Happy Wednesday, Newcastle.

Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest! If you noticed, last week, I made a crucial typo in not updating the events heading dates in my template. I'm sorry for this, and thank you to all who pointed it out. I hope it didn’t throw too many of you out of whack. Safe to say, I have checked this one, and Mrs Digest has run her eyes over it, too (shared accountability).

Enjoy this week.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

• Sport

Newcastle’s Burger quest, part 4

Our quest for Newcastle’s Best Burger continues, and this week, we stopped by Newy Fried Chicken to try their Sunday Sando—a chicken burger.

This top-tier sando features a crispy thigh fillet, shredded lettuce, hi-melt American cheddar, sliced tomato, pickles, and house-made Sunday sauce; all served on a seeded milk bun.

💭 My thoughts:

I chose medium spice, which had just the right amount of kick—it was flavourful but not overwhelming. If you're not big on spice, the Southern (no heat) option is available. The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy inside, and it held up well with the sauce and toppings. Structurally, there were no complaints—it stayed together from the first bite to the last. I really enjoyed this and definitely recommend it. Below is how I have scored the burger.

A strong showing from Newy Fried Chicken—definitely one of the better chicken burgers around. For now, it takes out the top spot.

1. The Sunday Sando - Newy Fried Chicken 88

2. The Rascal - Rascals 84

3. Double Deluxe Cheeseburger - The Falcon 83

4. Smashed Burger - Smashed Umami 80.

New here? Check out the other reviews in previous editions.

Limited Experience

Donda - Bolton Street Pantry

DONDA, a unique pop-up restaurant created by Niah (aka Noodles), has taken Newcastle's food scene by storm. Located within Bolton Street Pantry, DONDA offers an ever-evolving dining experience inspired by Niah's diverse cultural background.

Each "episode" features a different culinary theme, with the current iteration, "DONDA Visits Tokyo," blending Italian and Japanese flavors. Adding to the intrigue, DONDA's menu remains secret until guests arrive, fostering a sense of adventure.

Running Thursday to Saturday, bookings are essential for this intimate and highly sought-after dining experience. Read more.

Newcastle trivia

Thursday 27 February

Friday 28 February

Saturday 1 March

Sunday 2 March

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Families

Friday Chill – Pacific Park, Newcastle | 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.

Exhibition Opening - Kultura Collectiva – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point | 28 February
Join us for the highly anticipated opening of MAP mima's latest exhibition Kultura Collectiva: Theatre of Memories. Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Tickets are free.

Newcastle Regional Show – Newcastle Showground | 28 February – 2 March
The Newcastle Show is the Hunter’s largest annual ticketed event, happening across three days. The theme of this year’s Newcastle Show is ‘Unleashing Extraordinary’. Expect music, fireworks and events and activities for the whole family including carnival games, rides, petting zoo, equestrian events, showbags and much, much more! More info.

Olive Tree – Civic Park, Newcastle | 1 March
Returning in 2025 is the Olive Tree, again showcasing an incredible lineup of makers and artists. Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. More info.

Adults

The Press at Night – The Press, Newcastle | 28 February
Cool tunes, local wines, sweet beers, The Press' amazing coffee, charcuterie, and small plates. Every Friday night. Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Club 125 | Newy's Hottest New Club Night – The Exchange Hotel, Hamilton | 28 February
The Exchange is turning the lights down and the music up, bringing the EDM beats—you bring the energy. The party kicks off at 8:00 p.m. with $6 vodkas and $10 cocktails until 10:00pm. The dance floor is open until 3:00am, with no lockout! More info. 

BRINCAT + JONES / Double Opening Night – The Lock-Up, Newcastle | 28 February
The Lock-Up presents two solo exhibitions – Lauren Brincat's When Do I Breathe? and Locust Jones The Green Dream, with a free opening night from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. More info.

Boot Scootin' Boogie - A Country Music Club Night - Newcastle Hotel | 28 February

The hottest new country event is coming to Newcastle!Get your cowboy hat and boots on and get ready to dance to the best country music club night around!Our country DJ's will be spinning the best country songs from all decades! More info and book.

Pet Nat & Pizza Party – Barcadia, Warners Bay | 28 February
Get ready to sip, slice, and groove at Barcadia inside Dullboy’s Social Co at their upcoming Pet Nat + Pizza Party happening on Friday, 28 February! More info.

Modus Merewether Free Brewery Open Day – Modus, Merewether | 1 March
There's a free brewery open day happening at Modus. Included is a 30-minute guided behind-the-scenes tour, a free schooner of the freshest beer just out of the tank, and exclusive discounts on all takeaway beers. Bookings are essential. Times: 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm. Book here.

Newcastle INVADES // The Races Day Party - Newcastle Racecourse | 1 March

Dust off your flat caps, don your dresses, for Ladies and Gentleman of Newy, we're off to the Races. Bringing Disc Jockeys, punting and ponies a plenty, we thought it would be rude not to return to Newcastle for a good olde fashioned knees up. More info.

Bed by 10 is Coming to Newcastle – Newcastle West | 1 March
Bed By 10 is a chance for ravers over 30 to relive the peak of the 80s, 90s & early 2000s clubbing scene! Expect crazy visuals, confetti showers, CO2 cannons, and more as our resident DJ spins all the club classics. More info.

LAUREN BRINCAT / When do I breathe? – The Lock-Up, Newcastle | 1 March – 25 May
When do I breathe? by artist Lauren Brincat is the first exhibition inspired by the 2024 public performance of the same title, which shaped new paths through the streets of Sydney, connecting communities in collaborative action at The Lock-Up. More info.

Newy Crisp Long Lunch Fundraiser – Bartholomew's, Newcastle | 2 March
Launched in 2022, the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) gives groups of locals the opportunity to welcome refugees into their community. Book to contribute to this cause and help make a significant impact on others. More info.

Want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?

Newcastle day trip

Last week, I talked about the ease of escaping Newcastle for a quick day trip, and this week, I'm suggesting you head south to The Entrance on the Central Coast. Just over an hour’s drive, it’s a classic Aussie beach town with plenty to offer. If you time your visit right, you can catch the local markets, which add a fun, vibrant element to the day.

Grab a coffee and a bite at one of the cafes overlooking the channel – the views are fantastic. Afterwards, explore the market stalls for some local treats. A must-do while you're there is Ken's Humble Pie Shop. Their pies are legendary, and enjoying one by the water is a quintessential The Entrance experience. And of course, don't miss the famous pelican feeding! A relaxing walk along the foreshore will round out a perfect, easy getaway.

Newcastle History: Mayfield's Lost Beach

Did you know Mayfield once had its own beach? Shelley Beach, a popular recreational spot on Platt's Channel, was a beloved part of the community. This waterfront area was the last of its kind between Newcastle and Sandgate and was a haven for locals.

Sadly, Shelley Beach's story took a turn in the mid-20th century. In 1950, after years of negotiations, the Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP) acquired the land from the local and state governments. In exchange for Shelley Beach and Platt's Channel, BHP provided land at Shortland, which later became the site of the University of Newcastle.

The loss of Shelley Beach was deeply felt. Residents protested the decision, arguing that it deprived the community of valuable recreational space. Despite their efforts, the transfer went ahead, and BHP filled in the channel to expand its industrial operations. Today, Shelley Beach exists only in memory and historical records, a reminder of the ever-changing Newcastle landscape.

🏏 T20 Summer Bash grand final

Newcastle City openers Dylan Hunter and Harrison Ward set up an huge win in the T20 Summer Bash grand final Saturday Night. The Sabres, defeated Merewether by 60 runs.

⚽️ Jets impressive form continues

Jets run of form continues with three wins in a row for the first time in more than six years, back-to-back victories at home, and on a five-game undefeated streak.

🏈 Newcastle Knights impress in Pre-Season Challenge

The Newcastle Knights finished their pre-season strong with a dominant 48-10 win over a struggling Sydney Roosters side. Young gun Fletcher Sharpe stole the show, scoring two tries and cementing his claim on the five-eighth jersey.