

Foreshore rehabilitation partnership gets to the point
Lake Macquarie City Council has joined forces with Biraban Local Aboriginal Land Council to preserve one of the city’s most scenic stretches of lakeside land.


Transformation of iconic harbourfront precinct takes next step
Work has begun beneath Queens Wharf as preparations get underway for the safe demolition of the fire-damaged western building.


What If She Didn't Die? The West End Hit That's Rewriting History
When & Juliet arrives at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre this June, it brings with it the glittering credentials of a global phenomenon. Since its 2019 premiere, this irreverent reimagining of Shakespeare's most famous tragedy has conquered the West End, Broadway, and stages across the globe, winning three Olivier Awards and earning nine Tony nominations along the way.


FLiCKERFEST 2026: 35th International Short Film Festival on Tour
Celebrating 35 years in 2026, Flickerfest remains Australia’s leading Academy® Qualifying and BAFTA Recognised short film festival, ensuring that we continue to present A-list short film programmes recognised amongst the best in the world with films hand-picked from the festival’s record 3,700+ entries!


Hidden details of Newcastle’s late 1800s revealed through digital preservation project
Previously unseen details from thousands of historic photographs are being revealed for the first time following a five-year digitisation project by City of Newcastle.


Smart Water Choices encouraged as Lower Hunter records highest April usage in 20 years
Hunter Water is urging customers to make Smart Water Choices as the Lower Hunter records its highest April water usage in 20 years, alongside declining dam levels and ongoing dry conditions.


From bush tucker gardens to frog detectives: Council funds culture, community and clever research
Lake Macquarie City Council has recommended funding 27 community and school‑led projects to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026, alongside four university research projects tackling everything from low‑carbon construction to amphibian disease monitoring.


Knights fever comes to Charlestown Square for winter shopping nights in May
Newcastle Knights NRL and NRLW players, alongside cheerleaders, will visit Charlestown Square this May as part of two special Thursday night shopping events.


$75000 for West Best Bloc Fest
The Minns Labor Government is driving long-term viability and growth in the live music industry by supporting events and venues to build audiences through local music festivals, all ages gigs, digital platforms and content.


2026 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards
The Prosperity Advisers 2026 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards have drawn an unprecedented number of entries across 12 categories, shining a spotlight on the strength and diversity of the region’s hospitality venues, tourism operators and industry partners. With so many high-quality submissions to consider, judges have been carefully assessing each entry to determine this year’s standouts.


Trauma, renewal and the grounding force of fire in new exhibition at MRAG
Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) presents Fire Scars, a powerful new solo exhibition by photographer Renae Saxby exploring fire as both a destructive and regenerative force.


Work ramps up to improve lake access for boaties
Work is underway on a $2 million transformation to Blacksmiths boat ramp – one of the most popular gateways for anglers and other boaties using Swansea Channel.


The Bugs: A Hilarious, Bug-Fueled Satire of Ecological Chaos
Hunter Drama is bringing the battle to the stage with The Bugs, a riotous comedy by acclaimed American playwright Don Zolidis that blends ecological chaos, labour disputes, and a dash of Greek mythology into a fast-paced theatrical adventure.


Bestselling authors join Write Here 2026
The two scribes are among a host of literary luminaries set to feature at this year’s Write Here Festival, celebrating all things reading and writing from 15-17 May.


“YOU GOT IT!” – A Salute to Roy Orbison Returning to Cessnock this May
After captivating local audiences with standing ovations and glowing reviews, the internationally acclaimed production “You Got It! – A Salute to Roy Orbison” is returning to Cessnock this May for one unforgettable night at PACC.

































































































