Community News
- intouch Magazine
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Discover what's happening in your local community this July...
NEW EXHIBITION CELEBRATES GERMANSPEAKING HERITAGE IN THE HUNTER
A three-year-old girl's journey from Austria to Australia in 1955 is among the compelling stories featured in Newcastle Museum's latest exhibition, Heimat in the Hunter.
Margarete Ritchie's family odyssey across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean represents just one thread in the rich tapestry of Germanspeaking migration to the Hunter region, explored in this free exhibition developed in partnership with the University of Newcastle. Drawing on academic research by Dr Sacha Davis, Dr Jaime Hunt and Associate Professor
Julie McIntyre, the exhibition reveals that German is the tenth most common language other than English spoken in Newcastle and the Hunter.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge praised the exhibition for its contribution to preserving Newcastle's multicultural heritage.
"It is important to share and preserve stories of the communities and residents who have made Newcastle what it is today," he said.
The exhibition showcases treasured items from both the Museum's collection and family heirlooms generously loaned by community members. Margarete's story comes alive through her father, Franz Ranzenbacher's, remarkable travel album, complete with photographs, descriptions, and a hand-drawn map of their migration route from Genoa aboard the MS Aurelia.
The family sailed through the Suez Canal to Colombo in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), before reaching Fremantle and finally Sydney, where they caught a train to the Greta Migrant Camp.
"I am quite honoured to have my parents' quest to make a good home for their family in Australia, far from the turmoil in Europe in the early to mid-1950s, included in this exhibition," Mrs Ritchie said.
Another compelling story features Viennese migrant Ernst Baumwald, who fled war-torn Europe in 1939. With strict limitations on belongings, Ernst arrived with little more than clothing, German-language engineering books and his precious slide rule – items now on loan from his daughter Hedy Fairbairn.
Ernst became a civil engineer at Newcastle's State Dockyard, designing the turntable for the Southern Hemisphere's first drive-on-drive-off passenger ship, Princess of Tasmania. His technical books and slide rule remained essential tools throughout his career. City of Newcastle's Director of Museums, Archives, Libraries, and Learning, Julie Baird, emphasised the exhibition's broader significance.
"This is a history not just of German-speaking migrants, but of courage, creativity and connection, where objects
become anchors for memory, cultural continuity and the migrant experience."
Dr Sacha Davis from the University of Newcastle noted that while German-speaking migration to the region has often been overlooked, these individual stories speak to the broader migration experience in the Hunter.
"The great strength of this exhibition has been the passionate and generous involvement of the community in the telling of these stories," Dr Davis said.
Visitors are encouraged to share their own stories via QR code as part of ongoing research into German heritage language and culture in the region.
Supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, the University of Newcastle and the Australian Linguistic Society, Heimat in the Hunter runs until Sunday, 21 September at Newcastle Museum.
GET COSY FOR A CAUSE THIS JULY 25 – IT’S NATIONAL PYJAMA DAY!
Australia’s comfiest fundraiser is back! National Pyjama Day, proudly hosted by The Pyjama Foundation, is your chance to throw on your favourite PJs and help support foster kids with big dreams.
Registrations have officially opened, and The Pyjama Foundation are urging the community to get involved.
The official date for National Pyjama Day 2025 is Friday, 25 July, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there—you can host your event anytime throughout July or August and still be part of the magic.
All funds raised go directly towards helping The Pyjama Foundation recruit, screen, and train committed volunteers who work one-on one with children in foster care through the Love of Learning Program.
“Every hour, approximately two vulnerable children enter the care system in Australia,” said Bronwyn Sheehan OAM, Founder and CEO of The Pyjama Foundation.
“With support from our communities on National Pyjama Day, we can reach more of these vulnerable children and help change their futures.”
There are more than 45,000 children in out-of-home care across Australia. Currently, the Foundation can only reach about 1,300—but that number can grow with your help.
Whether you're a school, workplace, childcare centre, or community group, getting involved is easy (and comfy!).
When you register to host a Pyjama Day event, you'll receive a free Host Kit packed with posters, balloons, stickers, bunting, and everything you need to get started.
More than 250,000 Australians participate in National Pyjama Day each year—and every dollar raised goes toward providing vulnerable children with life-changing learning support and mentorship.
Get involved or register your event today at www.nationalpyjamaday.com.
THE LEVEE DELIVERS HOLIDAY EXCITEMENT WITH SHOPPING REWARDS AND FAMILY FUN
The Levee Central in Maitland is delivering the perfect blend of family entertainment, exciting prizes and local retail therapy this winter, with their popular Spend to Win campaign returning alongside the spectacular Kids Big Day Out
finale.
Running from Monday, 23 June, through Sunday, 23 July, customers spending $20 or more at participating retailers will enter the draw for two weekly $300 vouchers, plus the grand prize of a $3,300 shopping spree at The Levee.
The promotion culminates with Kids' Big Day Out taking over the precinct on Saturday, 19 July from 10am to 2pm. This complimentary event offers an adventure-filled day, featuring science experiments, live entertainment, interactive games, roaming performers, and engaging activities for the entire family.
Maitland City Council Coordinator City Events and Activations, Adam Franks, said the school holidays present an ideal opportunity to discover The Levee while supporting local businesses.
"We wanted to give families a reason to visit more than once during the school holidays, and what better way than combining exciting prizes with a fun-packed family event," Mr Franks says.
"Spend to Win is about supporting our local businesses and rewarding our community, and this year, we have over 70 participating stores. It's a fantastic excuse to pick up a coffee, do some shopping or grab a meal and maybe win big while you're at it."
"Our free, family fun day, Kids Big Day Out, will be a school holiday highlight, especially for young science lovers and curious minds."
Kids Big Day Out features live science demonstrations by the University of Newcastle's SMART team, offering children liquid nitrogen experiments, rocket launches and more. Additional attractions include hands-on reptile encounters, a life-like dinosaur enclosure and giant lawn games.
Entertainment will be staged at multiple venues throughout The Levee, encouraging families to discover the precinct while
experiencing the activities.
Some activities require bookings. Complete event information, participating store listings and Spend to Win entry details are available at www.thelevee.com.au.
