Good morning, Newcastle. Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest. I hope you have had a great start to your week.

This week's edition is exciting; we have received our first advertisement opportunity. Thank you to the team at EKO Mowing (more below). Remember, if you want to get your business in front of the Newcastle Digest audience, contact me here.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

Quick hits

Eats

Local Gem

Today, local gem, I'm not focusing on a cafe per se, but rather a particular item from a cafe. The item is the infamous Vietnamese classic, the Bahn mi from Mayfield Corner Cafe.

I have had my fair share of Bahn mi in Newcastle, and in my opinion, this cafe takes the crown for being Newcastle’s best Bahn mi. Just look at this.

Openings

Side Pocket Espresso becomes ‘The Pocket’

The much beloved Mayfield cafe has rebranded and relocated down the road to 233 Maitland Road, Mayfield.

This cafe was my go-to when I lived in Mayfield, and I am sad to be on the other side of town now. I will be checking them out in their new location Saturday morning.

Newcastle trivia

Sponsored by EKO Mowing

EKO Mowing. Small lawns, medium, large, acreage, corporate and strata. Est. 2012.

Greater Newcastle? No problems! We show, we mow, we blow, we glow, we go.

"Annihilating all that's made / to a green thought in a green shade". Equipment, Knowledge, Organisation.

0459822489. [email protected] Visit www.ekomowing.com or call now to discuss.

Events

Thursday 17 October

Friday 18 October

Saturday 19 October

Sunday 20 October

Activities

Kids

Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival - 19 October, Longworth Park, Karuah.

This weekend is the annual Karuah Oyster and Timber festival. Expect to see world-class axemen compete in a range of timber sports, eat oysters, and browse quality markets. Don’t forget the famous duck race on the picturesque Karuah River. More info

Mary Poppins - The Broadway Musical - 16 - 20 October. Civic Theatre

Adapted from the beloved stories by PL Travers and the original film, the magical tale of the world’s favourite Nanny returns to the Civic Theatre stage in a spectacular and unforgettable new production. Get tickets here

Adults

Tim Winton | October 19, University of Newcastle Great Hall, Callaghan, 6pm to 7pm

Award-winning Australian Writer Tim Winton will be speaking with Writer Festival director Rosemarie Milsom about his new novel Juice, which centres on two fugitives, a man and a child, who drive all night across a stony desert. Find tickets here

Fast & Loud Festival | 18 - 20 October

Catch exhilarating boat races, live music, roving entertainment, car shows, and more at Fast & Loud Festival. More info

Newcastle Pride Fair Day | October 19, Gregson Park, Hamilton, 11am to 6pm

Packed with entertainment, a massive lineup of local makers & designers, a wide range of community groups, delicious food, an outdoor bar, dj zone, kids entertainment + so much more

Emma Holland: Here Comes Mr Forehead | October 20, Newcastle Comedy Club, Newcastle, 6pm

Get tickets here

Making Moves | October 20, Top Rock Studios, Newcastle West, 3pm to 6.30pm

A fun afternoon of making connections through movement. Find out more

Ink Gin High Tea | October 20, Bartholomew’s, Newcastle, 1pm to 4pm

Bartholomew’s is hosting a decadent high tea with Ink Gin. Sip on elegantly crafted gin cocktails while indulging in a selection of savoury and sweet treats, all perfectly paired with the unique flavours of Ink. Book your ticket online

Fernleigh 15 | October 20, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, from 7.30am

Miscellaneous

Newcastle real estate

This is the kitchen of a two-bedroom property in Tighes Hill that sold last weekend for an exuberant $915k at auction. Going for well above the $750k auction guide, this is a prime example of the current state of Newcastle real estate. Read more here

Business Blast

Hunter Manufacturing Awards Set to Celebrate 20 Years of Innovation

The 20th anniversary Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) Gala Night is set for October 18 at NEX Newcastle. The event highlights the industry's evolution from traditional methods to advanced technologies across various sectors. This year's finalists include first-time entrants and exciting start-ups, reflecting the region's growing manufacturing diversity. The awards will recognise both established companies and emerging leaders in the field, emphasising Hunter's continued growth and innovation in manufacturing.

Read more on Newcastle Weekly.