Community News
- intouch Magazine
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Discover what's happening in your local community this December - January...
GET CREATIVE AT NEWCASTLE MUSEUM'S MAKE N DO WORKSHOPS
Newcastle Museum is inviting adults to put down their devices and pick up some creative tools with the launch of Make N Do, a new hands-on workshop series designed to spark curiosity and connection.
Led by resident artist and educator Ken O'Regan, the free workshops encourage participants to explore their creativity through guided and open-ended activities inspired by history, science and the Museum's current exhibitions.
The series kicked off on Thursday, 13 November and runs each Thursday until 4 December from 2pm to 4pm, with all materials provided. The first sessions have been taking inspiration from the Model Newcastle exhibition, with participants designing and building miniature homes and imaginative structures using everyday recyclable materials.
"Make N Do gives adults permission to create for the sake of creativity," said City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird.
"It invites people to step away from their screens, slow down and explore the joy of making something with our hands."
Ms Baird said the workshops are about curiosity and experimentation rather than skill level or perfection. "When we make, we shift our focus, calm the mind and open new neural pathways. Our programs at Newcastle Museum are always well-received and highly valued by the community."
Following the initial four-week series, Make N Do will continue as an ongoing program in 2026. Group bookings and tailored workshops for community and disability support groups are also available on request.
Bookings are essential via the Museum's website. For group or accessibility enquiries, contact Newcastle Museum via enquiries@newcastlemuseum.com.au or 4974 1400.
LAKE MACQUARIE SAYS YES TO YOUNG TALENT
Lake Macquarie City Council is backing the region's brightest young stars with the launch of the Youth Excellence Sponsorship (YES!) program, investing more than $30,000 annually to help emerging talent reach their full potential. The program will offer grants of up to $1000 for teams or groups, or $300 for individuals competing at high-level or elite competition across sport, science, arts, technology and academia.
Open to Lake Macquarie residents aged under 18, the initiative is designed to break down financial barriers that can prevent young people from pursuing excellence in their chosen fields.
"We know the cost of competing at an elite level can be a major hurdle for families," said Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz.
"This program ensures our young people have the chance to shine on the biggest stages and represent Lake Macquarie with pride." Fifteen-year-old track-and-field and football star Mackenzie Preston-Poole welcomed the program, highlighting the financial pressures facing young athletes and their families.
"It does cost a lot of money for my family," she said.
"There's the travel, all the new clothes, the shoes and other things. The older athletes can get sponsorships, but it's a lot harder when you're younger, so this would be a big help."
Applicants must demonstrate exceptional achievement and commitment, providing evidence such as awards, rankings or invitations to high-level events. The $32,000 annual program also prioritises inclusion, supporting diverse pathways and inspiring community pride through youth success stories.
Applications are now open at www.lakemac.com.au/Our-Council/Grants-and-funding/Youth-Excellence-Sponsorship-Program.
NEWCASTLE SCORES BIG WITH RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2026
Newcastle is set to shine on the world stage as the city welcomes international rugby league action when the Rugby League World Cup 2026 comes to McDonald Jones Stadium next year.
The excitement kicks off on Sunday, 18 October 2026, with a thrilling double-header in Round One. Fans will witness New Zealand women take on Fiji Bulikula, followed by a barnstorming Pasifika showdown as the Fiji Bati face off against the Cook Islands in a crucial men's group match.
But that's not all – Newcastle will host the first men's and women's semi-finals on Saturday, 7 November 2026, cementing the city's reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.
"Newcastle is Rugby League heartland, and that passion will be on full display during the 2026 World Cup," said Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley.
"Watching a footy game at McDonald Jones Stadium should be on every League fan's bucket list, and the 2026 World Cup is the perfect opportunity to experience a doubleheader game day in Newcastle."
The tournament is expected to bring thousands of international visitors to the Hunter region, with an estimated economic injection of over $19 million into the NSW visitor economy. Local hotels, pubs, restaurants and businesses are set to benefit significantly from the influx of rugby league fans from around the globe. For fixture details and tickets, visit www.rlwc2026.com.
