Happy Wednesday, Newcastle.

Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest! Let’s get into what’s happening in the city— updates, events, and a few new topics.

I have created a poll about a future idea I have. Please let me know what you think.

I hope you enjoy this week’s edition and have a great rest of your week.

Also, don’t forget to leave your comments in the poll at the end of this email! 😊

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

• Sport

The burger quest is taking a break this week, to the dismay of local cardiologists; we will return next week.

Local Gem

After not featuring one of my favourite topics for the last few weeks, we are back with a bang. This week’s Local Gem takes us to Speers Point to try Mama Ally Espresso.

Now, as someone who has tried a lot of food, Philippino food was not on the list. This drew me to Mama Ally as they have multiple Philppino breakfast items on the menu.

I tried the Longsilog, which comes with longganisa (Spanish sausage), garlic rice and fried eggs. It was an interesting experience for breakfast but really tasty. In addition to the high-quality food, the coffee was great, too. It is well worth the trip out to visit.

Located at 192 The Esplanade, Speers Point NSW 2284

Openings

Deli QT: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle

Operating out of QT Newcastle, Deli QT comes complete with a selection of takeaway and dine-in options. Open from Monday to Saturday from 12pm-5pm. Check them out.

Newcastle trivia

Thursday 20 February

Friday 21 February

Saturday 22 February

Sunday 23 February

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Families

Friday Chill – Pacific Park, Newcastle | 21, 28 February
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. 

Bangarra Dance Theatre – The Light Inside - Civic Theatre | Thursday 20 February & Friday 21 February 2025

Some call it a feeling, some call it the mother spirit. It’s the place where sea meets sky, the horizon we all look to, the compass that guides us home. In Bangarra’s first mainstage cross-cultural collaboration, leading Māori choreographer and Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson joins beloved Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown. Together they guide Bangarra’s award-winning ensemble in stories that honour their mother countries and the spirit that calls them home. Get tickets.

Newcastle Toy Library 50th Birthday Celebration - Car park next to the Toy Library, New Lambton | Saturday 22 February

The Newcastle Toy Library will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in February, and to mark the special milestone they will be holding a 50th birthday party to celebrate with their members and the local community. There will be face painting, play stations set up for the kids, birthday cake and more. More info.

The Place Trivia and Cosplay Event - The Place, Charlestown Community Centre | 22 February 2025

Don your favourite costume and get ready to test your trivia knowledge at The Place Charlestown’s Trivia and Cosplay Event! A free, family-friendly event there’ll be music, food, prizes and more. Registrations required. More info.

Maitland Roller Disco - Harold Gregson Reserve | Saturday 22 February

Roll into a night of music, food and fun at the Maitland Roller Disco. Groove to live DJ tunes, enjoy tasty treats from food trucks, BYO skates (limited skates available for hire). No bookings required – just bring your skates, your energy and your best moves! More info.

Dullboy’s Carnival – Dullboy’s Warners Bay | Sunday 23 February

Roll up, roll up to the Dullboy’s Carnival! It’s a delightful day filled with circus performers, jumping castles, free face-painting and delectable carnival snacks! Plus $13pp games of bowling or mini golf (bookings recommended). A fun day out for the whole fam! More info.

Cosentino – Decennium ‘The Greatest Hits Tour’ - Civic Theatre | Sunday 23 February

Australia’s world-renowned entertainer and International Magician of the Year, Cosentino, is returning to perform his brand new live show ‘Decennium‘. This greatest hits production will be one of the must see shows of 2025! More info.

Digitales: Storytime and Art – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point | 20 February, 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Enjoy a unique story time on the big screen followed by fun hands-on activities. Third Thursday of the month from February-November. Free event.

Adults

Tipsy Sketching Club – Earp Distilling Co., Carrington | 19 February
Join the Tipsy Sketching Club for a night of fun, life drawing, and beverages at Newcastle’s most unique distillery and event venue. More info.

The Light Inside – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 20 & 21 February
After its acclaimed premiere in 2024 as part of the national tour of Horizon, Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, brings their first cross-cultural collaboration, The Light Inside, to Newcastle. More info.

Arj Barker - The Mind Field – Maitland Town Hall, Maitland | 22 February
All of reality, as we can ever possibly know it, exists exclusively in our minds. Armed with this knowledge, Arj sets out to answer some of Life’s Biggest Questions: Why are we here? Are we alone in the Universe? More info.

Remember The Dance – Newcastle Racecourse, Broadmeadow | 22 February, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
It’s all about 90’s and 2000’s Dance Classics and NRG Anthems. Instalment 4.0 of Remember The Dance will be the first-ever NRG and Dance Classics event of its kind in Newcastle. More info.

Kate Miller-Heidke: The Telling Tales Tour – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 22 February
Kate is a born storyteller who traverses the worlds of pop, folk, opera and musical theatre. The tour is a celebration of songs old and new, of voice, storytelling, emotion, humour, and music that transports and transcends. More info. 

Tripping Code: Generative AI Video Masterclass – The Lock-Up, Newcastle | 22 February
Generative AI Video Masterclass with Brie Trenerry. More info.

Over the Ditch – The Station, Newcastle | 22 & 23 February
Earp presents, Over the Ditch. View the lineup and get tickets here. 

Goo Goo Dolls with Special Guest Thirsty Merc – Newcastle Entertainment Centre Showground, Broadmeadow | 23 February
The Goo Goo Dolls will headline their first Australian tour in over 20 years, with special guest Thirsty Merc. More info.

Shuckin Sundays – Mrs Jones Oyster Bar, Carrington | 23 February
Open from 9am drop into Mrs Jones Oyster Bar for a 9am DJ, bottleshop drinskies from 10am, $2.50 oysters, mignonette ginger soy or natural, oyster shots. Breakfast menu until 11:30am, lunch menu 12 - 3pm. More info.

Want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?

Newcastle day trip

We all know Newcastle has plenty to offer. I talk about it every week - great beaches and a thriving food scene, but one of the best things about living here is how many incredible spots are just a short drive away. Whether you're after a change of scenery, a nature escape, or just an excuse for a road trip, there’s no shortage of destinations worth exploring.

That’s why I recently took a day trip to Nelson Bay. Less than an hour from Newcastle, it’s the perfect mix of laid-back coastal charm and adventure.

The day trip included breakfast at the Little Nel, one of my favourite cafes and a walk along the water at Shoal Bay all the way to the Tomaree Coastal Walk for beautiful views and then a dip in the bay—it’s hard to beat.

So, if you’re looking for an easy getaway without the hassle of packing an overnight bag, you’re in the right place. Newcastle is surrounded by gems just waiting to be explored. Where should the next day trip be?

Last Week’s Trivia Answer 🚢

If you’ve lived in Newcastle for a while, this one was a no-brainer. The bulk carrier that ran aground on Nobbys Beach during a major storm on June 8, 2007, was none other than the Pasha Bulker.

The 76,000-tonne vessel became an overnight icon, drawing massive crowds eager to see the enormous red ship stranded just metres from shore. Over the next three weeks, Newcastle’s east end was packed with onlookers, photographers, and news crews capturing what became one of the city’s most memorable events.

It took three attempts and a team of tugboats to finally free the Pasha Bulker. It was later repaired and put back into service, returning to Newcastle years later under a different name. But for many, those surreal few weeks in 2007 are hard to forget.

🏀 Local basketball player Returns to Falcons Before College move

Newcastle Falcons' rising star Hannah Chicken is back for the 2025 NBL1 season before heading to the US on a Portland State scholarship. The 18-year-old forward, named the Falcons' Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, averaged 10.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season. Coach Kristy Bultitude praised her competitive edge, expecting big things before she departs. Catch the Falcons' home opener against the Sydney Comets on March 29. Full story.

⚽️ Jets A-League Women’s

The Newcastle Jets’ hopes of an A-League Women’s finals berth in 2024/25 took another massive hit on Friday night. Requiring a much-needed victory to stay in contact with the frontrunners, the Jets slumped to a 4-1 loss to Western Sydney at Wanderers Football Park.

The result pushed them back to 11th, just ahead of last-placed Sydney FC.

🏈 Newcastle Knights Pre-Season Challenge

Newcastle Knights season has started with a 44-18 loss to the Paramatta Eels in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge at McDonald Jones Stadium. Fans, don’t be concerned, as they came into the encounter without the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, Dylan Lucas, Leo Thompson, Bradman Best and Phoenix Crossland.