Good morning Newcastle,

There's something a little different in this week's edition.

After months of teasing it, the Newcastle Tote has officially arrived. You'll find all the details below, along with registrations for our first Trivia Night and, of course, all the usual local news, events and weekend inspiration.

Have a great week,

A couple of months ago I shared a design for a Newcastle tote bag and asked what you thought.

The response was way bigger than I expected, so I decided to make them.

I spent some time finding a local supplier that could produce the quality I was after, and they're finally here.

Made from recycled canvas and featuring an illustrated map of Newcastle, it's designed to be an everyday tote you'll actually use, whether that's heading to the shops, grabbing a coffee or spending the day by the beach.

For the past couple of years, Newcastle Digest has landed in your inbox every Wednesday, helping thousands of locals discover more of our city. Creating something you could actually take with you while you're out enjoying Newcastle felt like a natural next step.

Every purchase helps support Newcastle Digest and allows me to keep the newsletter free, while building more local events, guides and projects like this.

I also wanted to keep it affordable, so the tote is $25. As a thank you for being a subscriber, the first 20 orders can use code DIGEST for $5 off, bringing it down to $20.

The nomination here was lamb shank or chorizo and cheese. I went with the lamb shank.

This is a butchery first, and like Full Throttle before it, the filling is where the priorities are clearly sitting. The pastry held together, no disasters, but it was on the softer side, lacking the structure you'd expect from a dedicated bakery. Once you taste what's inside though, it's hard to hold that against it.

The filling is genuinely unique. You can taste the lamb shank, properly and it's well seasoned and delicious throughout. It's a genuinely delicious filling. Right up there with Full Throttle for flavour, and arguably more distinctive.

No sauce. Didn't need it. Moist and tasty enough to stand completely alone.

At $8.50 it sits at the higher end of this list, but it felt premium and I didn't think twice about it. That's probably the best endorsement a price tag can get.

The X Factor is the lamb shank itself. There's nothing else on this list like it and in a series of meat pies, that's saying something.

Pastry 12/20 | Filling 17/20 | Sauce 8/10 | Value 7/10 | X Factor 8/10
Total: 52/70

Last week I mentioned we're hosting our first Newcastle Digest Trivia Night at Modus on Wednesday 30 July. A big thank you to everyone who's already grabbed a ticket.

A reminder that while it's completely free, you still need a ticket as capacity is capped. Once all the spots are claimed, that'll be it.

I'll be hosting the night and have been putting together six rounds of questions covering everything from general knowledge to Newcastle history and more. There'll also be prizes up for grabs, including one of the new Newcastle Digest tote bags.

Whether you already have a team or you're coming along solo, it'd be great to see you there.

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.

Where is the Green Sheep? – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 9–11 July, 10am & 12:30pm
Monkey Baa Theatre Company brings the classic picture book to the stage in an immersive visual theatre experience for children aged 1–6. Ticketed. More info.

Disney On Ice – Newcastle Entertainment Centre | 9–12 July
Mickey, Minnie and 50+ Disney and Pixar characters take to the ice in a brand-new production. Under 2s free on a lap. 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.

Port Stephens Winter Festival Family Fun Night – Apex Park, Nelson Bay | 11 July, 4:30pm – 8pm
A free, alcohol-free opening night with a car show drive-by, live music, dance performances, roving magic, food stalls and illuminated puppets. Free. More info.

Raffertys Coastal Run – Raffertys Resort, Cams Wharf | 11 July, 7am – 3pm
A scenic trail run from Lake Macquarie to the Catherine Hill Bay coastline. Choose from 12km, 22km or 35km, with a kids fun run also on the day. Ticketed. More info.

Stroud Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Competition - Stroud Showground | 11 July
Stroud’s iconic quirky festival returns with brick and rolling pin throwing comps, a street parade, live music, market stalls, kids’ activities, vintage cars, and country show favourites as part of the town’s 200th anniversary celebrations. More info.

Seussical JR.! – Harold Lobb Concert Hall, Newcastle Conservatorium | 11–12 July
Dr Seuss favourites come to life in a fun 60-minute musical by University of Newcastle's Ed Revue students. Saturday 6pm, Sunday 10am & 1pm. Ticketed. More info.

Kids Native Bee Hotel Workshop – Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae | 13 July, 10am – 12pm
Kids aged 8+ learn about local native bee species and build their own bee hotel to take home. Ticketed. More info.

Film: Monsters Inc. – PACC, Cessnock | 14 July, 10am – 11:30am
A school holidays cinema session showing the classic Pixar film. Tickets $5 or $18 for a family of four. More info.

Illustration Workshop with Sami Bayly – Wangi Library Creative Hub, Wangi Wangi | 14 July, 10:30am – 11:30am
Local author-illustrator Sami Bayly runs a hands-on drawing workshop for kids aged 10–16. Ticketed. More info.

Wine Tasting Night: Beyond the Label – The Press Bookhouse, Newcastle | 9–10 July
A partly blind wine tasting experience exploring Australian wines, testing your palate and uncovering the stories behind each bottle. Tickets $70. More info.

Rewind 2000s Dance Party – The Exchange, Hamilton | 10 July, from 8pm
DJ Dola and DJ Ricky Bonomini across two levels with $6 vodkas and $12 cocktails from 8–10pm. Free entry. More info.

The Bone Appétit – Jana Restaurant, Newcastle | Every Friday from 10 July, from $155
A 600g bone-in rib eye MBS 4 served with fries, salad, mustards, house jus and a bottle of South Australian red. Tickets $155. More info.

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

The Rhythm of July: Gary On Sax – St. Lucia, Newcastle | 11 July, from 7pm
Latin-inspired waterfront dining with live DJ energy, flowing cocktails and a roaming sax performance. More info.

Archie Geronimi Band – Full Throttle Ranch, Buttai | 11 July
A high-energy night of blues-rock with blazing guitar solos and a powerhouse rhythm section. Free. More info.

Knot & Grow Workshop – Botanical Social, Belmont | 11 July
A two-for-one workshop where you create your own terrarium and macrame hanger. Tickets $160. More info.

Inner Landscapes – Newcastle City Hall | 11 July
Omega Ensemble performs the world premiere of a new work by award-winning conductor Paul Stanhope alongside other contemporary classical works. Tickets $64. More info.

The Art of Nature Journaling – MAC yapang, Booragul | 11 July
A hands-on workshop with Lake Mac artist Henrietta Mooney — sketch, write, paint and explore. Tickets $80.20. More info.

The King's Songbook – Flamingo's Live, Lambton | 11 July
A premium live concert celebrating the music and legacy of Elvis Presley performed by a full live band. Tickets from $54, dinner and show packages available. More info.

Rock Rhapsody – Club Charlestown, Charlestown | 11 July, from 8:30pm
Classic rock covers from Bon Jovi, KISS, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Queen and more. Free entry. More info.

Paul Dempsey: Shotgun Karaoke – Bar on the Hill, University of Newcastle | 11 July, 7pm
Something For Kate's Paul Dempsey brings his stripped-back covers tour to Newcastle with a setlist that evolves through the night. 18+. Tickets $74.90. More info.

Heart & Soul Expo – Club Macquarie, Argenton | 11–12 July, 10:30am – 4:30pm (Sat), 10am – 4pm (Sun)
A weekend wellness expo with psychics, tarot readers, healers, crystals, handmade goods and free presentations. Tickets $5 online or $7 at the door per day. Free for under 16s with a paying adult. More info.

NAIDOC Week Koori-oke – Cardiff Bowling Club, Cardiff | 11 July, 6pm – 10:30pm
A night of karaoke, fundraising games and community spirit to close out NAIDOC Week, raising funds for the Newcastle All Blacks U16s Cook Islands Rugby Tour. $10 entry, 18+. More info.

Hidden Treasures at Miss Porter's House Museum – Miss Porter's House Museum, Newcastle West | 12 July, 1pm – 4pm
Discover rarely seen objects from the Porter Family's nationally recognised collection, including replica notebooks, albums and personal objects. Tickets: adults $12, concessions $10, family $34, NT members and under 5s free.

Nations Championship: Japan vs Ireland – McDonald Jones Stadium | 11 July, 8pm
International rugby comes to Newcastle with Japan taking on Ireland under lights. More info.

Ta-Ta's & Tinnies – Redhead Bowling Club, Redhead | 10 July
A family-friendly community fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation, hosted by a local woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Raffles, prizes, drinks and community spirit. More info.

NAIDOC Week Koori-oke – Cardiff Bowling Club, Cardiff | 11 July, 6pm – 10:30pm
A night of karaoke, fundraising games and community spirit to close out NAIDOC Week, raising funds for the Newcastle All Blacks U16s Cook Islands Rugby Tour. $10 entry, 18+. More info.

Queen The Show – Club Macquarie, Argenton | 10 July, 8pm – 10:30pm
A two-hour Queen tribute show with authentic costumes, a huge video wall and big concert sound performing all the classics. 18+. Tickets $40. More info.

Newcastle Comedy Club Showcase – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | 10 July, 8pm – 10:30pm
Five to six acts from local, Sydney, interstate and international comedians. 16+ with parental discretion. Tickets from $32.35.

Saturday Night Comedy Club Showcase – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | 12 July, from 8:30pm
Five to six acts from local, Sydney, interstate and international comedians. 16+ with parental discretion. Tickets from $32.35.

Port Stephens Car Show – Nelson Bay | 12 July, 10am – 3pm
Over 400 classic and modern vehicles on display as part of Winterfest Port Stephens. Free. More info.

Abbie Chatfield Loves Men – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 14 July, 7pm
Sharp comedy and cultural commentary on modern masculinity, dating and podcast philosophers, with games, guest interviews and chaotic moments. Tickets from $69.90. More info.

Damon Poppleton Jazz Quartet – The Grand Hotel, Newcastle | 14 July
Sydney saxophonist Damon Poppleton performs original music alongside jazz classics. Tickets $25, $20 for NIMA members. More info.

Bastille Day at The Anchorage – The Galley Kitchen, Corlette | 14 July
Veuve Clicquot on arrival, canapés, a five-course French-inspired menu and live music for France's national day. Tickets $169. 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.

Homegrown Markets – The Station, Newcastle | 11 July, 10am – 2pm
Newy's biggest handmade and design market with 100+ stalls, street food, live music, permanent jewellery bar and face painting. More info.

Warners Bay Markets – The Esplanade, Warners Bay | 11 July
The monthly foreshore market returns, now trading on the second Saturday of the month. More info.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground | 12 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?

Dylan Brown's first ever NRL field goal in the 76th minute lifted Newcastle to a dramatic 13-12 win over the Dolphins on Saturday, ending their eight-game winning streak. The Dolphins dominated possession in the second half but couldn't find a way through a determined Knights defence. Jacob Saifiti went off early with a hamstring injury, adding to Newcastle's growing injury list, but the Knights held on. They sit firmly in the top four after 18 rounds, a remarkable turnaround from last year's wooden spoon.

The Knights Women got their NRLW season off to a winning start, grinding past Cronulla 18-4 at Ocean Protect Stadium on Thursday. Three tries to one in a physical clash that featured two sin bins and plenty of niggle. Kirra Dibb was impressive at five-eighth and Shanice Parker crossed for the opening try. Next up, Sydney Roosters away on July 11.

Kurri Kurri produced the upset of the round, beating Lakes United 24-16 at The Graveyard to move into third. They led 20-6 at half-time and held on despite a strong Lakes comeback. Maitland continued their unbeaten run with a clinical 28-0 win over Northern Hawks. Western Suburbs got back to winning ways over South Newcastle 16-8, while Macquarie caused an upset defeating Central Newcastle 14-6. The Entrance bounced back to beat Cessnock 22-12 on Sunday.

Last week's trivia question asked what Stockton was originally known as by European settlers. The answer is Pirate Point, and the story behind the name is one of Newcastle's most fascinating.

In November 1800, fifteen convicts seized the Norfolk at Broken Bay. This wasn't just any ship. The Norfolk had previously carried Matthew Flinders and George Bass on the voyage that proved Tasmania was an island, one of the most significant achievements in Australian exploration.

The convicts hoped to sail north and reach the Dutch settlements in Indonesia. Instead, a storm forced them into the Hunter River, where they ran the Norfolk aground on the southern tip of what is now Stockton.

Some escaped into the bush, while others surrendered. The daring escape alarmed the colonial government, which quickly introduced tougher anti-piracy measures, including orders that captains should scuttle their own vessels rather than allow them to be captured.

Seven of the fifteen convicts were eventually sent to Norfolk Island as punishment, the very place where the Norfolk had originally been built.

The headland became known as Pirate Point, a name that remained long after the wreck. When the surrounding settlement was officially named Stockton in 1862, Pirate Point continued as the name of the point itself.

Long before European settlement, the area was known to the Worimi people as Burrabihngarn. Today, both Burrabihngarn and Pirate Point are officially recognised by the NSW Geographic Names Board, and a plaque installed in 1999 marks the site where the Norfolk came to rest over 225 years ago.