LOCAL NEWS FOR THE NEWCASTLE AREA

Ahead of National Volunteer Week (18-26 May), Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF) has announced its first-ever Grassroots Volunteer Grant, with much-loved charity Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) set to receive $25,000.

City of Newcastle will use community feedback to help plan for more housing near train stations at Hamilton, Adamstown, Kotara and the Newcastle Interchange.

The Escadia Newcastle Northstars have secured six points in Canberra this weekend, defeating the Brave 6-1 on Saturday and 4-3 on Sunday.

Hunter Water’s newly upgraded Arcadia Vale reservoir has been reimagined as a striking piece of public art, celebrating local wildlife while strengthening connections with the surrounding community.

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.

Work has begun beneath Queens Wharf as preparations get underway for the safe demolition of the fire-damaged western building.

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.

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.

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.

Newcastle Knights NRL and NRLW players, alongside cheerleaders, will visit Charlestown Square this May as part of two special Thursday night shopping events.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.