Good morning Newcastle,

Hope you've had a good week.

Plenty happening around Newcastle this week, with some big local news, new places to check out and plenty happening across the city this weekend.

Enjoy!

Chiefly has been somewhere I've been meaning to try for a long time. It's often put up alongside Arno's Deli as having some of the best sandwiches in town. They're slightly different styles, with Chiefly's coming in a long roll format rather than the Italian-style paninis.

I got the Bourdain, which came with grilled mortadella and hot salami, melted provolone and grana padano over crispy lettuce, topped with habanero marmalade and peperoncinos. Overall, it was a great sandwich, unique and very flavoursome. It was $22 though, which for a good sandwich these days is unfortunately pretty standard.

You have two options for sizes, whole or half. The drinks are a basic selection with no speciality cafe drinks, so their focus is definitely on the sandwiches, and they do them well.

Definitely worth trying for lunch, whether you're in town or heading to their Islington store.

📍 6 Stewart Ave, Newcastle West

House of Roast Darby Street closing
House of Roast's Darby Street location is in its final days, open Wednesday to Sunday with in-store deals while it lasts. Their Cardiff and Rutherford stores remain open daily from 6am.

Meet. closing after 11 years
After 11 years, Meet. will serve its final meal on Saturday 17 October. If you've been meaning to go back, now is the time. Book a table while you still can.

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Our Throsby Seafood Festival – Pier 97 / Fishermen’s Co-op / NCYC, Wickham | Sat 12 Sep, 11am–5pm Inaugural harbour seafood party with demos, maker stalls, pontoon music, a family zone, and optional working-harbour boat tours. Free entry (boat tours $10pp). Get tickets

Our Throsby Seafood Trail – Wickham / Carrington / Maryville / Islington / Mayfield | Fri 11–Sun 13 Sep (trail runs 7–13 Sep) Eat-your-way trail across the five Throsby villages ahead of and around seafood specials. Price varies by venue. More info.

Surfing the Spectrum – Nobbys Beach, Newcastle East | Sat 12 Sep, 9am–12pm Free learn-to-surf clinic for autistic youth and siblings, with coaches and volunteers. Free (registration required). Get tickets.

Hunter Valley Martial Arts Open Day – Warners Bay, Green Hills, Morisset, Redhead, Waratah, Maryland | Sat 12–Sun 13 Sep, 9am–12pm Try sessions for kids, teens and adults across six centres. More info.

Mr Squiggle and Friends – Newcastle Museum, Newcastle | Sat–Sun 12–13 Sep (ongoing to 1 Nov) National-tour exhibition of Norman Hetherington’s puppets and props. Free. More info

NEURODIVERSE – MAP mima, Speers Point | Sat–Sun 12–13 Sep (exhibition to 20 Sep) Immersive 360° projection cube show by neurodivergent regional NSW artists. Free. More info.

Lake Mac Run – Lake Macquarie Foreshore, Warners Bay | Sun 13 Sep, from 7am Half marathon, 10.5km and 4km Family Scamper on a mostly flat foreshore course. Ticketed. More info.

ART PLAY at MAP mima – Multi-Arts Pavilion, Speers Point | Sun 13 Sep, 10–11.30am Guided look at the current show then a hands-on family art activity. Free (bookings required). More info.

Broke Village Fair & Vintage Car Display – McNamara Park, Broke | Sun 13 Sep, 9am–2pm Country fair with jumping castle, roaming entertainers, vintage cars and free Bulga Open Cut mine tours. Gold coin. More info.

Loca Vida – Spiegeltent, Civic Park | Fri 11 Sep 6pm & 8:15pm; Sat 12 Sep 5pm & 7:45pm; Sun 13 Sep 5:30pm Strut & Fret’s new circus-cabaret (18+) — brass, aerials and international cast, through 4 Oct. From ~$80 GA. More info.

Menopause The Musical – Civic Theatre | Fri 11 Sep 7:30pm; Sat 12 Sep 2pm & 7:30pm; Sun 13 Sep 2pm Global hit musical comedy of ’60s–’80s song parodies about “the change” (15+). From $79.90. More info.

The Lifespan of a Fact – Playhouse, Civic Theatre | Fri 11 Sep 7:30pm; Sat 12 Sep 2pm & 7:30pm Broadway comedy about fact-checking, truth and storytelling; Fri includes company Q&A (14+). From $42. More info.

Old Friends – Flamingos Live, Newcastle | Fri 11 Sep, 8:30pm Mark Trevorrow, Rupert Noffs and Bev Kennedy with guest Amber Martin. Ticketed. Get tickets.

NBC Presents: Big Thumping Bass Cannon – The Gal / LVL One, Hamilton | Fri 11 Sep, 6pm–midnight Newy Bass Crew cross-spectrum bass night (drum & bass, jungle, dubstep and more) with Flomax, IMPRV, KreliaS and others. Ticketed.

Drink & Draw Botanica – Leda Gallery, Newcastle West | Fri 11 Sep, 6–8pm Life drawing with botanical model styling by The Naked Florist; materials + drinks/nibbles. $80. More info

Kingsley Winter Lodge – Ms Mary terrace, Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle | Fri 11–Sat 12 Sep (season ends Sat 12) Last weekend of the private heated dining domes — share Winter Warmers menu, cocktail on arrival, 3pm / 5.30pm / 8pm sittings (groups of 4+). $120pp. More info.

Wendy Sharpe: Into the Dark – The Lock-Up, Newcastle | through Sun 13 Sep Closing weekend of Sharpe’s immersive mural/labyrinth show. Free. More info.

Dear Seattle (with Seahaven) – King Street Warehouse, Newcastle West | Sat 12 Sep, 7pm Sydney punk/indie with US guests Seahaven on their debut Aus visit (18+). Ticketed. More info:

Dropsaw 20th Anniversary – Hamilton Station Hotel | Sat 12 Sep, 7:30pm doors Local hardcore milestone with Grim Reality, Latest God, L.O.W. and DISCO. Ticketed. More info.

day2night VOL.3 – The Lass, Newcastle | Sat 12 Sep, 6:30pm DJ night with Mika Heggemann and friends. Ticketed. Get tickets

Fathom Guinness World Record attempt – Hamilton Station Hotel Front Bar | Sat 12 Sep, 12:15pm Daytime heavy set billed as a Guinness WR attempt. Free. More info.

Fade Into You – Flamingos Live, Newcastle | Sun 13 Sep, 2pm Sophie Jones, Amy Vee and Anna Weatherup. Ticketed. Get tickets

MOUTHTRAP (Tanya Sparke) – Adamstown Uniting Church Bunker | Sun 13 Sep, 3pm Tanya Sparke’s MOUTHTRAP show in the Bunker. Ticketed. Get tickets

Old Hollywood Murder Mystery Cruise – MV Calmer, Queens Wharf | Sun 13 Sep, 12pm–4pm (check-in 11:30am) Interactive 18+ harbour cruise with bubbly, 3-course lunch and whodunnit (“Powar & Greede”). ~$131. Get tickets

Messy play with The Discovery Den – 1st Merewether Scouts Smith St Hall, Newcastle West | Fri 11 Sep, 9:30–10:45am Fortnightly playgroup with 6–7 messy play stations; organisers supply the mess. Ticketed. Get tickets

NEUROAUTHENTIC BEINGS (Neurodiverse) – MAP mima, Speers Point | Fri 11–Sun 13 Sep, 9am–2pm Immersive 360° projection by The Useless Assembly with Doug Heslop. Free. More info

van Ooze – King Street Warehouse, Newcastle West | Fri 11 Sep, 8pm Debut-album hip-hop headline (18+). GA $39.90. More info

D’Vine Food & Wine Festival – Hermitage Rd / Pokolbin | Fri 11–Sun 13 Sep Meet-your-makers weekend of cellar doors and ticketed experiences (shuttle Sat). Adult registration $35. Get tickets

Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Winemakers’ Showcase – The Beltree, Pokolbin | Fri 11 Sep, 6–9pm D’Vine opening night: 10 makers, paired canapés and wines (festival reg required). $130. Get tickets

Seaside Creations: Surf-Inspired Resin Picnic Tables – Allettare Dezigns, Cardiff | Fri 11 Sep, 6–9:30pm Hands-on resin picnic-table workshop; materials and snacks included. From ~$235. Get tickets

Drag Bingo Afloat hosted by Timberlina – MV Calmer, Queens Wharf | Sat 12 Sep, 11:30am–2:30pm 18+ harbour cruise with drag bingo, disco and prizes. From ~$40–$59. Sold out. Get tickets

DJ & Dumplings – Latitude 32 Wines, Pokolbin | Sat 12 Sep, 11am–5pm DJ Big Rex plus dumpling truck among the vines (D’Vine reg required). Get tickets

The Perfect Match: Restaurant Botanica × Winemakers – Restaurant Botanica, Pokolbin | Sat 12 Sep, 6:30–9pm 4-course wine-matched degustation with Hermitage makers (D’Vine reg required). $195. Get tickets

Newcastle Pro Wrestling – FIGHT KNIGHT! – Warners Bay Theatre | Sat 12 Sep, 7:30pm (doors 7pm) Live pro wrestling with championships and tags; assigned seating. From ~$38. Get tickets

Haunted Flamingos Theatre Restaurant Paranormal Investigation – Flamingos Live, Lambton | Sun 13 Sep, 7–9pm Structured ghost investigation of the 1910 Art Deco hall (17+). $65. Get tickets

Puppy Pilates – Lot 19 Wickham | Sun 13 Sep, 9–10am Gentle Pilates with Dog Rescue Newcastle pups; profits to rescue. ~$60. Get tickets

Springtime at Miss Porter’s House – Miss Porter’s House Museum, Newcastle West | Sun 13 Sep, 1–4pm Rare Edwardian house and town garden open day: floral displays, historic fernery, plant stall and Clever Detective Game for kids. Adults $12 / Conc $10 / Family $34 / NT members and under-5s free. More info

Homegrown Markets The Station – The Station, Newcastle | Sat 12 Sep, 10am–2pm 100+ handmade, design and gourmet stalls on the old rail tracks, plus street food, live music, kids craft/game zone and face painting. Free entry. More info

Glendale Farmers and Artisans Market – Stockland Glendale | Sat 12 Sep, 8am–2pm Weekly undercover produce and artisan market with street food and live music. Free. More info

Handmade in the Hunter – Sobels Wines, Pokolbin | Sat 12 Sep, 9am–2pm Hunter makers in the Sobels gardens — produce, craft and food among the vines. Free. More info

Hamilton Hawker Street Markets (Spring) – Nyiirunba Park, Hamilton | Sat 12 Sep, 5pm–9pm Neon night-market debut in the upgraded park: street food, live music, roaming performers, sideshow alley, face painting and free kids’ treats. Free. More info

Medowie Artisan Markets – Bull and Bush Hotel, Medowie | Sat 12 Sep, 8am–12:30pm Early Port Stephens artisan market at the Bull and Bush. Free. More info

Homegrown Markets Maitland – Harold Gregson Park, Maitland | Sun 13 Sep, 10am–2pm Handmade/eco stalls, street food and kids zone in the park. Free. More info

Tomaree Markets – Neil Carroll Park, Nelson Bay | Sun 13 Sep, 9am–1pm Second-Sunday family market with food, coffee and free parking. Free. More info

Pokolbin Market – 691 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin | Sun 13 Sep, 8am–1pm Weekly Hunter produce, baked goods, crafts, antiques and flowers (D’Vine festival weekend extras on site). Free. More info

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Newcastle Showground, Broadmeadow | Sun 13 Sep, 7am–1pm Undercover weekly market of local produce, meat, seafood, bakery and makers. Free. More info

Lions Club of Adamstown Sunday Markets – 201 Brunker Rd, Broadmeadow | Sun 13 Sep, 7am–1pm Long-running volunteer market (since 1987) — produce, stalls and fundraising for local causes. Free. More info

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

One of Merewether's most loved pubs is preparing to reopen after more than three years away. The Burwood Inn, affectionately known as The Zoo, was gutted by fire in June 2023 when a blaze ripped through the kitchen of the 1870s heritage building on Berner Street.

Owner John Palmieri has spent the past few years carrying out a multi-million dollar restoration, with works done carefully to preserve the heritage character of the venue. The refurbishment includes reinstating a restaurant, kitchen, cafe, lounge and outdoor courtyard.

The pub has started recruiting staff across front and back of house, which suggests reopening is getting close. Expected before the end of the year. Locals are already hoping the classic pub steak and Wednesday night trivia make a return.

Good news for Merewether.

Newcastle Airport has recorded its busiest year ever, with 1.3 million passengers travelling through the airport in the 2025-26 financial year. That's a 10 per cent increase on the previous year, driven largely by new routes to Bali, Perth and Hobart, which together added more than 94,000 passenger movements.

July was also the airport's busiest July on record, and Newcastle Airport was recently named Australia's Airport of the Year.

The next things on the wishlist are Fiji and Auckland, although neither route has been confirmed yet. The airport is making the case to airlines that there's enough demand in the Hunter to support more international routes, and numbers like these certainly help.

It's a pretty good result for the region. More people are choosing to fly from Newcastle rather than Sydney, and honestly, who wouldn't if the option is there?

Which brings us to a quick question for this week 👇

University claimed the men's Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union premiership with a 22-17 win over Merewether Carlton at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Wanderers won the women's title 34-26 over Merewether Carlton.

NRLW Knights close in on finals

Newcastle put 56 points on Canterbury at McDonald Jones Stadium, with Tayla Predebon bagging a hat-trick and Fane Finau a double among ten try scorers. The Knights sit fifth.

NEWRL Grand Final

South Newcastle Lions are the 2026 Newcastle Rugby League premiers, defeating Maitland 18-16 in a tight grand final at McDonald Jones Stadium. Maitland's run of five consecutive minor premierships ended without a title.

NRL Finals Draw

The Knights head to Allianz Stadium to face South Sydney in an elimination final on Friday 11 September, kick off 7:50pm.

Northern NSW NPL

Kahibah retained their NPL spot with a 2-1 win over Newcastle Croatia in the promotion final. Maitland defeated Broadmeadow Magic 1-0 in the preliminary final.

Black Diamond AFL

Killarney Vale defeated Cardiff 104-31 and Nelson Bay edged Warners Bay 67-58 in the elimination finals. Semi finals are next Saturday with Newcastle City facing Nelson Bay and Terrigal Avoca taking on Killarney Vale.