Good morning Newcastle, welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

How is it July already? Another busy week. Exciting news: the Newcastle Digest tote bags have been printed and are in my possession; they will be ready for purchase next week.

Also, sign-ups for the trivia night are now open; get in quick if you want a spot. Let's get into it.

This nomination listed plain mince but added "any" in brackets, so I went with mince and cheese instead, an old favourite of mine.

Glad I did. This was genuinely delicious, and it's the new leader on the list. The pastry is great, second only to Redhead in overall quality, though the top edges into slightly-too-flaky territory. Not a dealbreaker, especially once you factor in what's sitting on top of it.

The filling is where this one shines. Second only to Full Throttle for flavour, and the cheese situation is something else entirely: double layers folded through the inside, then a crispy cheese top to finish it off. It's generous without losing the mince underneath.

At $6.50, this is excellent value. Great pastry, great filling, fair price, hard to ask for more.

No sauce needed. Not even a consideration.

The X Factor: the cheese overload. Double cheese inside and a crispy cheese crust on top are all standouts.

Pastry 16/20 | Filling 16/20 | Sauce 8/10 | Value 8/10 | X Factor 9/10
Total: 57/70

We're excited to invite you to the very first Newcastle Digest Trivia Night at Modus Merewether on Thursday 30 July.

Expect multiple fun rounds covering Newcastle & The Hunter, food & drink, music & pop culture, general knowledge and extra bonus rounds. Whether you're a trivia expert or just keen for a great night out, everyone's welcome.

Come with a full team, bring a couple of mates, or fly solo; we'll happily help you join a team on the night. Teams can have up to five people, with no minimum team size.

As an added bonus, for food specials on Thursdays at Modus, you'll be able to enjoy half-price pints and $1 wings (minimum 5 per order) while you play.

Spots are limited; we'd love for our newsletter community to get first access. Register your spot below.

Can't wait to see some familiar faces and meet plenty of new ones too! 🍻

Christmas in July at The Anchorage – The Galley Kitchen, Corlette | 1–31 July
A festive three-course dining experience with pork belly, roast beef, Christmas-inspired desserts and mulled wine on arrival. Tickets $90 per person. More info.

Young Dobell Exhibition 2026 – MAC yapang, Booragul | until 19 July, 9am – 3pm
The annual exhibition showcasing artwork by young local artists aged 5 to 18 from across the Hunter and Central Coast. Free. More info.

Snow Time in the Gardens – Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin | until 26 July, from 9:30am
Ice skating, tobogganing, snowman building and amusement rides for a winter day out without the drive to the snowfields. Ticketed. More info.

Story Explorers – Newcastle Museum | 1 July, 11:15am – 12pm
Stories and adventures exploring different items in the Museum collection, held the first Wednesday of each month during school terms. Aimed at ages 3–5 but all welcome. Free. More info.

Disney On Ice – Newcastle Entertainment Centre | 3–6 July
Encanto, Moana and Frozen come to life in a magical ice skating spectacular hosted by Mickey and Minnie. Tickets $25–$195. More info.

Cardiff Scout Group Live Music Showcase – Cardiff Scout Hall, Cardiff | 4 July, 12pm – 4pm
A youth-led live music showcase by the Venturer Scout Unit, with a sausage sizzle and bake sale fundraiser. Limited parking, overflow at Cardiff RSL. Free. More info.

Aberdeen Highland Games – Jefferson Park, Aberdeen | 4 July, 9am – 4pm
A full day of Highland dancing, pipe bands, strongman competitions and novelty races including the Kilted Dash. Ticketed. More info.

Water Mirror – PACC, Cessnock | 4 July, 7:30pm – 8:30pm
A striking one-hour show combining Taiko drumming, acrobatics, contemporary ballet and live projection design. Ticketed. More info.

Newcastle Winter Fun Fest – Nobbys Foreshore, Newcastle | 4–19 July (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), 11am – 8pm
Carnival rides, live entertainment, a circus, a petting zoo and classic carnival food return to Nobbys Beach Reserve. Admission $5. More info.

Harlem Globetrotters 2026 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre | 5 July, gates open 12pm
The world-famous Globetrotters bring jaw-dropping basketball skills and laugh-out-loud entertainment for all ages. Ticketed. More info.

Newcastle Knights vs Dolphins – McDonald Jones Stadium | 5 July, 4:05pm
The Knights host the Dolphins at home. More info.

Tribe Mid-Year Recitals – Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre | 5 July, from 11am
A full day of dance and vocal recitals across age groups, plus an art exhibition in the foyer from 11am – 4pm. Tickets via Eventbrite. More info.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Children's Discovery Day – Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae | 7 July, 10am – 2pm
Nature crafts, dip-netting and free entertainment including a jumping castle and sausage sizzle. Free. More info.

Pre-School Art School – MAC yapang, Booragul | 7 July, 10am – 11am
A guided tour of the gallery's latest exhibition followed by story time and a craft activity, suited to ages 0–6. Free, bookings preferred. More info.

A Wrinkle in Time – Young People's Theatre, Hamilton | 7–19 July
Madeleine L'Engle's beloved sci-fi fantasy comes to the stage performed by a cast of young local actors. Ticketed. More info.

Newcastle NAIDOC Celebration – Newcastle Foreshore Park | 6 July, 10am – 2pm
A community celebration for NAIDOC Week's 50th year with flag raising, a march parade, live music, traditional dancers, yarning circles and stalls. Free.

Tennessee BBQ Week – MEET, Newcastle | 1–4 July
A limited-time Southern-inspired menu of smoky barbecue, fried chicken, ribs, brisket and house-made sides and sauces. Tickets $78 per person. More info.

IncludingYOU Art Program – MAC yapang, Booragul | 2 July
An inclusive, welcoming workshop for people of all abilities to explore art, connect and learn new skills. Free. More info.

Seafood and Scarborough at the Signal Box – Signal Box, Newcastle | 2 July, from 5:30pm
A four-course seafood dinner for Newcastle Tuna Fest featuring Dawson's Oysters and Red Funnel Seafood matched with Scarborough Wines. Tickets $170 per person. More info.

PNAU – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 2 July, doors from 7pm
A high-energy live set from one of Australia's biggest electronic acts. Tickets $66.25. More info.

The Libertine – Civic Playhouse, Newcastle | 2–11 July
HER Productions presents a provocative, darkly comic work shown in two versions exploring desire, power and the messiness of being human. More info.

Traffic Light Party – Bernie's Bar, Newcastle | 3 July, from 9pm
A welcoming night for everyone with colour-coded bands at the door to signal what you're looking for. Free entry. More info.

Lucy Mim Exhibition: Places We've Been – Studio97 City, Newcastle | 3 July
Lucy Mim's first solo exhibition since returning from her residency in Japan and becoming a mother. All welcome. More info.

Tom Gleeson: Out of Touch – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 3 & 6 July, 7pm
Gold Logie-winning comedian and Hard Quiz host Tom Gleeson brings his latest stand-up show to Newcastle. Ticketed. More info.

80s & 90s Singalong Paint and Sip – RidgeView Wines, Pokolbin | 4 July, from 1pm
80s and 90s bangers, step-by-step painting and singalong moments with a finished canvas to take home. 18+. Tickets $59. More info.

Fashion Newcastle Presents: Fake BBQ x SixthSense Pop Up | 4 July, 2pm - 7pm
Free community event bringing together local creatives, small businesses, and community members for an afternoon of creativity, culture, and good vibes. More info.

Trench Crusade: Learn to Play & Casual Games – Good Games Newcastle | 4 July, from 4pm
A skirmish wargame set in a grim alternate WWI world. Tables set up for new and experienced players alike. More info.

Your Life Matters Workshop – Wests City, Newcastle West | 4 July
A practical workshop to step out of the busyness of daily life and reconnect with what matters most. Tickets $150. More info.

Fire & Ice ~PYN x Afterhrs - The Lass O'Gowrie | 4 July
A stacked ALL FEMALE/NON-MALE lineup serving up the very best in DnB, Hard Dance, Bass House, Tech House, Hyperpop, Hard Groove and more until 3am! More info.

COLLECT at The Lock-Up – The Lock-Up, Newcastle | until 5 July
Over 100 emerging and established artists showcased in a dynamic celebration of local creativity. Free. More info.

Drag Music Bingo The Devil Wears Prada Edition - Carrington Bowling Club | 5 July, 12pm - 3pm
Join for a fierce afternoon of glamour, music, and iconic energyThemes: The Devil Wears Prada (Fashion Fantasy) + Divas Through the Eras. More info.

An Evening of Sake and Seafood – Maru HiFi, Newcastle West | 5 July, 6pm
A guided sake and seafood evening for Newcastle Tuna Fest featuring Maru HiFi's Tuna Tataki paired with four premium sake tastings. Tickets $77 per person. More info.

Raid My Wardrobe – Club Macquarie, Argenton | 5 July, 10am – 1pm
Newcastle's favourite women's preloved fashion event returns with 20+ curated stalls, sizes 6–20+, and designer and high street brands across clothing, shoes and accessories. Entry $5. More info.

Wallsend Toastmasters Speechcraft Course – Zoom & Wallsend Diggers | 12 July – 27 August
An eight-session public speaking course for anyone 18+ wanting to build confidence and communication skills. Runs Sundays via Zoom (12 July – 9 August) then Thursdays in person at Wallsend Diggers (13–27 August). Includes six months Toastmasters membership. Tickets $180, limited to 10 seats. Registrations close 1 July. Register here.

Olive Tree Market – Civic Park, Newcastle | 4 July
Newcastle's premier art and design market on the first Saturday of every month. Handmade goods, local designers and a family-friendly atmosphere. More info.

Pelican Foreshore Markets - Pelican Foreshore, Lakeview Parade | 4 July, 9:00am – 1:00pm
Nestled on the scenic edge of Lake Macquarie, our market is a buzzing community event featuring stalls packed with unique treasures. From fresh produce and gourmet treats to handmade crafts, homewares, fashion, and artisan gifts. More info.

Homegrown Markets – Speers Point Park | 5 July, 10am – 2pm
The Hunter's biggest handmade and design market with local makers, street food and a stunning lakeside location. More info.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground | 5 July
Shop direct from local farmers and makers with unbeatable freshness and a genuine community atmosphere.

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Newcastle held on for a 12-6 win over Wests Tigers on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium, with Bradman Best finishing off a length-of-the-field try in the 74th minute the standout moment in a rain-affected match.

Kalyn Ponga had a big day defensively as well as in attack, with two try-saving efforts, a line break and an assist for Dylan Lucas. His form continues to build a strong case for Origin selection.

Not the prettiest performance, with plenty of errors on both sides, but the Knights remain undefeated at home since round eight and move up to fifth on the ladder. A much tougher test awaits next Sunday against the red-hot Dolphins, winners of eight straight.

Central Newcastle kept their top-three hopes alive with a gritty 16-12 win over Northern Hawks at a boggy St John Oval as part of the club's Indigenous Round. A 25-metre field goal from Chad O'Donnell with seconds remaining sealed it after the Hawks fought their way back into the contest.

Elsewhere, Maitland stayed on top of the ladder with a 24-20 win over The Entrance, sealed late by a Sam Anderson double. Lakes United beat Cessnock 28-22 to move into fourth, Western Suburbs were upset 18-12 by Bulldogs after leading 10-0 at half-time, and South Newcastle thumped Macquarie 40-8 with Mapu Uasi bagging four tries.

Three rounds left, and the ladder is tighter than ever.

If you got last week's trivia right, you already know Tin City exists. Fewer people know the story behind it.

It began in the late 1800s, when shipwrecks along Stockton Beach were so common that two tin sheds were built to store provisions for stranded sailors. During the Great Depression, unemployed men began building shacks among the dunes, and the settlement eventually grew to around 36 huts.

During World War II, the settlement was cleared as the Army established a military camp. When residents returned after the war, many of their original huts had been swallowed by the shifting sand, so they rebuilt using driftwood and salvaged military crates.

Today, eleven shacks remain, protected under a longstanding squatter's lease dating back to 1920. They can't be sold, only passed down through families, with the site now managed under the Worimi Conservation Lands.

There are no roads in. The only way to reach Tin City is by 4WD along Stockton Beach, through the largest continuously mobile sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. There's no power, water or sewerage, and residents still dig through the sand to access fresh groundwater.

Its post-apocalyptic appearance has made it a popular filming location, most famously appearing in the original Mad Max. It's right on Newcastle's doorstep—and yet most locals have never seen it.