the morning in 1989 as a typical day in Newcastle before the tremor wrought havoc on the city.

Those who lived through it, or who joined the rescue and recovery effort that began almost before the shaking had stopped, will never forget the events of that time. The sheer scale of the damage. The strange stillness and silence of the aftermath. The personal bravery and heroics that emerged as personal earthquake stories were told to the world. The euphoria, later that summer, of the Newcastle earthquake concert, when more than 40,000 people came together for some well-earned rocknroll relief.

For months after December 28, the earthquake dominated daily discourse. The battles over important but damaged buildings. The dealings with insurance companies. The tales of lives rebuilt. Of discharges from hospital after months on the mend. Good stories and bad, as shonky fly-by-night builders cashed in on an urgent need for labour.

A year passed by, and when the first anniversary came around, almost everyone cast a wary eye to a clock or watch as the seconds drew closer to that unforgettable time. And so it was for the first few years after the quake, but then the focus began to change, and the formal ceremonies began to peter out. Now, more than a quarter of a century later, an entire generation has grown to adulthood knowing the earthquake not by experience or memory, but as history.

Even those who were there on the day now sometimes find themselves remembering it after the event, or when someone reminds them.

But with another big anniversary on the way in 2029, it is likely that memorials to mark the famous day will move up a notch. For some people, remembering the earthquake is an exercise in pain, of pointing to a tragedy that all wish never happened.

Even so, there was much to be proud of that day, and in the days that followed, and we must not allow the events of that time to fade completely. The earthquake is Hunter history, and an important part at that.