Good morning, Newcastle. Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest. I hope everyone is safe after last night’s storm.

Today marks 6 months of the Newcastle Digest. Thank you to all of you, 1528 (as of 7:02 last night), for your support.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

Newcastle’s Best Burger

Thank you to all who have submitted burgers. We have built up a good list, and there are plenty that I have not tried before. I can already start to feel the cholesterol buildup.

The burgers will then be judged on Flavour (40 points), Assembly (20 points), Presentation (20 points), Texture (20 points), and misc (10 points).

We are starting our quest at Rascals, one of Newcastle’s most infamous burger places. I would be lying if I said this is my first time trying it, but they always seem to deliver.

The voted burger was The Rascal, which includes a beef patty, cheese, Rascal sauce, lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. It's a pretty classic combination of ingredients, but Rascals definitely deliver. The Rascal is just a good classic burger, from the soft, sweet bun to the juicy patty. Check out the score below.

A score of 84 is a very strong start to the proceedings. Remember, I am not a professional food critic; I am just a guy who likes food.

If you want to add a burger late, feel free but there will be no more additions after this week.

Newcastle trivia

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Friday 31 January

Saturday 1 February

Sunday 2 February

Families

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show - Civic Theatre | 29 January – 2 February 2025

Bluey's Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award winning children's television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets. This is Bluey as you've never seen it before, brought to real life. Find out more of get tickets.

Kids Summer Disco - Mayfield West Bowling Club | Saturday 1 December, 5:00pm

Get ready to make waves at the Kids' Summer Wave Rave! Kids, grab your sunnies, your best Hawaiian shirt, and bring the summer vibes to our epic Summer Disco at Mayfield West Bowling Club! FREE ENTRY! More info.

World Wetlands Day -  Hunter Wetlands Centre | Sunday 2 February 2025

Hunter Wetlands Centre has a full morning of outdoor activities planned for their favourite day of the year! Explore the wonders of the wetlands through guided walks and talks, birdwatching and family-friendly activities. It’s a great day to discover the beauty and importance of wetlands and to learn all about the work the Hunter Wetlands Centre is doing to protect these unique habitats for generations to come. More info.

ARTS IN THE YARD - The Lock-up | Sat, 1 Feb, 10am - 10:45am

Join us for ARTS IN THE YARD, a free public program that introduces children of all ages to contemporary arts practices in an entertaining and approachable way. This is an all-inclusive arts workshop. Please bring yourself and your family and be prepared to enjoy the delight of learning and making in one of Newcastle’s most historic spaces. For more information and to book, click here. 

Friday Chill - Pacific Park, Newcastle | Friday 31 Janurary, 6.30pm - 8.30pm 

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.  

Olive Tree Markets - Civic Park, Newcastle | Saturday, 1 February, 9am - 2pm.

Returning in 2025 is the Olive Tree, again showcasing an incredible lineup of makers and artists.   More info.

A Place Called Hollywood - Newcastle Museum, 6 Workshop Way | Until Sunday 2 February

A Place Called Hollywood remembers a time and place where resilient and resourceful people created their own homes and communities. This special exhibition tells the stories of those who lived, worked and played in an unofficial “suburb” of Newcastle established just outside Jesmond during the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s.

Adults

West End Beats & Brews - The Edwards | Friday 31 January

Hosted by The Edwards and Rudderless Records in the Parry St courtyard. Enjoy live DJ sets while sipping on happy hour specials: $14 cocktails, $7 schooners, $8 wings and $16 jugs.

Gin High Tea with Earp Distilling Co. - Bartholomew's, 145 King St, Newcastle | Sunday 2 February

Sip on elegantly crafted gin cocktails and a selection of savoury and sweet treats at this Gin High Tea, all that paired perfectly to the curated selection of premium spirits from Earp Distillery.

Newcastle Pro Wrestling #117 - House of Free Fighting | Saturday Feb 2, 8:00pm

Live Pro Wrestling right here in Newcastle! Come see some of the best talent Australia has to offer! Championship matches, tag wrestling and much more! Get tickets.

Newcastle's True Crime Tour - Scott Street & Watt Street | Friday, 31 January, 7:30pm - 9:00pm.

Dig deep into Newcastle's hidden past as this grand old town's skeletons beg to come out of the closet. More info.

Ryan Ansell Investments Race Day - Newcastle Racecourse, Broadmeadow | Saturday, 1 Feburary, 11:00 am

Organising a post-holiday celebration, a girl’s day out, or simply seeking a reason to gather trackside with your friends? More tickets.

39th MAD Day - Newcastle Harness Racing Club | Sunday February 2, 7:00am

Collectable Vehicles. $10 per vehicle - Entry from 7am. $5pp - Entry from 8am via Public entry Turton rd (Behind McDonald Jones Stadium). More info.

Newcastle Caravan Lifestyle Expo 2025 - Newcastle Entertainment Centre Showground | 31 January - 2 February
It’s the place to research, compare and discuss all aspects of the caravan lifestyle industry. Gear up for your next adventure and speak to expert exhibitors, on hand to provide you with all the information you need to get on the road.

Want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?

Newcastle Throwback

Last Week’s Trivia Answer: Lieutenant John Shortland

Did you know the answer? Last week, we asked what year Lieutenant John Shortland became the first European to explore the Newcastle area. The correct answer is 1797.

While chasing escaped convicts, Shortland discovered the mouth of the Hunter River and was struck by the abundance of coal in the area. This chance encounter led to the region being named Coal River and marked the beginning of Newcastle’s history as a key coal mining hub.

Shortland’s exploration laid the foundation for Newcastle’s development, and today, his name lives on in landmarks across the city—including the suburb of Shortland—reminding us of the area’s rich history.

Community Spotlight

I thought I could shine a light on a collaboration between two Newy locals.

“Not Another Newy Run Club” has officially partnered with fan favourite “House of Roast” on Darby Street.

The collaboration invites all to get together at House of Roast and run at 6:30 am each Sunday morning with an easy 15 minutes from House, then 15 minutes back.

This run club is inclusive and welcoming of any ability - so you can run, walk, jog, or skip if your heart desires. Plus, it is an easy excuse to grab a can of coffee afterwards and meet some new people. Your New Year’s resolutions have never tasted that good.