Good morning, Newcastle! Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

Hope you are all having a great start to your week.

Enjoy this week's edition. Please feel free to give me any feedback or topic recommendations you would like by replying to this email or adding to the poll at the end of the newsletter.

Burrito Bar - 178 Pacific Highway, Charlestown NSW 2290

Burrito Bar has officially opened its doors in Charlestown! After a lot of hard work, they are excited to welcome everyone to their modern cantina. They have something for every taste, so stop by and check them out. Check out their social media for mid-week specials.

The Cross Keys

The owners of Newcastle East's popular The Grain Store, Corey and Kristy Crooks, are expanding with a second venture called The Cross Keys, set to open in Tighes Hill this November. Keep an eye out for it at 1A Elizabeth St.

Papalote

The beloved Newcastle West spot known as The Edwards is getting a new life and name: Papalote. The talented minds behind The Flotilla and Humbug have teamed up to transform the space into a Mexican-inspired venue. You won't have to wait long, it’s slated to reopen in early November at 148 Parry St.

Mayfield Day – Dangar Park, 21 Maitland Rd, Mayfield | 18 October 10 am – 3 pm
Family-friendly community event with live music, markets, face painting and kids’ activities. Free entry. More info.

Karuah Oyster & Timber Festival – Lionel Morten Oval, Karuah | 18 October 10 am – 4 pm
Annual celebration with wood-chopping, oyster eating and duck race fun. Markets, kids’ activities and local food all day. Free entry. More info.

Fernleigh15 – Fernleigh Track | 19 October from 7:30 am
Run, walk or wheel the 15 km Fernleigh Track or join the Fernleigh1500 kids event. Early bird tickets from $25–$70. More info.

Model Newcastle: Meet the Makers – Newcastle Museum | 18 October 10 am – 3 pm
Meet local model makers and see miniature ships, planes and trains in action. Free entry. More info.

Lake Mac Action Fest – Various Locations, Lake Macquarie | 18–19 October
Powerboats, surf comps, classic cars and family fun across the lake. Free entry. More info.

A Dream of Spring – Lot 19 Wickham, 22 Greenway St, Wickham | 16 October 7 pm
A Tavola partners with Oliver’s Taranga for a special supper club celebrating their signature Fiano. Expect vibrant wines perfectly matched with seasonal Italian-style dishes in an intimate setting. More info.

Breast Care Breakfast 2025 – NEX, 309 King St, Newcastle West | 16 October
Join PKF’s annual fundraising breakfast supporting local breast care nurses through education and training. Tickets $101.90 pp / $954.27 per table of 10. More info.

Underground A' GO!-GO! with Thee Cha Cha Chas – The Grand Hotel, 32 Church St, Newcastle | 17 October
Garage rock meets retro energy as Thee Cha Cha Chas perform live with Black Tiger DJ in The Underground. Free entry for a night of high-octane beats and vintage vibes. More info.

Grand Masters of Comedy on the Harbour – All Event Cruises, Queens Wharf Ferry Terminal, Newcastle | 17 October
Step aboard MV Calmer for a floating comedy club experience. Enjoy non-stop laughs, harbour views, great food and drinks in this one-night-only cruise. Tickets from $57 (Early Bird). More info.

The Reflex: The Australian Duran Duran Experience – The Exchange Hotel, 125 Denison St, Hamilton | 17 October
Re-live the 80s as The Reflex perform the hits of Duran Duran with a live band and electric energy. Tickets $41.66. More info.

One Night Only: The Bee Gees Show – Shoal Bay Country Club | 17 October 7 pm
A tribute to the legendary Gibb brothers featuring all the Bee Gees classics you love. Tickets $37.73. More info.

90s & 2000s RnB Party – The Exchange Hotel, Hamilton | 17 October from 8 pm
Two floors of R&B anthems as Mathematics and Skoob go head-to-head in a DJ showdown. Big beats, nostalgic vibes and good times all night long. More info.

Earth Science: Past & Future – Basden Theatre, University of Newcastle, Callaghan | 17 October
Hear Professor Craig Simmons discuss groundwater and climate science alongside a panel of experts. Free entry to this insightful talk on sustainability and policy. More info.

The ‘Wayfinder Tour’ – The Lass, 14 Railway St, Wickham | 17 October
An intimate night of live music featuring Georgie Winchester, Sunday Lemonade, Jacq Heart, Kealy Day and Daniann. A warm, soulful blend of voices and stories. More info.

For Your Eyes Only @ Playstate on Fern – 68 Fern St, Islington | 17 October
A free exhibition by artist Myrrhine Fabricius featuring original works alongside local wine and beer. Relaxed gallery vibes from Vera Wine and Shout Brewing. More info.

YPT presents Diary of a Wimpy Kid – YPT Theatre, 26 Lindsay St, Hamilton | 30 September – 18 October
Young People’s Theatre brings Jeff Kinney’s iconic book to life with humour, heart and music. Tickets $28. More info.

Intro to Painting Loose Flowers with Watercolour – The Kotoda, 131 Hill St, Carrington | 18 October 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Learn watercolour techniques to paint vibrant botanical florals in this hands-on workshop. No experience needed. Bookings essential. More info.

Rodeo Round-Up: Country Music Night – Shoal Bay Country Club | 18 October from 9 pm
Live country music by Brothers Hollows, mechanical bull and DJs til late. A big night for country fans. More info.

Bad Boys Afloat on Newcastle Harbour – All Event Cruises, Queens Wharf | 18 October
Dinner, drinks and an all-inclusive ladies’ night aboard Newcastle’s party cruise. Tickets $97. More info.

Mob Stars – Multi-Arts Pavilion mima, Speers Point | 18 October 5 pm – 8 pm
A celebration of Aboriginal creativity and performance with dance, music and storytelling. Free event. More info.

Timberlina by the Sea – Swansea Belmont SLSC | 18 October
A sparkling afternoon of drag, food and music supporting the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation. More info.

Oktoberfest in the Gardens – The Station, Newcastle | 18 October
Australia’s iconic Oktoberfest returns with beer halls, bratwurst, and live bands in a massive outdoor party. More info.

Mid Spring Festival – The Farmer’s Wife Distillery, Allworth | 18 October 2 pm – 10 pm
Live music, food and gin cocktails in the spring sun. Tickets from $75. More info.

Collectors’ Plant Fair (Spring Edition) – Maitland Showground | 18–19 October
Over 50 growers with rare plants, talks, workshops and food stalls. Tickets from $16; under 15 free. More info.

Merewether Markets – Dixon Park, Merewether | 18 October 9 am – 2 pm
Spend the day browsing local stalls, delicious food vendors, and handmade treasures. With live music, face painting, and great vibes, it’s a perfect mix of shopping, food, and community spirit. More info.

October Twilight Market – Rowlands Park, The Junction | 18 October 3 pm – 7 pm
A relaxed evening market under the palms and stars, featuring handmade and design stalls, street food, and live tunes. Held every third Saturday of the month. More info.

Bloom & Gather – 16 Gipps Street, Carrington | 18 October 9 am – 1 pm
A brand-new inner-city pop-up market inside a beautiful rustic-industrial warehouse. Discover local makers, boutique goods, and delicious bites — open rain, hail, or shine. More info.

Homegrown Markets – Harold Gregson Park, Maitland | 19 October 10 am – 2 pm
Homegrown Markets returns to Maitland with handmade and design stalls, gourmet produce, live music, street food, coffee, kids’ activities, and more in a family-friendly park setting. More info.

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The City of Newcastle has made a significant decision regarding the Rising Tide People's Blockade, approving the use of prominent public land for the event's primary functions.

The City has formally approved Foreshore Park as a Protest Camp from Thursday, November 27, to Tuesday, December 2. Additionally, Camp Shortland has been approved as the location for the Protestival and Climate Concert on the weekend of November 29 and 30.

The official event website for the People’s Blockade makes the purpose of this mobilisation clear: “This November, join with thousands as we stop coal exports from the world’s largest coal port at Muloobinba/Newcastle…”

The protest history is one of escalated action:

The City's approval, however, came with a crucial caveat: it explicitly approves the use of the land for camping and a concert. Still, it does not endorse any activities in the harbour or acts of civil disobedience. This is despite the Rising Tide website clearly stating the camp is where participants will “Train in nonviolent direct action”, and the Protestival includes “Blockade Flotilla” activities launching from adjacent Horseshoe Beach.

The Council's decision was heavily informed by the community, with 76.6% of 1,500 public submissions supporting the use of Foreshore Park.

This decision forces a public conversation about rights, resources, and civic space in Newcastle.