My grandmother was born in 1936 in a small country town in western New South Wales. She was one of the smartest women I’ve ever known, which is even more impressive because she never got to go to high school. She trained as a nurse and married my grandfather when she was 18. They had two children soon after.

Ask Zdenka Young what it's like running one of Newcastle's most enduring family businesses, and she laughs warmly.

Chipmunks Playland & Café Belmont is a large indoor children’s play centre located at 1 High Street, Belmont, on the site of the former Belmont Bowling Club. The venue was fully repurposed and refurbished into a two-level indoor playland and café, designed for children aged 0–11 years.

Right in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD, The Art Department’s ceramics studio is a warm reminder that creativity isn’t just for a select few—it’s for anyone willing to give it a go (and maybe get a little clay under their nails).

New signage has been installed along the Fernleigh Track to address anti‑social behaviour and help ensure the popular shared pathway remains safe and welcoming for all users.

Local community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for funding through Maitland City Council’s Biannual Community Grants Program, which supports initiatives that strengthen community connections and contribute to a connected and thriving city.

After near decimation during the lockout era, the NSW live music scene is experiencing a surge in venues offering live music and accessing vibrancy incentives including extended trading hours.

Sporting clubs in Maitland’s west will have top-tier facilities at their disposal this season, with a $3.1 million amenities building now open at Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford.

Young people aged 12 to 24 across Maitland are invited to participate in Youth Week 2026, taking place from 16 to 26 April. The week features a variety of free and low-cost events, including live music, creative workshops, outdoor adventures and skill-building activities.

Knock And Run Theatre is bringing the heartfelt and thought-provoking play I And You to local audiences this April - a funny, moving, and surprising story about connection, curiosity, and what it means to truly be alive.

The community is invited to provide feedback on Council’s draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026-2027, after it was approved to go on public exhibition at tonight’s Council meeting.

Psycho or Psychic is a playful clowning, physical theatre comedy show built from real psychic encounters. Shaped through character, movement, and storytelling, the audience is invited into the world as it unfolds.

An unexpected encounter in a French cafe is among the stories set to entertain audiences when the Lake Macquarie One Act Play Festival returns to Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba this Saturday 28 March.

Six newly hatched Little Terns are helping boost the population of their endangered species, following a successful and unexpected breeding season at Blacksmiths Beach this summer.

City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council have joined forces to progress the development of a new kerbside collection service designed to reduce the amount of food waste ending up in landfill.