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- Newcastle Digest: 11 December
Newcastle Digest: 11 December
Explore local treasures, catch up on the latest news, and plan your perfect weekend in Newcastle.
Kyle Extrem
December 11, 2024
Good morning, Newcastle! Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest. Today marks officially 2 weeks until Christmas, wow!
Expect another edition jam-packed with activities and Christmas events to keep you or the kids occupied this weekend, plus a sneak peek into one of my favourite restaurants and more.
Table of Contents
Quick hits
Source: Willy Weather
Newcastle News |
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Hunter worker shortage third worst in state: Reports show that our region is the third worst in the state when it comes to finding skilled workers for vacant positions. Full story |
Plan for traffic delays: From Sunday to Thursday, over the next fortnight, work is being carried out at various locations from 6pm to 5am. Find out more about the delays. |
Staff and patients speak out about hospital wait times: People are waiting too long for their operations, but the state government says it has a plan to solve the issues. Full story |
Eats
Local Gem
The Falcon Restaurant
I can’t believe it has taken so long for me to write about The Falcon. This has to be one of my favourite casual restaurants in Newcastle and also home to one of the best chicken schnitzels I have ever tried. Situated in the heart of Newcastle East, The Falcon features an American-style menu plus a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
@thefalconnewcastle
Openings
Bistro Penny - 8 Bolton St, Newcastle
Located in the former Cirque spot in Newcastle’s CBD. Bistro Penny is a simple and snappy French Bistro with the interiors completely reset with exposed heritage brick, sandstone, and joists, with the fireplace the beating heart of the venue.
Newcastle trivia
What was the first station on the Great Northern Railway opened in 1857? |
Events
🎸 Live Music | 🎈Family | 🧑🌾 Markets |
🤣 Comedy | 🙈 Adults | 🎨 Art and culture |
Thursday 12 December
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Friday 13 December
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Saturday 14 December
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Sunday 15 December
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Activities
Families
The Wiggle & Learn Big Show - Newcastle Entertainment Centre | Wednesday 11 December
The Wiggles will be back in Newcastle for their traditional pre-Christmas shows. Get tickets
The Clyde St Arts Open Market - Clyde St Arts in Hamilton North | Friday 13 December, 4:30pm-9:00pm
Shop local and support your local talent at The Clyde St Arts Open Market. This event brings the community together at this vibrant “one night only” event of open studios, art sales, market stalls with second-hand goods and handmade recycled products, food trucks, live music & DJs, vintage Karaoke bus and large-scale mural painted live. More info.
Credit: Newy With Kids
Adults
Full moon gathering - Dixon Park | Saturday 14 December
With the festive season approaching, why not take a moment to slow down, recharge, and connect under the glow of the full moon? This serene gathering near the outdoor BBQ shelter south of the surf club invites you to bring along a blanket, chair, or yoga mat for meditation, and perhaps a drum or percussion instrument to join the rhythm of the evening. Arrive from 6:30 PM—or earlier if you fancy a swim—to set up and settle in. Lanterns, candles, or LED props are welcome to add to the ambience, and you can even share a poem or song to enhance the community spirit. BYO snacks or picnic and prepare for a peaceful night of connection and calm.
Greyhound adoption day - 1 Steel Street, Halimiton | Saturday 14 December 9:00am - 1:00pm
A Huge Christmas Greyhound Adoption Event is Coming to Gregson Park in Hamilton. 20-25 greyhounds needing loving homes will be ready for adoption and eager to meet you! GAP's events offer special rates, making it a great time to adopt if you've been considering life with a greyhound. Adoption Fee: $150 (normally $250). Sweet Seniors: $75 (7+ years, normally $150). More info
Adam Spencer & Wil Anderson - The First Time - Civic Theatre, Newcastle | Saturday 14 December
In 2004, Adam and Wil hung up their triple j headphones and embarked on a tour called The Last Time. Turned out they lied, and it wasn't the last time after all. Celebrate the 20-year anniversary of their iconic triple j Breakfast show. Get tickets
Midnight Dreaming: The Power of Movement - Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point | Saturday 14 December
Join Midnight Dreaming for an evening of contemporary Aboriginal dance. This performance weaves traditional storytelling into contemporary life and fosters reconciliation—tickets: $15-$40.
Christmas Wine Tasting - MOA and Co, Carrington | Sunday 15 December
MOA and Co welcome back Kat the Wine Fairy and Edgar from Vale’s Wines for an exclusive night of wine tasting. Cost: $15 per person. Time: 5pm - 9pm. Get tickets
Christmas Countdown
Christmas Activities
Christmas Twilight Markets on the Green - Mayfield West Bowling Club| Friday 13 December
Get ready for a festive extravaganza! Over 40 Amazing Stalls! Indulge in pastries, festive spirits, satisfy your sweet tooth with cookies and explore much more. Find out more.
Sounds like Christmas in the city - Wheeler Place & Hunter Street Mall | Fridays 5pm - 7pm & Sundays 4pm - 6pm
Get the full schedule here
Carols by the Lake 2024 - Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay | Sunday 15 December 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, singing along to carols, in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, overlooking our beautiful Lake Macquarie.There will also be local community stalls, free kid's activities, a sausage sizzle, food trucks, child-friendly entertainment, plus so much more! More info.
Meet Santa & The Grinch & their Sleighs - Newcastle Foreshore | Sunday 15 December 4:00pm - 8:00pm
FREE Photo with SANTA & The GRINCH & their Sleighs! Plenty of fun for all families and kiddies. There will even be Elf’s attending!
A Merry Little Christmas on The Rooftop - Westfield Kotara | Saturday 14 December
Get into the holiday spirit as we bring the joy and cheer of the season to life with festive entertainment, live music, and a special performance that will make this Christmas one to remember on The Rooftop at Westfield Kotara.
Join us on Saturday 14 December from 4:15pm to enjoy face painting, balloon bending and more before the Christmas Wishes show begins at 4:30pm. Following the show, families can enjoy sounds from the Christmas DJ and more. More info.
Twilight Christmas Market Festival - The Station, Newcastle | Sunday 15 December, 4pm-8pm
Homegrown Markets returns to The Station for a huge Christmas market and fun day! Meet Santa and enjoy a huge lineup of kids’ entertainment, including free face painting, jumping castles, Christmas crafts, roving magical entertainers, balloon twisters, and more! More info
Lambton Park Carols - Lambton Park | Sunday 15 December, 5:00pm - 9:00pm
A free, family-friendly, community celebration featuring food trucks, activities, rides, a fire truck, live carols, and an epic fireworks finale. More info.
Hunter Christmas lights
I have been on the hunt for Christmas lights across the region. Below are some of my favourites I have found online.
70 Chiplin Street, New Lambton
Credit Newywithkids.com.au
9 Jobling Street, Cameron Park
Credit Newywithkids.com.au
434 The Esplanade, Warners Bay
Credit Newywithkids.com.au
Facebook page Christmas Lights in The Hunter have compiled a full list. Check them out or check out the list below.
Get in touch
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Thanks for reading. If there is anything in particular you would like to see me include, please reply to the email. Talk next week!
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