Good morning Newcastle,

Thanks to everyone who supported the Newcastle Tote launch last week. Every order has now been packed and shipped. I really appreciate the support.

Enjoy this week's edition.

Thanks to everyone who placed an order, the response was really good and much appreciated. The dining room table was taken over for the better part of an evening, turned into a full packing and production line to get everything sorted and out the door.

For those who haven't ordered yet or have been sitting on it, there are still some available. Made from recycled canvas with an illustrated map of Newcastle, it's $25 and every purchase goes directly back into keeping the newsletter free and funding more local events and projects.

If you want one, grab it below before they sell out.

I thought the lamb shank would be the most distinctive pie on this list. I was wrong.

The breakfast pie at Cardiff Good Tucker throws out the rulebook entirely. No pastry lid here, instead, crispy bacon, cheese and egg take its place, sitting on top of a chunky steak filling underneath. It's a pie in the loosest sense of the word. More quiche than anything else, but somehow it holds together.

The execution is where it gets complicated. The bacon, cheese and egg top is greasy, noticeably so, and that moisture works its way down into the base, softening it more than you'd want. Structurally it stayed in one piece, but it's not a clean eat.

The filling itself is generous. Chunky steak underneath all that bacon and cheese meant I was full well past lunch, which counts for something. At $6.90, the value is decent given what you're getting.

This isn't my type of pie. It's extravagant in a way that doesn't quite land for me personally, but I can see exactly who it's made for and why they'd love it.

The X Factor? Obvious. There is no other pie on this list with a bacon, cheese and egg lid. Whether that's a good thing depends entirely on who you are.

Pastry 11/20 | Filling 15/20 | Sauce 6/10 | Value 7/10 | X Factor 9/10
Total: 48/70

Chiefly Royale - 230 Maitland Rd, Islington
The cult sandwich shop has moved from Mayfield into a new home in Islington. Same team, same chef-driven approach to sandwiches, but now with a sit-down space overlooking a park. Known for weekly specials and made-from-scratch everything — if you haven't been, worth making the trip.

Scale & Bloom - 12 Alma Rd, New Lambton
Formerly known as Sherwood, the New Lambton cafe has rebranded under original owner Jasmine and her husband Brett. Same staff, same record wall, refreshed menu. Locally sourced where possible, with a strong coffee program and a lunch offering built around deli-style sandwiches.

Surly's - 231 Hunter Street, Newcastle
The Sydney favourite opens its first Newcastle venue on Monday July 20. Low-and-slow BBQ, bold drinks, and a sports bar atmosphere. Doors open at 12pm.

Bartholomew's - 145 King St, Newcastle
Bart's has reopened after a six-week transformation and is now much more than a bar. The heritage space on King Street now houses a full provincial European restaurant alongside its famous whisky wall and cocktail menu.

Eddie's - 41 The Terrace, The Hill
A new cafe has opened inside the heritage-listed Shepherds Hill Cottage on The Hill. European-inspired brunch and specialty coffee in a space that's been designed for slow mornings and long lunches. Opens Wednesday, July 22. Monday to Friday 6:30am–3pm, weekends 7am–3pm.

Newcastle Digest Trivia Night - 5 Spots Left

Quick correction from last week: Trivia Night is Thursday 30 July (not Wednesday). Sorry about that.

Five spots left at Modus. Free to attend but you need a ticket. Six rounds, Newcastle history, general knowledge and more, with prizes on the night including some of the Newcastle Digest tote bags.

🎟️ Reserve your free ticket →

Newcastle Winter Fun Fest – Nobbys Foreshore, Newcastle | until 19 July, 11am – 8pm
Carnival rides, live entertainment, a circus, a petting zoo and classic carnival food at Nobbys Beach Reserve. Admission $5. 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.

Hunter Drama Presents: Matilda the Musical Jr. – Hunter Theatre, Broadmeadow | 9–19 July
Roald Dahl's much-loved story packed with big songs and larger-than-life characters. Ticketed. More info.

Port Stephens Winter Festival – Nelson Bay & Fingal Bay | 10–19 July
Nine days of family-friendly events from free community gatherings to ticketed dining trails across Nelson Bay and Fingal Bay. More info.

Tiny Forest Author Event & Art Workshop – Wallsend Library | 15 July, 10:30am – 11:30am
Local artist Anna Scobie and author Odette Tonkin present a children's author talk and art-making activity inspired by native bees, leaves and forests. Ideal for ages 3–5. Free, bookings essential. More info.

Digitales: Storytime and Art – Multi-Arts Pavilion mima, Speers Point | 16 July, 11am – 11:45am
Digital stories on the big screen followed by hands-on artmaking and shadow play for kids aged 2–5. Free, bookings required. More info.

Holiday Stories and Activities in the Rotunda – Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae | 17 July, 10am – 11am
Aussie books read aloud in the Rotunda followed by fun activities. Garden entry fees apply. More info.

Village in the City: Winter Community Showcase – Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, Jesmond | 17 July, 4pm – 7:30pm
A cosy winter evening with food and market stalls, warm drinks, soft lighting and an indoor showcase of music, poetry and short performances. Free. More info.

Young People's Theatre: The Sound of Music – Young People's Theatre, Hamilton | 17 July – 15 August
One of the most beloved musicals of all time performed by local young performers alongside the Lindsay Street Players. Ticketed. More info.

Mr Snotbottom's Stinky Silly Show – Rathmines Theatre, Rathmines | 18 July, 1pm – 2pm
Award-winning live show with slimy songs, gooey gags and interactive chaos for kids aged 4–10. Ticketed. More info.

Kids Disco – Club Kotara, Kotara | 18 July, 1pm – 5pm
Dance floor hits, toy raffle prizes, games and activities for kids of all ages. Free. More info.

Hunter Valley Winery Run & Kids Marathon – Wandin Estate Winery, Lovedale | 19 July, 6:30am – 12:30pm
A scenic run through the vineyards from a 2km Kids Marathon to a full 42.2km. Ticketed. More info.

Toy Raffle – Cardiff RSL, Cardiff | 19 July, tickets from 12:30pm, drawn from 2pm
Over $8,000 in prizes including a Nintendo Switch 2, remote control cars, drones, scooters and gift cards. More info.

Newcastle Knights Women vs St George Illawarra Dragons – McDonald Jones Stadium | 19 July, 6:15pm
The Knights Women are at home in the NRL Women's Premiership. More info.

Port Stephens Winter Festival: Human Whale – Fingal Bay | 19 July, 10am – 2pm, formation at 11:30am
Hundreds of locals gather on Fingal Bay Beach to form the outline of a 100m humpback whale. Marine stalls, face painting and a sausage sizzle on the day. Free, bookings required. More info.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead – Laneway Theatre, Lambton | 16–19 July
Stoppard's absurdist classic reimagining Hamlet through its most bewildered minor characters — sharp comedy, wordplay and existentialism. Tickets $32.50–$42.50. More info.

Pop Culture Parenting Live Show – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 17 July, 8pm
Billy and Dr Nick bring a live show celebrating the beautiful chaos of raising kids — learning, laughter and unapologetic tears. Ticketed. More info.

Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared – Souths Merewether | 17 July, 6:30pm – 7:40pm
Blake's new show follows the unexpected news that his terminal illness isn't quite so terminal — now he has a lot more time to think about everything he's scared of. Tickets $44.90. More info.

Two Chefs. One Kitchen. Zero Borders. – Jana Restaurant, Newcastle | 17 July
Executive Chef Carmine Mari and DONDA's Chef Niah Horsie deliver five courses that exist somewhere between two cultures. Tickets $110. More info.

Tom Cashman – Newcastle Conservatorium | 17 July
Tom Cashman (Taskmaster, TikTok) is back with a new hour of stand-up that promises to creep ever so close to proficiency. Tickets $35. More info.

Leila Josefowicz & John Novacek – Newcastle City Hall | 17 July, 7:30pm
Acclaimed violin and piano duo perform captivating Debussy and Szymanowski. Tickets from $40. More info.

Spiderbait – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 17 July
Australian rock royalty Spiderbait bring their Ivy & The Big Apples 30th Anniversary Tour to Shoal Bay. Tickets $69.90. More info.

Wendy Sharpe: Into The Dark Opening Night – The Lock-Up, Newcastle | 17 July, 6pm – 8pm
Opening night for Wendy Sharpe's major site-responsive project transforming The Lock-Up into immersive environments exploring climate crisis, conflict and the fragility of truth. Ticketed. More info.

A Taste of Greece Dinner Cruise – Queen's Wharf Terminal, Newcastle | 17 July, 7pm – 9:30pm
A Greek-inspired dinner cruise on Newcastle Harbour with signature dishes and harbour views. Ages 12+. Ticketed. More info.

Newcastle Comedy Festival – Various venues, Newcastle | 17–30 July
Newcastle Comedy Festival returns with its biggest program yet — a blockbuster gala, top Australian comedians and a month-long lineup of stand-up, sketch and special events. More info.

The Bone Appétit – Jana Restaurant, Newcastle | Every Friday from 17 July
A 600g bone-in rib eye MBS 4 with fries, salad, mustards, house jus and a bottle of South Australian red. Tickets $155. More info.

The Rhythm of July: DJ Julio & Samba Dancers – St. Lucia, Newcastle | 18 July, from 7pm
Latin-inspired Saturday night on the waterfront with DJ Julio and roaming samba dancers. More info.

A Fun Wine Night with Giorgio De Maria – Osteria Papazzo, Newcastle | 18 July, from 4:30pm
Natural wines from Italy, France, Spain, Austria and Georgia with à la carte menu. More info.

Nazeem Hussain – Newcastle City Hall | 18 July
Nazeem Hussain on his I'd Like To Tell You About Some Jokes tour. Tickets $40.65. More info.

Fletcher Green Display Home Opening – Fletcher Green, Minmi | 18 July
Meet Shaynna Blaze, tour a stunning new display home and enjoy free food, prizes, cooking demos and family entertainment. Free. More info.

Wine N' Dine Newcastle: Weekend Two – Multiple venues, Newcastle | 18 July, 12pm – 3:30pm
A self-guided progressive long lunch across four Newcastle venues with signature dishes paired with Australian wines. Tickets $129. More info.

Drag Roast – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 19 July
Australia's first Drag Roast Tour brings the world's fiercest roasting queens to Newcastle for glitter-meets-gut-punching comedy. Tickets $89–$99. More info.

The Sista Code Luncheon – Merewether Surfhouse, Merewether | 19 July, 12:30pm – 4:30pm
A celebration of women raising funds for Got Your Back Sista, supporting women and children rebuilding their lives after escaping domestic violence. More info.

Free Art Jam with Julia Jay – The Hemporium Wellness Centre, Carrington | 19 July
Bring your art — drawing, painting, sewing, graphic design — and sit alongside fellow creatives in a relaxed, unguided creative session. Free. More info.

Homegrown Markets – Speers Point Park | 19 July, 10am – 2pm
The Hunter's biggest handmade and design market with local makers, street food and a stunning lakeside location. More info.

Pre-Loved Pop Up Sale – The Salon Depot, Newcastle | 19 July, 10am – 2pm
Curated racks of PE Nation, Zimmermann, Bec + Bridge, Seed and more, with a food truck, DJ and styling from @Alifitcheck. More info.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground | 19 July
Shop direct from local farmers and makers with unbeatable freshness and a genuine community atmosphere.

Do you want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?

In an emotional game played on Jai Arrow's birthday, the Knights fell 26-24 to the Rabbitohs despite a stunning late comeback. Trailing 26-6 with 12 minutes to go, Newcastle scored three quick tries to get within two but couldn't find the winner. Kalyn Ponga was responsible for 16 of the Knights' points. They face the Sharks in Cronulla this Friday at 6pm.

Newcastle fell 12-10 to the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, trailing 12-0 at half-time before fighting back through tries to Olivia Higgins and Mercedez Taulelei-Siala in the second half. Couldn't quite get there.

Kurri Kurri were the standout of the weekend, demolishing Macquarie 58-10. Maitland kept their spot at the top with a 24-18 win over Lakes United, The Entrance edged Northern Hawks 18-14, Central Newcastle accounted for Souths 26-16, and Wests got past Cessnock 24-18.

Last week's trivia answer was the Obelisk, but before it became one of Newcastle's most recognisable landmarks, the site was home to a very different structure.

In 1819, Commandant James Morisset ordered the construction of a windmill on The Hill to grind flour for the growing settlement. Completed the following year, it could grind up to 10 bushels of wheat an hour. But thanks to its position on one of the highest points in Newcastle, it soon became just as valuable for another reason.

Sailors approaching Newcastle Harbour began using the windmill as a navigational landmark, relying on it to safely guide ships towards the harbour entrance. Before long, the windmill had become an essential reference point for local shipping.

By 1847, the government had decommissioned the mill and put it up for auction. The decision sparked outrage among shipowners and harbour pilots, who feared losing one of the harbour's most important navigation markers. Petitions were sent to the Governor in an attempt to stop the sale, but the new owner demolished the windmill before the government could intervene.

The campaign wasn't over. Continued pressure from the shipping industry convinced the government to replace the landmark, and in 1850 the Obelisk was built on the exact site where the windmill had once stood. It served the same navigational purpose and has watched over Newcastle Harbour ever since.

Today, thousands of people visit the Obelisk for its panoramic views, but few realise it exists because Newcastle's shipping industry fought to replace a demolished windmill.