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

I am back in Newcastle after a short trip over the ditch. It is great to be back, I totally do not miss the picturesque views of Queenstown and Wanaka…

Have a great rest of your week.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

Newcastle Worth the Hype? - Crumb: Artisanal Treats

Welcome to a new food-related segment, worth the hype. It is pretty self-explanatory.

New kid on the block, Crumb, is generating buzz for its artisanal pastries & specialty coffee. We braved the opening weekend, waiting about 10 minutes (we arrived 20 minutes pre-opening). The coffee was decent; I believe it is the same as Autumn Rooms. We sampled a pistachio morning bun and a strawberry tart – both were solidly delicious and well-made. However, I do not see those items on the menu anymore.

Our Take: Crumb offers quality treats, but the initial hype might be slightly inflated. While we wouldn't queue again right now, it's definitely on our list to revisit once things calm down. A promising new addition to Newcastle's food scene.

Newcastle trivia

Friday 28 March

Saturday 29 March

Sunday 30 March

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Families

Friday Chill – Pacific Park, Newcastle | 28 March | 6:30PM – 8:30PM. 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. More info.

Poppin' Tag – Greenroof Hotel, Hamilton | 28 March | 6:00PM – 9:00PM. Back for the first time in 2025, get amongst the thrift while you sip at Poppin' Tag. More info.

Abstract Human Radio - Hearing Now – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point | 28 March 2025 | 5:00PM – 8:00PM. Recline, recuperate and submerge into the captivating world of environmental sound with 'Hearing Now'. 5-8pm | Free This event is part of Twilight Fridays at MAP mima. More info.

NGAIIRE – Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, Warners Bay | 29 March | From 7:00PM. Great Southern Nights presents NGAIIRE supported by Ena Malibu. Tickets: $35-$40. More info.

Hunter Sports Centre, kaiyu nungkiliko, Grand Opening – Stockland Drive, Glendale | 29 March | 12pm – 3pm. Celebrate the opening of the newly expanded Hunter Sports Centre, kaiyu nungkiliko in Glendale, the Hunter’s premier sporting facility. Lake Macquarie City Council invites you to a free Community Open Day where everyone is welcome to explore and enjoy the space. More info.

Evolution Revolution – Souths Merewether | 29 & 30 March | Various. An interactive games show all about evolution that uses the audience themselves as the raw materials! Find out how closely related your family is to the great apes. Join a team and test your knowledge of weird and wonderful animals and win stickers, prizes and, of course, glory! Written and hosted by comedian, TV writer and scientist Kate Smurthwaite. Part of the Newcastle Fringe lineup. More info.

Bubble Show in Space – Souths Merewether | 29 & 30 March | 1pm. See a bubble like a rocket that launches 10 meters into the air, clear/smoky bubbles, joining bubbles, shadow bubbles, fire bubbles, a bubble tornado, bubbles spinning like a carousel, giant bubble tubes and more. Part of the Newcastle Fringe lineup. More info.

Creative Creatures – Dungeon Adamstown | 29 & 30 March | Various. What’s the coolest show in town this March? It’s The Creative Creatures Kids Show. With whimsical scenery, extravagant UV glow costumes, magical props and catchy songs, children are invited to sing and dance with these unforgettable creature characters. Get excited for an interactive, intergalactic adventure. More info.

Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival – Various locations around Kurri Kurri | 28 – 30 March | From 8.30am. The annual Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival is all about Rock n Roll, Classic Cars, Hot rods, Fashion, Music, Dancing and everything good about the 50’s and 60’s. There’ll be a classic car and hot rod ‘Show and Shine’, a huge range of quality retro market stalls and food vans, lots of free entertainment, rock n roll dance demonstrations, main stage performances, feature bands, fashion parades, best dressed competitions, side show alley and much more. More info.

Adults

La Musica Notturna – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 27 March | 7:00PM – 8:30PM. A celebration of the cello 250 years in the making, featuring celebrated cellist and conductor Umberto Clerici. Concert time: 7:00PM - 8:30PM Tickets starting from $39. More info.

Orpheus by Shakti – The Royal Exchange, Newcastle | 27 March – 29 March 2025. Told through emotion-evoking Indian Dance and yoga, the ancient Greek legend, Orpheus is reimagined through a distinctive eastern lens, bridging the two worlds of life and death in a completely new way. More info.

Magpie (Musical Comedy Show) – Bernies Bar & The Grand, Newcastle | 27 March – 29 March. The musical comedian from Brisbane talks (and sings) about her hilarious year of living like one of Australia’s most annoying birds - the very proud and very fearless magpie - and what it means to come out as a lesbian in 2025. More info.

Madam Nightingale performs DYNAMIC DARKNESS – The Newy Hotel Music Room, Islington | 27 March – 30 March. DYNAMIC DARKNESS with special guest Aj’Zho is Synth-pop from award-nominated performer Madam Nightingale. Hear upcoming single ‘Into The Dark’ & dance classics as you’ve never heard them before. A not to be missed experience. Cost: $20. More info.

Vino and Vinyl – Lola's Darby St, Cooks Hill | 28 March | From 6:00PM. Decks will be spinnin upstairs at Lola's from 6, bookings are recommended, walk-ins may be banished to the bar or the sofa. More info.

Rockin' The Green Stockton – Stockton Bowling Club, Stockton | 29 March | 1:00PM – 8:00PM. Get ready to rock at Stockton’s Rockin’ the Green on 29 March 2025, from 1 PM – 8 PM at Stockton Bowling Club! 🎸 Five epic tribute bands, non-stop live music, and great vibes! Tickets $39.95 per head, kids under 16 FREE. More info.

Adam Newling – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 30 March. Adam is coming back to his hometown. It will be a night of sharing songs, stories and laughs. More info.

Newcastle Wedding Expo – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow | 30 March. Newcastle's Annual Wedding Expo features over 100 of the finest local talents and resources together to help make your wedding dreams a reality. More info.

Newcastle Record & CD Fair – Uniting Church Hall, Hamilton | 30 March | 9:00AM – 3:00PM. Head to Beaumont Street for Newcastle Record & CD Fair, for thousands upon thousands of rare and collectible vinyl including many imports, cds, and memorabilia from local and statewide sellers. Entry: $1 pp.

Le Bastringue, French music - The Royal Oak | 30 March | 2:00PM - 4:00pm. Le Bastringue are a Trio featuring Bobby Paquet on vocals and guitar. Kym and Andrew support on guitar and bass. We play French songs by George Brassens, Boris Vian and Serge Gainsbourg, as well as some blues and bossa nova.

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Newcastle's History: The Obelisk - A Navigational Sentinel

Built in 1850, the Obelisk stands on the site of Newcastle's first windmill (1820), which surprisingly served as an early navigational aid for ships entering the port. When the windmill was decommissioned and sold in 1847, the shipping industry protested its loss as a vital marker.

In response, the government constructed the Obelisk. For mariners, aligning the Obelisk with other landmarks, as detailed in an 1850 Government Gazette, was crucial for safely navigating the harbour's hazards.

Beyond navigation, the Obelisk's hill conceals a water reservoir, hinting at Newcastle's early water supply. Interestingly, the site has also witnessed dramatic events, including a landslip in 1906 due to mine collapses and a gas explosion in 1985.

More recently, historical photographs from the Obelisk in 1906 have been pieced together, offering a fascinating glimpse into Newcastle's past. The Obelisk remains a significant landmark, a testament to Newcastle's maritime history and evolving landscape.