Good morning Newcastle,

Hope you've had a great start to your week. We spent a long weekend exploring Hobart, so this week's edition is a little shorter than usual, but there's still plenty happening around Newcastle.

A huge thank you to everyone who grabbed a ticket to next week's Newcastle Digest Trivia Night. We're officially sold out, and I can't wait to see you all on Thursday!

Enjoy!

One of my favourite parts of running Newcastle Digest is reading all the replies and recommendations you send through each week.

Beehiiv (the platform I use to send this newsletter) has just launched a community feature, and I'm wondering whether it'd be worth creating a space just for Newcastle Digest readers. Think of it as a private space where Newcastle Digest readers can chat with each other between newsletters, not just with me.

Not to replace Reddit or Facebook Groups, just somewhere to share local recommendations, hidden gems, ask for advice, chat about the newsletter and connect with other readers.

Would you use something like that?

👇 Let me know in the poll below or simply reply to this email.

Shepherds Hill Cottage has watched over Newcastle's coastline for more than 130 years. Built in the 1890s as part of the city's coastal defence system, it later became one of Australia's most significant military sites, serving as the only coastal defence site in the country crewed simultaneously by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force during World War II. It later became Marine Rescue NSW's headquarters before the 2015 superstorm forced it to close.

Now, after more than $1.8 million in restoration by the City of Newcastle, it's finally open to the public for the first time in its history. It's a café.

Eddie's is the newest venue from local hospitality group Noke, the team behind Arthur's Pantry, Ronnie's Pokolbin and Mr O Wholefoods. It sits at the midpoint of Bathers Way with views stretching from Port Stephens down to Dudley. Inside, the team worked with Newcastle interior design studio More Atelier to complement the building rather than compete with it, with antique pieces, local artwork and a palette that lets the heritage do the talking.

The menu has a variety of different options, from unique to café classics. I went on a Monday morning; it’s definitely busy, so book a table. The raisin toast and folded eggs were both great. Staff were lovely and attentive. The interior is vintage without being try-hard, and the vibe genuinely suits the history of the place.

Well worth trying.

No pie review this week, but for anyone new here, here's where the leaderboard sits. To be continued next week.

Scrambled – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 29 July – 1 August
A musical production for Gen Z and Gen Alpha about memory, identity and the person you're becoming. Ticketed. More info.

Winterheat Festival – Pacific Park, Newcastle East | 1 August, 5pm – 9pm
Fire sculptures, live music, roving performers, street food, face painting and a silent disco hill. Free. More info.

Library Lounge Teen Program – Newcastle City Library, Laman Street | 3, 10 & 17 August, 3:30pm – 5pm
A free drop-in after-school program for Years 7–12 with a qualified youth worker on hand. Free. More info.

Pre-School Art School – MAC yapang, Booragul | 4 August, 10am – 11am
A guided gallery tour followed by story time and a craft activity for ages 0–6. Free, bookings preferred. More info.

Story Explorers – Newcastle Museum | 5 August, 11:15am – 12pm
Monthly stories and adventures exploring items from the Museum collection. Aimed at ages 3–5 but all welcome. Free. More info.

Larrie's 3rd Birthday – Larrie's Merewether | 31 July
$3 smash burgers for the first 200 customers to celebrate three years. More info.

The Bone Appétit – Jana Restaurant, Newcastle | 31 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.

Vine & Dine: Torbreck Wine Pairing Dinner – Jana Restaurant, Newcastle | 31 July
Five courses and eight pours as Torbreck takes over the pours at Jana. Tickets $169. More info.

Moodwatch EP Launch – Newcastle | 31 July, from 7pm
Newcastle funk-pop band Moodwatch launch their debut EP Continental Breakfast with support from Title. and Jules of the Tide. More info.

Dan Rath: Special Trial Show – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | 31 July, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
The multi-award-winning alt-comedian returns with his best hour before filming a brand-new special. Tickets $25. More info.

Off Campus Anthems – The Exchange, Hamilton | 31 July, from 8pm
Pop throwbacks, heartbreak hits and college classics with DJs from 8pm, $6 vodkas and $12 cocktails 8–10pm. Free entry. More info.

After Hours with Glandore Wines – Local Connections, University of Newcastle, Callaghan | 31 July
A Native Australian Wine Dinner to kick off a new After Hours Series. Tickets $110. More info.

Paired at Peregrin – Peregrin Merewether | 31 July
A five-course Mudgee truffle dinner paired with Samantha May Wines as part of Peregrin's long-table dining series. Tickets $159. More info.

Basket Case: Green Day Tribute – Full Throttle Ranch, Buttai | 31 July
A Green Day tribute show at Full Throttle Ranch. Tickets $35. More info.

The Act Newcastle Presents • Kate Miller-Heidke • 'THE KISS AND THE ABYSS' Exclusive Album Preview Show - Earp Distilling Co. | Friday, 31 July 2026 6:30pm
Join Kate Miller-Heidke for a one-of-a-kind, exclusive and intimate live recorded show. A very special opportunity to experience songs of the new album 'THE KISS AND THE ABYSS' ahead of its release on August 14th. More info.

Anisa Nandaula: No Small Talk – Playhouse Newcastle | 31 July – 1 August
Anisa Nandaula brings her No Small Talk tour to Newcastle. Tickets $35.50. More info.

The Living End: I Only Trust Rock N Roll Tour – NEX Wests City, Newcastle West | 1 August, 7pm
Rock icons The Living End bring raw punk energy and three decades of hits to Newcastle. 18+. Tickets $89.90. More info.

The Drink Show – Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre, Broadmeadow | 1 August, 1:30pm – 5pm
200+ tastings of premium wines, craft spirits and emerging drinks brands with the makers on hand. Early bird tickets $19.95. 18+. More info.

2010s Party ft. Jump – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 1 August
Jump brings a full night of 2010s throwback hits to Shoal Bay. More info.

Big Night Out – The Exchange, Hamilton | 1 August, from 9pm
Big Night Out hit the stage for a huge night of music. More info.

Stand with Luke – Kahibah Sports Club, Kahibah | 1 August, 5:30pm – 10pm
A community fundraiser supporting Luke, who is battling Motor Neurone Disease, to help him enjoy time with his family and tick off his bucket list. More info.

Port Stephens Koala Hospital Fundraising Dinner – Restaurant 2317, Soldiers Point | 1 August
A quality dining evening with charity auctions raising funds for koala rescue, rehabilitation and habitat protection. Tickets $110. More info.

New Wave: Can't Gig There, Mate – 50 Clyde St, Hamilton North | 1 August, 1pm - 3pm
A hands-on workshop for Newcastle and Hunter artists and promoters building real event concepts from scratch, think unexpected venues, left-field ideas and the nuts and bolts of making them happen. Free. More info.

Camp Quality Long Lunch – Merewether Surfhouse, Merewether | 2 August, 12:30pm – 5:30pm
A two-course lunch with a four-hour premium drinks package raising funds for children living with cancer. More info.

John Hunter Children's Hospital Kids Club High Tea – Bartholomew's, Newcastle | 2 August, 1pm – 5pm
A premium three-course high tea with sparkling on arrival and blue-themed cocktails, raising funds for the Kids Club. Dress in blue. More info.

The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever – King Edward Park, Newcastle | 2 August, 12pm
Red-frocked Kates gather for the annual flashmob of frolicking and wistful fun. Free. More info.

Doing Great (Considering) – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | 2 August
Three comedic styles — stand-up, offbeat storytelling and musical comedy — unite for the Newcastle Comedy Festival. Tickets $30. More info.

Top Dog Film Festival – Tower Cinemas, Newcastle | 2 August
A collection of films celebrating dogs as heroes, healers and best friends. Tickets from $24. More info.

In Good Company Club Launch – 16 Gipps St, Carrington | 2 August, 4pm – 7pm
The launch of a new social club for people in their 20s and 30s looking to make genuine friendships. Relaxed, informal and welcoming for solo attendees. More info.

Olive Tree Market – Civic Park, Newcastle | 1 August
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.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground | 2 August
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?

Newcastle lost more than the game on Friday night. A 23-22 defeat to the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium was decided by a Daly Cherry-Evans field goal in the 77th minute. Both Dylan Brown and Dylan Lucas suffered season-ending injuries.

Lucas dislocated and fractured his left ankle in the first half and will undergo surgery. Brown ruptured his ACL early in the second half and faces reconstructive surgery followed by a lengthy rehabilitation. Both are expected to return in 2027.

Despite losing two key players, the Knights stayed in the game until the final minutes. A hard night all round.

Newcastle fell 30-12 to Brisbane on Sunday. The Knights held the Broncos to 12-all at half-time before Brisbane pulled away in the second half with three unanswered tries. Georgia Roche and Amelia Pasikala crossed for Newcastle. Former Knight Jesse Southwell converted all five Brisbane tries.

Two rounds to go and the race for September football couldn't be tighter. Maitland have already wrapped up a fifth straight minor premiership, but second place and four remaining finals spots are all still up for grabs.

The weekend's big results: The Entrance beat Cessnock 28-24 to end the Goannas' season, and Central Newcastle claimed a crucial 20-16 win over Western Suburbs on Sunday to jump into fourth. Cessnock are officially out, Western Suburbs are hanging by a thread, and Lakes United have slipped outside the five.

The standings heading into the final two rounds: Maitland 1st, South Newcastle 2nd, Kurri Kurri and Central Newcastle level on 16 points in 3rd and 4th, The Entrance 5th, Lakes United 6th, Western Suburbs and Northern Hawks both on 12 points outside the five.

Every game over the next fortnight matters. It's shaping up as a great finish to the regular season.

Newcastle were outstanding in Perth on Saturday, running out 8-3 winners over the Thunder. Yevgeni Skachkov scored just eight seconds in, and the Northstars had three goals inside six minutes before Perth could settle. They controlled the second period without conceding, and Skachkov added another in the third to seal it. The Northstars return home to face Perth again this Sunday at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium.

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