Carol Duncan OAM announced as Ambassador for Newcastle Fringe’s AusArt Giving Day Campaign – FRINGE FOR ALL!

Newcastle Fringe Festival has announced Carol Duncan OAM, respected broadcaster, Newcastle City Freeman, and Newcastle Fringe Board Member, as Ambassador for its 2025 Fringe for All! fundraising campaign, part of Creative Australia’s national AusArt Giving Day initiative this October.

The Fringe for All! campaign aims to raise $5,000 by October 23 to fund 150 gifted tickets for local community members who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live performance. Through partnerships with community and charitable organisations such as Hunter Multicultural Communities, Newcastle Fringe will distribute tickets to help make the festival’s vibrant program more inclusive and accessible.

“Art has the power to connect us, inspire us and remind us of our shared humanity,” said Carol Duncan OAM. “Fringe for All ensures that everyone, regardless of circumstance, can be part of that joy. I’m proud to support a campaign that opens doors and fills seats with laughter, energy and community spirit.”

Running as part of Creative Australia’s AusArt Giving Day, the campaign encourages Australians to donate to the arts and help grow a culture of community giving. Every $30 donation will gift one ticket to a Newcastle Fringe performance, creating opportunities for connection and inclusion through live arts experiences.

Newcastle Fringe Festival Director Brooke Twyford said the campaign reflects the festival’s belief that art should be accessible to everyone.

“Fringe has always been about creativity, inclusion and community. With the support of AusArt Giving Day and generous donors, we can share that experience more widely - with people who might never have had the chance to attend a live show.”

Now in its tenth year, Newcastle Fringe Festival has become one of the Hunter’s most dynamic and diverse arts events, providing a platform for independent artists across theatre, music, cabaret, comedy and all performing arts.

Donations can be made via https://givenow.com.au/newcastlefringe.All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

FAST FACTS:

• Campaign: Fringe for All! - Newcastle Fringe’s AusArt Giving Day initiative

• Goal: Raise $5,000 by October 23 to gift 150 tickets

• Ambassador: Carol Duncan OAM, Newcastle Fringe Board Member, Freeman of the City of Newcastle, former ABC broadcaster

• Community Partners: Hunter Multicultural Communities (and others to be confirmed)

• Donation Link: https://givenow.com.au/newcastlefringe

  
  

ABOUT CAROL DUNCAN OAM

Carol Duncan is a respected journalist, broadcaster, and community advocate with a long career in media and the arts. A Freeman of the City of Newcastle, Carol has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to local arts and culture, and for her advocacy in storytelling, inclusion and civic engagement. As a Newcastle Fringe Board Member, she continues to champion opportunities that connect communities through creativity.

ABOUT AUSART GIVING DAY

AusArt Giving Day is a national initiative led by Creative Australia to strengthen philanthropic support for the arts. Taking place on October 23, it encourages donations to arts organisations across the country, amplifying the impact of local creativity and ensuring more Australians can experience the transformative power of the arts.