Happy Wednesday, Newcastle. Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

Our area is fortunate not to have been affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. My thoughts go out to those up north.

Expect a slightly shorter edition next week as I will be in another country. Any ideas where I am off too?

Have a great rest of your week.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

• Sport

Local Gem

This week, we're shining a light on Hippy Java, a charming cafe tucked away in Boolaroo.

Stepping inside Hippy Java, you're immediately greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cafe is beautifully decorated, creating a very pleasant space to relax and enjoy a meal. We sampled their ham and cheese croissant, which was delicious, and their coffee was equally impressive.

Alongside your coffee and croissant, you can browse a selection of niche books, adding a delightful layer to the experience. It's a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy good food and coffee.

If you're looking for a peaceful and unique cafe experience in Boolaroo, be sure to visit Hippy Java.

Where: 18 Main Road, Boolaroo.

Burger quest #5

The burger quest returns. For our 5th edition, we headed to Harbourside Takeaway to sample their Works Burger.

The burger is a classic Aussie offering. It features a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, beetroot, caramelised onion, bacon, and a fried egg on a standard burger bun.

My thoughts:

The Works Burger at Harbourside Takeaway delivered a generous portion for the price. The initial assembly was good, but the volume of ingredients made it challenging to maintain towards the end. The beef patty, while cooked well, could have benefited from more seasoning. The other ingredients were fresh and contributed to a satisfying, if somewhat messy, burger experience. Overall, it was a solid, filling burger.

Harbourside Takeaway's Works Burger is a good, hearty choice. Here's the updated ranking:

1. The Sunday Sando - Newy Fried Chicken 88

2. The Rascal - Rascals 84

3. Double Deluxe Cheeseburger - The Falcon 83

4. Works Burger - Harbourside Takeaway 81

5. Smashed Burger - Smashed Umami 80.

Coming soon

Kuma Bento

Kuma Bento builds upon the esteemed seven-year legacy of BEUD, a Korean-Japanese restaurant located in Maitland. They prioritise the creation of popular and healthy food options, specifically designed for convenient takeaway with its Grab&Go service. Dive into delicious bento boxes crafted with care as well as other authentic tasty pieces!
Located on Level 2, in the Food Court.

Digest Insiders Card

In usual fashion, before I dive head first into anything, I want to gauge the audience’s opinion.

Would you be interested in a Digest Insiders Card that grants you exclusive deals to, say, 10 local establishments? I am thinking discounts, free coffees, etc.

Let me know your thoughts in the below poll, and feel free to comment with suggestions.

Newcastle trivia

Thursday 13 March

Friday 14 March

Saturday 15 March

Sunday 16 March

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Families

All You Can Eat Buffet – Stockton Bowling Club | 12 March
The All You Can Eat Buffet is taking over Wednesday nights at BB’s from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM! Kids under 5 eat FREE
Ages 5–10: $10
Ages 10–16: $15
Adults: Members $25 | Non-Members $28. More info. 

Friday Chill – Pacific Park, Newcastle | 14 March

Friday Chill is a free, family-friendly, live music event with local bands, food vendors and street performers. Bring your own blanket or chairs and enjoy your own picnic or from the local food vendors. Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm. More info.

Family Fun Day - Kahibah Sports Club | 16 March (new date)

Get ready for an afternoon packed with fun for the whole family! Featuring: Live music, Face painting, Balloon animals, A circus show that will wow the crowd and a Circus workshop so the kids can learn some tricks of their own!

Best of all – it's FREE ENTRY! Bring the crew, grab a drink, and enjoy a Sunday full of laughs, entertainment, and good times! 2:00pm - 5:00pm.

Fringe Feast - Beaumont Street (between Lindsay & Clearly Street) | 15 March

The first family-friendly event is the official launch of the festival, taking place in the heart of Hamilton the weekend before Newcastle Fringe. FRINGE FEAST is a community block party or giant banquet where you can ‘unleash your appetite’, feast on local dining options and taste tantalising free Fringe performances on the two stages set up on Beaumont Street. Expect to see artists including MC SugarGob, The Pretty Amazing Jono, The Alchemy of Arts, Samba Frog, Les Divine Folles à Newy, Eliane Morel: Love, Drinking and Fairy Tales and Ruffians.
Time: 5pm – 9pm. More info.

My Kids Market - Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre | 16 March

My Kids Market your local market to buy, sell and recycle pre loved babies and kids’ items is returns to Newcastle! More info.

Lake Mac Triathlon – Speers Point Park | 14 – 16 March
The Lake Macquarie Triathlon is a new Multi-Sport Festival in Australia. Set against the vista of the largest salt-water Lake in Australia, the event features a flat and fast cycle and run course, with the swim just 100m from the beautiful Speers Point Park. More info. 

'WONDERMENT' by Giorgia Bel – leda gallery, Newcastle West | 15 – 25 March
Born and raised in Newcastle, NSW, Bel is a self-taught artist and is drawn to the natural ochres and pigments that are native to the Australian earth. More info.

ARTS IN THE YARD - The Lock-Up | 16 March

A free public program aimed at introducing children of all ages to contemporary arts practices in an entertaining and approachable way. More info.

The Junction Market - Rowlands Park | 16 March

Homegrown Markets returns to Rowlands Park at The Junction for an epic Sunday market day! A lineup of fab handmade & design stalls, yummy street food, live tunes & entertainment

Adults

Karaoke Night - Thristy Messiah Brewery | 14 March

First Karaoke night ever. Free Thirsty bev for each singer to celebrate. More info.

Bon Jovi Experience – Live at the X – The Exchange Hotel, Hamilton | 14 March
The Bon Jovi Experience is heading to The Exchange for a night of rock nostalgia on Friday 14th March. From iconic classics “Livin’ On A Prayer” to the timeless “Wanted Dead or Alive”, this unforgettable night of music will take you on. More info.

Catapult: Duel – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point | 14 – 16 March
Enter an intimate space of movement and meaning with “Duel”, an original contemporary dance and dance theatre performance. 7 PM Friday 14 March | 3 PM & 7 PM Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 March
Tickets: $25

LIKE A BOSS FESTIVAL – Bar on the Hill x Forecourt Area, Callaghan | 15 March
Urban music festival featuring an all-Australian lineup including: Hooligan Hefs, Chillinit, DJ Havana Brown, Youngn Lipz and Newcastle’s own Mason Dane!
Tickets from $90.30. From 4 PM – 10 PM. More info.

Own Your Story: transform with thought leaders – Newcastle Mall, Hunter Street | 15 March
Learn from thought leaders so you can proudly value your personal experiences.
Special Guest Speakers: Kathy Rimmer and Cazz LeMessurier. More info.

Le Marche – The Station, Newcastle | 16 March
Australia’s only authentic French market—the perfect day out for anyone who needs a little joie de vivre! Indulge in delicious French cuisine—from flaky croissants to gourmet cheeses and more. More info.
Time: 9:30 AM – 2 PM.

Perfect Sunday Markets – Lass O'Gowrie Hotel, Wickham | 16 March
Vintage | Artists | Handmade | Designers | Flea Markets + More. This FREE event is a Sunday Sesh with a difference! Come and experience the chill atmosphere, and discover great shopping. More info
Time: 2 PM – 6 PM

DUENDE Flamenco Show – Flamingos Live, Lambton | 16 March
Experience the Soul-Stirring Magic of DUENDE, featuring the world-renowned Artistic Director and Flamenco Guitarist Paco Lara, the ambassador of genuine flamenco in Australia. More info.
Time: 12 PM – 3:30 PM.

An Evening with Bob Geldof – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 16 March
Engaging conversations, enriched with multimedia presentations offer a rare opportunity to experience the charisma that has defined Bob Geldof’s extraordinary life journey. More info.

Want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?

Newcastle History: The Night I-21 Shelled Newcastle - June 8th, 1942

In the early hours of June 8th, 1942, Newcastle awoke to the thunder of explosions. Japanese submarine I-21, commanded by Captain Kanji Matsumura, had positioned itself offshore and began shelling the city. Its target: the vital shipyards at Carrington, and potentially the BHP Works, Fort Scratchley, and the bulk carrier "Iron Knight."

The submarine unleashed 34 shells, a mix of explosives and illuminating "star shells," across Newcastle. The attack, lasting 13 minutes, saw shells landing across the city, from Parnell Place to the BHP Steelworks, and even the Ocean Baths. Miraculously, there were no casualties, though some shells left behind near misses and unexploded remnants.

Fort Scratchley, responding to the attack, fired four rounds at the submarine. Despite the darkness, gunners located I-21 by its gun flashes. While the fort's return fire caused the submarine to cease its bombardment, it also caused damage to local buildings. Other city defenses, such as the Rail Battery near Nobby's Head, also attempted to engage the submarine, with varying levels of success.

The incident revealed the city's vulnerability to attack and the crucial role of Fort Scratchley in its defense. It also highlighted the chaos of wartime, with tales of near misses, unexploded shells, and the quick thinking of Newcastle residents. The attack by I-21 remains a significant event in Newcastle's wartime history, a moment when the city faced the enemy directly on its doorstep.

🏉 Knights Snatch Victory from Tigers

The Newcastle Knights edged out the Wests Tigers 10-8 in a nail-biting clash, with Greg Marzhew's late try proving decisive. Despite a scrappy performance, key plays from Jack Cogger, Kalyn Ponga, and Dylan Lucas propelled the Knights to victory.

🏉 Knights Poised to Secure Dylan Brown in Record Deal

The Newcastle Knights are set to land Dylan Brown on a reported $13 million, 10-year deal, potentially the richest in NRL history. Brown has confirmed his departure from Parramatta, with the Knights confident of finalising the deal. This move would see Brown join forces with Kalyn Ponga, bolstering Newcastle's attacking lineup from 2026.

⚽️ Jets Face Tough Double Header After Unbeaten Streak

The in-form Newcastle Jets, unbeaten in six rounds, are preparing for a challenging week with matches against Melbourne City and Western United. Despite their recent success, coach Rob Stanton views the upcoming games as a crucial test against top-tier opposition. The Jets aim to build on their momentum and prove their mettle against strong A-League Men's contenders.