I S S U E # 1 2 2 | S PR I NG 20 26
NEWCASTLE • LAKE MACQUARIE • HUNTER VALLEY • PORT STEPHENS
LET IT GLOW! Frozen Lights Up Newcastle
PLUS...
CRAZY LIFE, WILD RIDE Loca Vida hits the Spiegeltent NEWCASTLE IN A NEW LIGHT New Annual is back! FIERCE AND FABULOUS Priscilla Queen of the Desert 50 YEARS OF HITS Air Supply LIFESTYLE > ENTERTAINMENT > DINING > COMMUNITY > TRAVEL > FAMILY > HEALTH > HOME > PROPERTY
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From the Editor
Spring has arrived in Newcastle, and this issue of intouch is overflowing with things to look forward to. From world-class musical theatre and circus spectacle to outdoor festivals and iconic live music, there is so much happening in our city this season - and we could not be more excited to share it all with you. Our cover story this issue is one we have been looking forward to for a long time. Disney's Frozen The Broadway Musical comes to Civic Theatre Newcastle for a strictly limited season, and with all the songs you know and love alongside brilliant new additions to the score, this is Frozen on a scale that promises to be genuinely spectacular. Newcastle favourites Zoe Walker and Felicity Beale lead the cast as Elsa and Anna, and from everything we have heard about this production, it is going to be something very special indeed. Full details on page 16. If you are looking for something a little wilder, Loca Vida - the newest cabaret-circus spectacular from Strut & Fret - is at The Spiegeltent in Civic Park for a limited season. With an international cast spanning Australia, Cuba, Spain and the USA, jaw-dropping circus, high-energy choreography and more than a little old-school showbiz glamour, this is the kind of show that takes over a room completely. It is also one of the headline events of this year's New Annual festival, which transforms beaches, ocean baths, laneways and parks across the city with 402 artists and 40 events. Head to page 22 for the Loca Vida feature, and page 25 for everything you need to know about New Annual. There is also a fantastic season of theatre at the Civic this spring, including Shake & Stir's darkly brilliant GRIMM, Jonathan Biggins returning in the acclaimed political satire The Gospel According to Paul, breathtaking contemporary circus from Wolf by Circa, and local company Cats in the Cupboard Productions with the deeply affecting new work She, Her and I. Full details on page 20. And looking ahead to the end of the year - Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical is coming to Civic Theatre Newcastle, courtesy of Chookas Entertainment. Five shows only, a ten-piece live orchestra, a fearless cast and the greatest disco soundtrack ever assembled. This one is going to be a party. Page 29 has everything you need to know. Finally, two incredible live music moments to have on your radar: Anthony Callea brings his intimate Connection Tour to the Civic on page 24, and Air Supply celebrates 50 years of hits at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on page 28. Both are very different nights out, but neither is to be missed. What a season (and Summer is just around the corner)! Enjoy every moment of it.
Publisher Two Tribes Media Address 297 Brunker Road, Adamstown, NSW 2289 Web www.intouchmagazine.com.au Email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Advertising Sales 0432 195 942 Editorial Enquiries 0439 496 403 Artwork Enquiries 0406 503 088 © Copyright 2026 Two Tribes Media. Published monthly by Two Tribes Media. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, Two Tribes Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.
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Contents
ISSUE #122 | SPRING 2026 16 20 22 25
Let it Glow! | Frozen Lights Up Newcastle
26 28 29 30
Anthony Callea Brings The Connection Tour to Newcastle
What's On At Newcastle's Civic Theatre? Welcome to the Crazy Life as Loca Vida Hits the Spiegeltent Newcastle in a New Light | New Annual Returns for a Sixth Year of Art, Music and Ideas Air Supply Bring 50 Years of Hits to Newcastle Priscilla: The Musical | Fierce, Fabulous and Newcastle-Bound! More Than a Cellar Door | Latitude 32 Rewriting the Wine Experience
33
The Fresh Start Effect: Why Spring Is the Best Time to Build Healthy Habits
34 36 37 37
From Skylines to Skulls A Slice of Paris Hammer, Anvil, Heart | The Story of Cosy Iron Design More Opportunities Ahead for Local Young People Cruise Newcastle | Volunteer Today!
REGULARS
6 30 33 38
What's On This Spring Eat Drink Travel Family & Community Trades & Services Directory
Publisher Two Tribes Media
Managing Editor Di von Essen
Advertising Quentin von Essen Rosie Hoad
Features Writer Liane Morris
Graphic Design Kirralee Pearce
Contributors Rosie Hoad Urth Fitness
GET MOBILE! View this month’s Issue of intouch Magazine on your phone, tablet or computer. SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT www.intouchmagazine.com.au Facebook intouchmagazines Instagram intouchmagazines
ON THE COVER
One of the biggest entertainment phenomena in Disney history is coming to Newcastle. Disney's Frozen The Broadway Musical arrives at Civic Theatre Newcastle for a strictly limited season this October, with a cast of 30 performers, a 14-piece orchestra, spectacular sets, lavish costumes and magical special effects bringing the beloved story of Elsa and Anna to life on a scale that goes well beyond the screen. Read more on page 16. [Image Credit: Peter Stoop & Jason JJ Jamieson]
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What's On THIS SPRING Source: Diesel Music
Source: Strut & Fret
LOCA VIDA
DIESEL BY REQUEST
▲ FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER AT CIVIC THEATRE DIESEL's By Request tour is going regionally again, and the setlist is entirely up to you. Spanning his career from Johnny Diesel & The Injectors to Bootleg Melancholy, each intimate show is shaped by the audience in real time. No two nights are alike. Book now and start requesting songs today at www.dieselmusic.com.au.
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• WHAT'S ON
▲ FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 4
OCTOBER AT SPIEGELTENT NEWCASTLE (CIVIC PARK) Pull back the velvet curtain on sky-high artistry and choreography from the acclaimed producers Strut & Fret. As the creators of Blanc de Blanc Encore, this wild, seductive night of world-class circus and entertainment shines inside the glittering Spiegeltent and is set to be a night you won’t forget. Book now, visit www.strutnfret.com.
Source: PACC
TONI CHILDS ‘GREATEST HITS LIVE’
▲ SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER AT
PERFORMANCE ARTS CULTURE CESSNOCK Toni Childs will perform a special two-hour show celebrating her remarkable musical journey. Audiences can look forward to hearing beloved classics including Don't Walk Away, Stop Your Fussin', Zimbabwe, I've Got to Go Now and Because You're Beautiful. Book now, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
Source: Knock and Run Theatre
Source: Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival Sentinel Steve Coburn
SPRING
GIG GUIDE THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER Davisson Brothers Band Flamingos Live SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER Toni Childs PACC
THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT
FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER MKTO King Street Hotel
▲ WEDNESDAY 9 - 12 SEPTEMBER AT
CIVIC THEATRE Harvard grad Jim Fingal fact-checks celebrated writer John D'Agata's latest essay, only to uncover fabrications from sentence one. Their clash sparks a witty debate on truth versus storytelling. Directed by Patrick Campbell, starring Angela Robertson, James Chapman and Carl Caulfield, this sharp Broadway comedy makes its Newcastle debut. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
ILLUMINATE
■ SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER AT
BOOMERANG PARK, RAYMOND TERRACE Featuring stunning light installations, live entertainment, food and free family-friendly activities, Illuminate is expected to draw over 5000 people in celebration of everything that makes Raymond Terrace unique. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
We make every effort possible to be correct, however events do change. Please check individual events online before planning.
WOLLOMBI VALLEY SCULPTURE FESTIVAL
▲ SATURDAY 12 – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
AT WOLLOMBI VALLEY Discover sculpture in unexpected places throughout the historic Wollombi Valley, from village streets to open bushland and vineyards. Featuring leading Australian and international sculptors alongside emerging artists, this celebrated NSW festival offers an outdoor sculpture trail, indoor exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops, set among stunning heritage landscapes, with works available for purchase. Find out more information at www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au.
MACY GRAY LIVE
■ SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER AT
THE STATION Following her sold-out 2024 Australian tour, Macy Gray returns for her largest ever regional tour. Expect a career-spanning celebration of hits from one of soul music's most distinctive and enduring voices. For more information, visit www.macygraylive.com.au.
FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER GANGgajang King Street Hotel FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER Kesha & Kehlani Shoal Bay Country Club SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER Macy Gray Shoal Bay Country Club TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER Guttermouth The Hamilton Station Hotel SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER Lazy Eyes The Stag & Hunter Hotel FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER Mudhoney King Street Hotel THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER Conrad Sewell Flamingos Live FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER Viper Creek Band Muswellbrook RSL SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks Wests, Nelson Bay THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER Killswitch Engage Bar on the Hill SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER Frenzal Rhomb The Hamilton Station Hotel SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER Little Hornet Flamingos Live
WHAT'S ON •
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What's On THIS SPRING BLUEY’S BIG PLAY
Source: The Valley Brewhouse
Source: Musica Viva
■ SATURDAY 19 – SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
AT CIVIC THEATRE Bluey's Big Play leaps off the screen and onto the stage! Join Bluey, Bingo, and the whole family in an all-new story from creator Joe Brumm, featuring larger-than-life puppets and original music. When Dad just wants a quiet afternoon on the bean bag, the pups have other plans, sparking a hilarious, heartfelt adventure the whole family will love. Book now, visit www.blueylive.com.
Source: HVG
SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
▲ SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 11
OCTOBER AT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS Wander ten themed gardens, meet baby lambs, wander through a live butterfly aviary, and discover the buzzing world of bees. Little ones will love daisy chain making, face painting and amusement rides, while green thumbs can soak up horticultural talks, bonsai workshops and nursery finds. For more information, visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au.
BOOTS AND BASS
▲ SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER AT
THE VALLEY BREWHOUSE Get your boots on this September for a day packed with live country music, from Viper Creek Band, Whiskeyfyre, Dirt Road Tribute Band, and Lucy Watson. Enjoy bucking bull rides, face painting, a jumping castle, and smoked meats, with bands on the lawn from 4:30pm. Book your tickets now; visit tvbh.com.au.
TASTE OF THE HUNTER VALLEY
■ SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER AT
THE STATION The best of the Hunter Valley comes to the foreshore this Spring, highlighting the local wineries, distillers, chefs and market stalls all in one place. Discover stage tastings, mini golf, lawn games, jumping castles and food trucks, it's a full day out for the whole family. Book now, visit www.events.humanitix.com.
PAUL LEWIS: MOZART+
▲ WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER AT NEWCASTLE CITY HALL British concert pianist Paul Lewis, acclaimed for his Beethoven and Schubert, now turns to Mozart's piano sonatas; works he believes are unfairly overshadowed by the concertos. This recital juxtaposes them with Poulenc and Debussy, tracing unexpected threads of contrast and connection. Book now, visit www.musicaviva.com.au.
HUNTER VALLEY RODEO
■ FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER AT MAITLAND
SHOWGROUND Get ready, Maitland! The Hunter Valley Rodeo brings world-class bull riding, bronc events, and barrel racing to Maitland Showgrounds. Part of Australia's premier Stampede Series, featuring top cowboys competing for thousands in prize money. Gates open at 4pm, and the rodeo starts at 6pm. Includes food trucks, bars, kids' activities, and live music. For more information, visit www.nationalrodeoco.com.au.
Source: HVG
BRICKFEST
▲ SATURDAY 26 – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER AT NEWCASTLE JOCKEY CLUB
Newcastle Brickfest returns for a full LEGO fan experience. Exhibitors travel from across NSW, QLD, ACT and VIC with breathtaking creations on display, alongside a Play Zone, Speed Build Competition, Minifigure Hunt, cosplayers and a dedicated Sunday morning Sensory Session. Something for everyone. For more information, visit www.trybooking.com/DIVZE. 8
• WHAT'S ON
COLOUR FRENZY FUN RUN
▲ SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER AT STOCKTON
FORESHORE Colour Frenzy's family-friendly colour walk/run is here! Choose your distance with our flexible 1 km loop. Complete 1 lap, 2 laps, 3 laps, or go all the way to 5 km, suited to all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy colour stations, bubbles and foam, inflatable obstacles, and participation medals. All in support of local animal rescues. Tickets available at www.colourfrenzy.com.au.
Source: Lake Macquarie City Arts and Culture
JAZZ MUSIC
▲ FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER AT MAP MIMA
Experience jazz like never before as a live threepiece ensemble performs inside MAP mima's breathtaking 360-degree projection Cube. Dynamic visuals respond to every note in real time, blurring the boundaries between sound and sight for an unforgettable multisensory experience that places you at the heart of the music. Book now, visit www.lakemac.com.au.
PSEUDO ECHO
■ FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER AT BELMONT 16S
Prepare to be taken to Funky Town on Pseudo Echo’s national tour! Showcasing a dynamic six-piece line-up that promises to elevate the live experience to new heights. Fans can expect an unforgettable blend of pulsating rhythms, electrifying keytars, blazing guitars, and visuals that will transport you back to the vibrant 80s with a modern edge. Book now, visit www.oztix.com.au.
FESTIVAL OF SWEET TREATS
■ SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER AT THE STATION
Newcastle’s sweetest day out is back and better than ever before; packed with cakes, lollies, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, and more. It’s a sugar-filled celebration for all ages; don’t miss the ultimate dessert lover’s dream! For more information, visit www.festivalofsweetsandtreats.com.au.
SPRING
MARKET GUIDE EVERY SATURDAY ■ Glendale Farmers & Artisan Market at Stockland, Glendale, 8am–2pm
Credit: Jason JJ Jamieson
EVERY SUNDAY ■ Lions Club of Adamstown Market at Cnr of Brunker and Glebe Rd, Adamstown, 6.30am–12pm ■ Newcastle City Farmers Market at Newcastle Showground, 7am–1pm FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH (5 SEP, 3 OCT, 7 NOV) ■ Pelican Foreshore Markets at Pelican, 9am–1pm ■ The Olive Tree Market at Civic Park, 9am–2pm
DISNEY'S FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
▲ SATURDAY 10 – SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER AT CIVIC THEATRE
The Very Popular Theatre Company’s production of Disney's FROZEN The Broadway Musical brings the animated classic to life with iconic songs like ‘Let It Go’, plus new numbers written for the stage. Featuring stunning sets, costumes, and special effects set in Arendelle, this celebration of love, courage, and family starring Elsa, Anna, and Olaf is not to be missed. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
MORISSET LAKE MACQUARIE AGRICULTURAL SHOW
▲ SATURDAY 17 – SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER AT
MORRISETT SHOWGROUND Two days of classic country show await at the Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show! Enjoy live music, horse events, dog shows, dairy goats, wood chopping, medieval displays, reptile shows, and thrilling competitions including Wife Carrying and Dog High Jumping. Round it all off with a spectacular rodeo and fireworks! For more information, visit www.morissetshow.org.au.
SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH (12 SEP, 10 OCT, 14 NOV) ■ Homegrown Markets at The Station, 10am–2pm FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH (6 SEP, 4 OCT, 1 NOV) ■ Maitland Community Markets at Maitland Showground, 9am–1pm
STAY UP TO DATE WITH WHAT'S ON Visit our website to view weekly updates on events in the Hunter region.
SPRING AT THE HUNTER REGION BOTANIC GARDENS Although there is always something blooming, Spring is the very best time of year here at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. Our wattles, grevilleas and orchids make a spectacular display during September, October and November. Our Spring Fair on 25th October will showcase our beautiful flowers and will be supported by the Australian Native Orchid Society, as well as many other plant groups and businesses. Don’t forget our school holiday program (bookings via Humantix)...
30 SEP Bush Foods Walk
2 OCT Pokémon Picnic
9 OCT Bee Hotel Workshop
19 SEP Orchid Potting Demonstration
Native plant sales, first Saturday of each month
14 NOV Workshop
2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324 | events@huntergardens.org.au | 4987 1655 | www.huntergardens.org.au
WHAT'S ON •
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What's On THIS SPRING REGENCY MASQUERADE
■ SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER AT NEWCASTLE
CITY HALL Crown & Corset invites you to an immersive experience transporting you to the elegance of 1813 in support of White Ribbon Australia, as together we unmask the realities of genderbased violence in Australia. Book now at crowdcatcher.com.
KARUAH OYSTER AND TIMBER FESTIVAL
RADIUM GIRLS
■ SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER AT LONGWORTH
PARK, KARUAH The Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival is an annual celebration featuring championship wood-chopping competitions drawing competitors from across the country, alongside a showcase of the region's finest local oysters and prawns. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
FERNLEIGH 15
■ SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER AT FERNLEIGH TRACK
The Fernleigh 15 is a recreational running event for everyone, including runners, walkers, kids and adults, set along the scenic 15km Fernleigh Track from Adamstown to Belmont. Once a rail line, the track now winds through forested backyards and natural beauty across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Tackle the full course solo or in a team, with relay options covering two- to four-kilometre legs. For more information, visit www.fernleigh15.com.au. Source: Lake Macquarie City Arts and Culture
OKTOBERFEST IN THE GARDENS
▲ SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER AT THE STATION
Experience the magic of Germany’s famous celebration of beer, food, and fun in the luxury of your own home! Arriving in Newcastle for one day of epic bands, DJs, roving performers, and much more, there’s entertainment for everyone! If you’re more interested in exploring the food and drink scene, you can sip on beers from the world's most iconic breweries and feast on mouthwatering pretzels, bratwurst, and pork knuckle. For more information, visit www.oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au.
MAYFIELD DAY
■ SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER AT DANGAR
PARK, MAYFIELD Join the community for a free, family-friendly day packed with live music, local food and drinks, market stalls, kids' workshops, face painting, and special performances. Bring your friends, family, and furry companions to celebrate everything that makes Mayfield special. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
WALK FOR ENCORE
■ SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER AT EMPIRE PARK, PAVILION FILM FESTIVAL
▲ THURSDAY 22 – SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER
AT MAP MIMA Celebrate bold, independent storytelling through short films, experimental cinema, and immersive audiovisual experiences from local, national, and international filmmakers. Beyond screenings, enjoy Q&A sessions, masterclasses, and workshops. Book now, visit www.lakemac.com.au. 10
▲ THURSDAY 5 – SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER AT CIVIC THEATRE Radium Girls tells the haunting true story of 1920s factory women poisoned by radium while painting luminous watch dials, only to face corporate denial and silence as their health failed. Presented by Hunter Drama, this searing play, a co-production with Knock And Run Theatre and The Actors Company, celebrates their courageous fight for justice and truth. For more information and bookings, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
BAR BEACH The Hunter community is invited to walk in support of local women at this annual event, which raises funds and awareness for ENCORE, a free eight-week exercise and education program supporting women recovering from breast cancer surgery and treatment. Everyone is encouraged to register, walk and fundraise, whether in celebration, in support of someone they know, or simply to help more local women access ENCORE. To register or start a fundraising team, visit www.walkforencore2026.raiselysite.com.
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
▲ THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER AT BAR ON THE HILL Celebrating 25 years, Killswitch Engage bring a career-spanning set to Australia and New Zealand, fresh off their new album This Consequence and its hit single. Expect eradefining anthems and new favourites delivered with the intensity that's seen them share stages with Iron Maiden, Slipknot, and more. Book now, visit www.oztix.com.au. SLEAP FESTIVAL
■ SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2026 AT BAR BEACH BOWLING CLUB Pull on your best pyjamas and join the Sleap Walk, a family and pet-friendly night of fun, creativity and community. Walk with family, friends or a workplace team, and go in the running for the best dressed prize. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Source: The Wiggles Facebook
THE WIGGLES' SPARKLE! BIG SHOW
ANH DO’S THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE LIVE
PAINT AND SIP SING ALONG
ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE The Wiggles have hit the road again! Join Anthony, Lucia, Simon, Caterina, Lachy, John, Tsehay and Evie, plus favourites like Dorothy, Wags, Henry and Captain Feathersword, for singalongs, laughter and unforgettable family memories. Book now, visit www.nec.net.au.
16S SAILING CLUB Based on the bestselling book, Anh Do brings The Happiest Refugee to the stage, combining stand-up, personal stories, photos and film into an unforgettable night that moves between laughter, emotion and genuine happiness. Book now, visit www.oztix.com.au.
CESSNOCK BOWLING CLUB Enjoy 60s, 70s and 80s bangers, live vocals from Lotti Rem, singalong moments and cheeky games while you paint step-by-step. No experience needed and all art gear supplied, you'll leave with a finished canvas and a sore voice. Book now, visit www.paintjuicy.com.au.
▲ SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER AT NEWCASTLE
▲ WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER AT BELMONT
▲ THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER AT EAST
25 Sep — 04 Oct
ART MUSIC IDEAS NEWCASTLE Presenting Partners
Proudly funded by
BOOK NOW 11
What's On THIS SPRING Source: Allettare Dezigns
Source: Civic Theatre
THE CHURCH WITH THE GEORGE ELLIS ORCHESTRA
CRYSTALS CREATIVES & MYSTICS FAIR
LIQUID THERAPY: SUNSET BEACH BUG
CIVIC THEATRE The Church return with their most ambitious show yet: A Psychedelic Symphony with the George Ellis Orchestra. Backed by a 30-piece orchestra, reimagining beloved classics like Under the Milky Way, Metropolis and Reptile in luxe orchestral form. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
WALLSEND DIGGERS & MEZZ BAR Step into the ultimate indoor, all-weather, familyfriendly event bringing together NSW's best makers, readers and healers. Browse crystals and handmade treasures, sit for a reading, join a workshop, or catch a Soul Talk. With kids' activities, henna, and over $1000 in lucky door prizes, there's something for everyone to discover. Find out more: visit the Facebook event page.
DEZIGNS Chase the sunset with Liquid Therapy at Allettare Designs. Paint a vintage VW bug parked by a glowing beach sunset. All supplies included, with easy step-by-step guidance perfect for beginners. Bring your favourite drink and nibbles for a relaxed night where the beach meets the brush. Book now, visit www.eventbrite.com.au.
▲ SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER AT
▲ SATURDAY 14 – SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER AT
▲ FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER AT ALLETTARE
Transforming Messy Play Into Meaningful Art Jellybeanstreet is a unique creative art experience where children (and adults!) are encouraged to paint freely, explore their imagination and simply have fun.
2027 Art Retreats 15–18
April 2027
9–12
Only $35
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* * s xc ign lud es Des
Learn more & reserve your place
Contact Chris for more information on 0473 733 486 @allettare_dezigns | www.allettaredezigns.com.au 12
fo Suitable r all age s
September 2027
Everything Included • Accommodation options • All meals • Professional art supplies • Guided creative workshops • Retreat activites • Curated surprises
Book a workshop, view upcoming events and discover how your artwork can become a masterpiece. PH Chris 0473733486 E Chris@jellybeanstreet.com
www.jellybeanstreet.com/newcastle-central-coast
KIM WILDE’S CLOSER TOUR
THE BIG POUR BEER & WINE FESTIVAL
Pop icon Kim Wilde returns to Australia for The Closer Tour, bringing the hits that defined a generation. From Kids in America to You Keep Me Hangin' On, fans can expect a night packed with chart-topping classics and the electrifying live performance that has kept audiences coming back for decades. Book now, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
CLUB KOTARA Newcastle's latest beer and wine festival is bringing craft beer, premium wines, spirits, live music and local food together for one epic afternoon. Presented with The Bottle-O Lambton, it's the perfect day out for beer lovers, wine enthusiasts and anyone chasing good times. Book now: www.clubkotara.com.au.
▲ FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER AT CIVIC THEATRE
RUN PORT STEPHENS
▲ SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER AT
▲ SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER AT NELSON BAY Lace up for one of Australia's most scenic running events, set against Nelson Bay's stunning foreshore and parklands. Enjoy coastal views, fresh ocean air and just enough hills to keep it interesting. With Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and a 2.5km Fun Run, there's a distance for every ability. Register now, visit www.therunportstephens.com.au.
Allettare Dezigns
LIQUID THERAPY PAINT & SIP SESSIONS
Trick or Treat Sat 31st Oct, 9AM
Kiss My Patch Sat 31st Oct, 6PM
Book Your • Choose from a variety of fun & creative Christmas activities • Perfect for groups & corporate events • All materials included
Arty Christmas Party! Sunset Beach Bug Fri 27th Nov, 6PM
Holly Highland Cow Sat 19th Dec, 9AM
Enquire Now
Chris Deards | PH 0473733486 | E allettaredezigns@outlook.com | www.allettaredezigns.com.au 13
Source: Lake Macquarie City Council
First Night Art Party | Credit: Ange Maloney
NEW ANNUAL 2026 LIVING SMART FESTIVAL
> FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER ACROSS NEWCASTLE
> SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER AT SPEERS POINT PARK
Now in its sixth year, Newcastle's flagship arts festival returns with its biggest program yet: 402 artists, 40 events and seven new commissions across beaches, ocean baths, laneways and parks, with more than 70 per cent of the lineup made up of local talent. Highlights include SOAK: Live at the Baths, four free sunset concerts at Newcastle Ocean Baths curated by Urthboy and featuring Hermitude, 92Wrld and Karen Lee Andrews; Petite Suite, seven intimate theatrical works staged inside the Oriental Hotel; and Izabela Pluta's tide-responsive installation Cavitation at the Canoe Pool. Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.newannual.com.
Held on the traditional lands of the Awabakal People, the Living Smart Festival returns to Lake Macquarie to celebrate sustainability with one of Australia’s largest free community events, now in its 15th year. The festival features live music, multicultural food, hands-on workshops, eco-market stalls and expert talks. With over 10,000 attendees expected, the vibrant, family-friendly day encourages locals to embrace practical sustainability through engaging activities, demonstrations, and local produce. For details, visit www.lakemac.com.au.
STRUMMINGBIRD > SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER AT FORESHORE PARK Strummingbird returns to Newcastle, bringing country music to Awabakal Country for another day of live performances, line dancing, BBQs, and a mechanical bull. Headlined by Tyler Childers and Bailey Zimmerman, with Cooper Alan, James Johnston and more, this festival, from the team behind Spilt Milk, is one for the calendar. Book now, visit www.strummingbird.com.au/newcastle/. 14
• WHAT'S ON | HIGHLIGHTS
Source: HVG
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR > 30 OCTOBER 2026 – 26 JANUARY 2027 AT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS Hunter Valley Gardens is transforming five hectares into a dazzling world of colour and light for its biggest and most interactive Christmas Lights Spectacular yet. Wander through richly themed festive displays, take a spin on the fairground rides, and grab a bite from the food vendors as roaming performers bring the gardens to life after dark. The season builds to a New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza that really shouldn’t be missed!. Whether it's a family day trip or a Hunter Valley weekend away, it's fast becoming a must-do Christmas tradition. Tickets on sale soon - visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au.
DARBY STREET FESTIVAL > SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER AT DARBY STREET Celebrate the Newcastle community in the spring sunshine as the beloved Cooks Hill strip transforms into a bustling alfresco precinct, embracing Newcastle’s creativity and culture. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, roving performers, pop-up bars, alfresco dining, markets, and hands-on activities. With the streets closed to traffic, festivalgoers can wander, explore, and enjoy the vibrant spirit of Newcastle’s small businesses. For more information, visit the Facebook Page.
CRAFTED FESTIVAL > SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER AT CAMP SHORTLAND Crafted Festival returns to the Foreshore for a full day of craft beer, live music and coastal vibes that the festival has become known for. Featuring a fantastic lineup of brews from across the country that will be on pour, such as lagers, hazies, fresh drops and familiar favourites covering all bases. From first pour through to last call, expect a steady flow of fresh beers, epic live tunes, smoky food vendors serving up festival favourites, and a crowd that knows how to settle in and make a day of it. Book now, visit www.craftedfestival.com.au. 15
Credit: Jason JJ Jamieson
READ ONLINE
Let it Glow!
Frozen Lights Up Newcastle WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE THE VERY POPULAR THEATRE COMPANY One of the biggest entertainment phenomena in Disney history is about to take centre stage in Newcastle. Frozen became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, launching a global phenomenon that has generated billions at the box office and produced one of the most recognisable Disney songs ever recorded. Now, that global phenomenon is making its way to Newcastle, with Disney’s Frozen 16
The Broadway Musical coming to the Civic Theatre for a strictly limited season from 10 to 25 October, opening on the final weekend of the September/October school holidays. With its spectacular sets, lavish costumes, magical special effects, live orchestra and a cast of 30 performers, this is Frozen on a scale that promises to be very different from settling in to watch the beloved animated film at home. The Broadway musical, which opened at New York’s St James Theatre in 2018, expanded the original story with an entirely new score, additional songs and a much greater emphasis on the emotional journey of its central
characters. The production received three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Jennifer Lee and Best Original Score for Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. For Executive Producer Daniel Stoddart, there is much more to this stage production than simply bringing the Disney classic to life. “This isn’t a small-scale children’s show. It is a major musical theatre production designed to give families the same scale, spectacle and theatrical experience they would expect from some of the biggest productions on our stages,” said Daniel. F
“It is certainly the most ambitious production The Very Popular Theatre Company has produced to date, featuring the biggest and most technically complex set we’ve ever created, alongside an extraordinary cast, live music and all the theatrical bells and whistles you’d expect from a production of this scale.” It is also a production built around a story that, beneath all the Disney sparkle, is surprisingly human. At its heart are two sisters… Elsa has been born with a power she cannot control. Anna has grown up desperately wanting to reconnect with the sister who has been shut away from her. Around them is a world of fear, expectation, love, loss and, ultimately, acceptance. Director Madison Thew-Keyworth is determined that those emotional layers should not be lost beneath the spectacle. “I’m keen to delve deeper into the story, the emotion, and to not just rely on the wonder and magic of Disney, which can sometimes become two-dimensional,” she says. “For me, Frozen is a very special story about two people and the sacrifices they make to serve their love for each other. No matter who you are, there is something to relate to about this fundamental story; it becomes personal for everyone. “The themes of the show are love in all its many forms and what makes a family. Family are the people who love and protect you and who you choose.” It is a perspective that may surprise audiences who remember Frozen primarily as a tale of princesses, talking snowmen and an earworm of a power ballad. And there is plenty of that too. Musical Director Dan Wilson knows exactly how powerful the nostalgia factor will be. “If you love the movie, seeing Frozen on stage is a whole new ballgame,” he says. “You get all your favourites, including Let It Go, For the First Time in Forever, Love Is an Open Door, and In Summer, but there are some brilliant new songs thrown in.” Those songs include Dangerous to Dream, Monster and Colder By The Minute, while I Can’t Lose You gives Anna and Elsa a new musical moment that explores their relationship in a way the film could not. The Newcastle production features a 14-piece orchestra, with the musicians collectively playing more than 30 instruments. “Live music makes a huge difference,” Dan says. “It feels more exciting and real when you hear the sound of the orchestra
filling the theatre. It definitely adds to the wow factor.” For a musical director who has spent decades working at the highest levels of Australian musical theatre, including productions of Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, and & Juliet, the score of Frozen represents a particularly satisfying challenge. “The music literally never quits. It’s like the heartbeat of the whole story, with themes echoing every twist and turn. The opening number kicks off exactly like the movie with Frozen Heart, but then it dances through a cosmic musical journey, weaving all the familiar themes to tell Anna and Elsa’s childhood story. “Ten whole minutes of pure, unfiltered musical magic - bring tissues!” If the music provides the heartbeat, the physical world of the production provides its soul, with set designer Harry Gill working on Frozen since late February. “The process begins with where it’s set, what’s the time period, what did the world look and feel like,” he explains. “Plus, then there’s the fairytale element.” The design is built around a fundamental contrast between the human world and the natural world. “Both can be beautiful and dangerous.” The result is ambitious. The physical set itself is enormous, complemented by a giant LED screen, projection technology and images projected beyond the stage and into the theatre. “The scale will blow people away,” Harry says. “The theatre will be transformed and the audience transported to a fairytale world. It’s completely immersive.” The production’s primary visual motif is the snowflake, specifically, tessellated snowflakes which became the starting point for the wider design.
Credit: Peter Stoop
“We’ve also had to navigate how to make the world feel enormous with big vast spaces and landscapes while still allowing for tighter spaces for more intimate, human moments.” For Harry, there is an added sense of personal significance. “Frozen was the last Disney movie I saw at the cinema as a child, and I’ve always really loved it. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to design an original production, and it’s wonderful that it’s an Australian creation.” F
Credit: Peter Stoop
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That creative freedom extends to the mysterious Hidden Folk, the supernatural figures that are meant to embody the Northern Lights. “In most productions they are presented as rocky and mossy. In ours we see them as ‘of the sky’. It’s quite original and will be different to what people typically see.” Madison says the creative team has researched Norwegian folklore, the Sámi people and the Northern Lights to establish a world grounded in nature before adding the unmistakable Disney sparkle. “We create a reality to the world and then build the Disney sparkle over the top, so that it’s underpinned in nature, landscapes and the real world.” The effect, she promises, will be magical precisely because it has a sense of reality beneath it. The impressive creative team behind this magical world is rounded out by Choreographer Lochlan Erard, Lighting by Melbourne-based award winner Zac Krause, and Costume Design by Lainey Donnelly. Bringing all of this spectacle to life are two performers who know a thing or two about commanding the Civic Theatre stage. Newcastle favourite and two-time CONDA Award winner Zoe Walker takes on the role of Elsa, while Central Coast performer, NIDA graduate and CONDA Award winner Felicity Beale plays Anna. Madison describes Felicity as “bright, bubbly and vivacious”, while Zoe brings something different to Elsa.
Credit: Peter Stoop
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“There’s an honesty about her that will enable Isabelle Kelty sharing Young Anna, and Layla Klinkenberg and Makenzie Warren sharing her to make the character her own,” Madison Young Elsa. says. “She’ll bring a bit of herself to the role, and For Madison, working with children has I really love that.” become another unexpected source of the That is particularly important in Elsa’s production’s magic. defining moment. “It’s wonderful to be working with children “I can’t wait for her Let It Go moment,” and to be able to view the world through their Madison says. “Sometimes the character of lens. It’s good for our adult performers to be Elsa is played in a way that can be unlikable exposed to that and then share that wonder with too much martyrdom, but Zoe has a really with the audience.” thoughtful quality that will shine through. Our The principal cast also includes Nicholas audience will believe in the sacrifices she’s Langthorne as Kristoff and Tom Kelly as Hans, making.” while a large ensemble of local and interstate Dan is equally enthusiastic about the two performers helps create the production's leads. grandeur and scale. “Zoe Walker as Elsa is nothing short of For Madison, that shared experience a revelation, especially when she belts out between performers and audience is what Monster, a brand-new song that will leave you makes live theatre so special. She remembers speechless. And Felicity Beale’s Anna? Her seeing The Secret Garden on stage when she rendition of For the First Time in Forever is was just four years old and being completely gonna melt hearts.” captivated. Then there is Luke Aspinall as Olaf. e Source: Peter S “That magical experience “Luke just has the perfect to o Imag p of feeling the emotions voice for Olaf and a great together, the laughter, playfulness,” Madison says. the crying, that’s “He is the Disney magic. all part of live He can disappear and performance, exist largely through and it changes the puppet, and that every night,” takes real skill.” she says. The production Beneath also features young the snowflakes, performers as projections, Anna and Elsa, with costumes, Mylah Sams and puppetry and soaring music is something much more enduring: a story about sisters, family, fear and courage, and about discovering that love does not always look the way we expect it to. As Dan Wilson puts it: “It’s a story about what true love really means and that sometimes it’s not a person or a grand gesture, but everyday kindness and appreciating what’s right in front of you.” And perhaps that is why Frozen continues to resonate across generations. The film may have introduced audiences to Arendelle. But this October, Newcastle audiences have the chance to step inside it. WHAT | Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical, presented by The Very Popular Theatre Company WHERE | Civic Theatre Newcastle WHEN | 10–25 October 2026 TICKETS | www.frozennewcastle.com.au P
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Explore What’s On Civic Theatre presents a curated selection of compelling live performances coming to Newcastle in Spring. The shows you need to see.
Civic Theatre presents
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL SOFT TREAD ENTERPRISES
23 Sept
Civic Theatre & New Annual presents
WOLF BY CIRCA CIRCA
2-3 Oct
More Highlights SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWCASE 5 September
UpStage at the Playhouse
SHE, HER & I CATS IN THE CUPBOARD
12-21 Nov
DISNEY’S FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL THE VERY POPULAR THEATRE COMPANY
10-25 October
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WHAT’S ON AT NEWCASTLE’S CIVIC THEATRE?
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Credit: Joel Devereux GRIMM
Happily ever after? Never. These bedtime stories come with a darker edge.
and enigmatic political figures, former Prime Minister Paul Keating. A masterclass in wit, observation and performance, Biggins, co-creator and star of The Wharf Revue, brings Keating’s unmistakable voice and formidable presence vividly to life. Part political portrait, part theatrical satire, the award-winning production revisits the convictions, complexities and contradictions of a leader who helped reshape modern Australia. Exploring Keating’s landmark reforms, enduring passions and unshakeable belief in the nation’s potential, The Gospel According to Paul – The Second Coming shines a spotlight on a politician who viewed economics as an art form, challenged Australia to reckon with its history and championed a bold vision for its future. Smart, sharp and deeply entertaining, this celebrated comedy offers an insightful and engaging reflection on one of the defining figures of Australian public life.
Shake & Stir Theatre Co.’s latest theatrical triumph, GRIMM, plunges audiences into a richly imagined world where familiar fairytales are stripped back to their darker origins. Beneath the enchantment lies something far more unsettling, as beloved characters including Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood step from the shadows and reveal the raw, untamed truths at the heart of their stories. Journey through eerie landscapes and WHAT | The Gospel According to Paul haunting realms as folklore’s hidden depths WHEN | 23 September come vividly to life. This bold reimagining of the VENUE | Civic Theatre Brothers Grimm tales unearths the macabre, the mysterious and the magnificent in equal measure. Credit: Andy Phillipson Wolf by Circa From the creative force behind the acclaimed stage productions Frankenstein, Jane Eyre and The Mousetrap, Shake & Stir delivers a spellbinding theatrical experience that is both visually spectacular and emotionally charged. Lavish, daring and utterly immersive, GRIMM is a night of theatre that lingers long after the curtain falls. WHAT | GRIMM WHEN | 16–17 September VENUE | Civic Theatre Credit: Brett Boardman Jonathan Biggins
Jonathan Biggins returns to one of Australia’s most celebrated political satires. Following acclaimed seasons across the country, The Gospel According to Paul – The Second Coming makes a triumphant return, with Jonathan Biggins once again stepping into the shoes of one of Australia’s most influential
A breathtaking collision of contemporary acrobatics, movement and instinct. Presented by Civic Theatre and New Annual, Wolf by Circa is a thrilling contemporary circus work that explores the tension between order and instinct, individuality and belonging. Created by acclaimed director Yaron Lifschitz and performed by ten of Circa’s extraordinary artists, the production channels a fierce physical energy that is as exhilarating as it is captivating. Against a pulsating soundscape by DJ Ori Lichtik and framed by Libby McDonnell’s striking, form-fitting costumes, performers climb, tumble, balance and soar with remarkable precision and power. Every movement feels urgent, driven by a raw vitality that pushes the limits of strength, trust and human connection. For Lifschitz, the wolf embodies our untamed nature: rebellious, fearless and free. Across two
contrasting acts, Wolf traces a transformation from disruption and chaos to collective purpose, as a pack emerges through a series of breathtaking choreographed sequences that showcase Circa’s trademark blend of artistry and athleticism. Visceral, provocative and visually arresting, Wolf grips audiences from beginning to end, leaving them in awe of the extraordinary possibilities of the human body. WHAT | Wolf by Circa WHEN | 2–3 October VENUE | Civic Theatre Source: Civic Theatre She, Her & I
A moving portrait of family, grief and reconciliation set against the backdrop of a sweltering Newcastle summer. Nora left Newcastle at eighteen to pursue a career in family law. Clara departed a few years later, swept away by love. Lou never left, her decision to abandon university remaining a source of quiet confusion and unspoken judgement. Years and distance have left the three sisters estranged, their lives unfolding along very different paths. When they reunite in their childhood home to care for their dying mother during Newcastle’s hottest summer on record, old wounds quickly resurface. Amid the oppressive heat, a broken air conditioner, frayed tempers, questionable musical ambitions and long-standing habits become catalysts for conflict, exposing the fractures that have shaped their relationships for years. Following their acclaimed 2025 production of This Restless House, Cats in the Cupboard Productions return with She, Her and I, a deeply affecting new work that balances humour and heartbreak with remarkable authenticity. Rooted in the Newcastle landscape and inspired by the restorative power of the ocean, this compelling local story captures the messy, complicated and enduring nature of family love. She, Her and I forms part of the 2026 season of UpStage at the Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle’s initiative supporting local artists, playwrights and producers to bring new and reimagined work to the stage. Opening Night includes a post-show Q&A with the Cats in the Cupboard team. WHAT | She, Her & I WHEN | 12–21 November VENUE | Playhouse, Civic Theatre 21
Credit: Snap Factory
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Welcome to the Crazy Life as Loca Vida Hits the Spiegeltent Stage WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE STRUT & FRET There is something about stepping through the velvet curtains of a Spiegeltent that changes the rules. The outside world seems to disappear. The lights dim, the mirrors catch the glow, the stage is suddenly close enough to touch, and the audience finds itself not simply watching a show but becoming part of the atmosphere. This September, that atmosphere is about to get a whole lot wilder. Loca Vida, the newest cabaret-circus spectacular from internationally acclaimed Australian company Strut & Fret, arrives at The Spiegeltent in Civic Park from 4 September to 4 October, bringing a hand-picked international cast, jaw-dropping circus, high22
energy choreography, comedy, music, and more than a little old-school showbiz glamour. For Melanie Hawkins, who is both a performer and one of the show's five choreographers, the Spiegeltent is central to what makes the experience so different. “It's somehow intimate and grand at the same time,” she says. Unlike a traditional theatre, where hundreds or even thousands of people face the stage, Loca Vida is performed in the round, with the audience surrounding the action. “You've got 500 people in the audience, all in a circle with mirrors so everyone is looking at each other,” Hawkins explains. “Not only does this intimate environment enable performers to connect with their audience, but it creates a kind of collective energy. Audience members see not only the
show in front of them but also the reactions of the audience members around them.” It is a very different proposition to musical theatre, a world Hawkins knows intimately. Her credits include the original Australian cast of Wicked, Saturday Night Fever, Strictly Ballroom, The Rocky Horror Show, Hugh Jackman's Broadway to Oz and the world premiere of King Kong Live on Stage. But in 2019, Strut & Fret founder Scott Maidment approached her and, as she puts it, she “ran away to the circus”. Four Strut & Fret productions later, she remains firmly hooked. The difference is not simply that there is more circus involved. Artists have a much greater creative role in shaping the work itself. For Loca Vida, Hawkins is one of five choreographers, alongside Los Angeles-based F
technical component and a set that transforms Kevin Maher, Barcelona's Fidel Buika, and during the performance. Australian choreographers Stephen Tannos and “The whole stage moves,” she says. “It's a Yvette Lee. real spectacle.” It's an unusually dance-heavy production Hawkins agrees, teasing “some very cool for Strut & Fret, with choreography developed additions to the set” that audiences will have to across continents. discover for themselves. “It's the first time we've had five “About halfway through the show, the design choreographers on a show,” says Strut & Fret changes and it just takes everything to another Senior Creative Producer Jess Copas. level,” she says. “It's the biggest and most Maher, whose international credits include technical set we've ever done.” choreography and creative direction for That combination of spectacle and intimacy Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Justin makes Loca Vida a natural fit for the Spiegeltent Bieber and Ricky Martin, worked with Hawkins and for Newcastle's New Annual festival. in Los Angeles, where she learned the show's The production is one of the headline choreography before returning to Australia as shows of the sixth edition of New Annual, the Dance Captain to teach the rest of the cast. City of Newcastle's flagship arts festival, which The result is a production that is relentlessly runs from September 25 to October 4 and energetic and distinctly ensemble-driven. transforms beaches, ocean baths, parks and “Most of the cast are on stage most of the other civic spaces into stages for performance. time,” says Hawkins. “It's a real ensemble show.” “Part of the magic of New Annual is the And there is a lot happening. way in which it takes art to the audiences, “Circus, cabaret, singing, aerial and lots of reinventing the city's civic and coastal spaces comedy,” she says. “This show is very funny.” into platforms for performance,” says Festival Beneath the spectacle is a story inspired Director Tory Loudon. by vintage Hollywood, following performers For audiences, Loca Vida offers a different who emerge onto a rooftop in pursuit of their kind of night out: part circus, part cabaret, part dreams. The title Loca Vida translates roughly as concert and part theatrical party, all wrapped “crazy life” and aptly describes the lives of artists inside one of Newcastle's most chasing those dreams. atmospheric temporary venues. “There is a slight narrative thread And if Hawkins is right, beneath the surface as you follow once the show begins these young performers along there won't be much the journey of their crazy life,” opportunity to catch Hawkins says. your breath. The cast is genuinely international, bringing together performers from Australia, Cuba, Spain and the USA, with backgrounds spanning circus, burlesque, musical theatre and dance. Among them are Cuban acrobatic duo Eben-Ezer, formed Cred it : Snap Factor y by graduates of Cuba's prestigious National Circus School. Their act is one of the moments Copas is most excited for Newcastle audiences to see. The pair hold a Guinness World Record for a remarkable feat in which Nardelys Jiménez performs a ballet full-pointe sequence on Rey David's head. It sounds like the kind of moment that should be accompanied by thunderous applause. Instead, Copas says, the entire tent falls silent. “It's a moment of calm and focus in the show amongst the rest of the chaos,” she says. “The whole tent is simply in awe.” Copas describes Loca Vida as the biggest Credit: Snap Factory production Strut & Fret has created, with a huge
Credit: Charlie Bliss
“Once the train leaves the station, there are no stops,” she says. “It's like a bull out of the gate.” Exactly what that means, she adds, will only become clear once audiences see the show. Perhaps that is the best way to approach Loca Vida: leave expectations at the door, step through the velvet curtains and surrender to the crazy life. Loca Vida runs at The Spiegeltent, Civic Park, Newcastle, from September 4 to October 4, 2026. It is part of the 2026 New Annual festival, running September 25 to October 4. Tickets are on sale now at Spiegeltent Newcastle. P
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ANGELA TIATIA Angela Tiatia, The dark current (still), 2023, single-channel high definition video, sound. Image courtesy the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney © the artist 24
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Newcastle in a New Light New Annual Returns for a Sixth Year of Art, Music and Ideas
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For ten days this spring, Newcastle will once again become its own stage. New Annual, the City of Newcastle's flagship arts festival, returns from 25 September to 4 October with its biggest program yet: 402 artists, 40 events and seven new commissions spread across beaches, ocean baths, laneways, parks and some of the city's most-loved landmarks. Now in its sixth year, the festival has built a reputation for turning everyday Newcastle spaces into something unexpected. Festival Director Tory Loudon says that instinct, to root every work in a real place, is at the heart of how the program comes together each year. "When programming, I think about what the story is we are trying to tell and why audiences would want to come," she says. "I really believe you have to fight for audiences, and they need to feel that the story or experience is relevant to them. It's also about taking art to places where people gather or putting art in unexpected places." That philosophy plays out across the 2026 program. The much-loved SOAK: Live at the Baths returns to Newcastle Ocean Baths for four free sunset concerts, curated by Urthboy (Tim Levison) and featuring Hermitude and Claire O'Brien, 92Wrld and Kobie Dee, and Karen Lee Andrews. Upstairs at the Oriental Hotel, Petite Suite unlocks the pub's history through seven intimate theatrical encounters staged in seven hotel rooms. Neither show, Loudon points out, could exist anywhere else.
"SOAK at Newcastle Ocean Baths could only happen at that spot. The artists respond to the site, and this is the same with Petite Suite at the Oriental Hotel," she says. "I would say it is about being grounded in a place." That grounding extends to who is making the work, too. More than 70 per cent of this year's program features local artists, a figure Loudon says reflects just how much creative talent calls Newcastle home. "It reflects how many amazing artists live and work in Newcastle, and the rest is about collaborations," she says. "It's a dream to have so many talented and creative people to showcase." Among the seven new commissions is Izabela Pluta's Cavitation, a largescale installation at the Canoe Pool that ig ht th Ar responds to the tides, of t Pa sy e t r rty Ngairre \ Cou weather and changing light. Floating buoys track the movement of water, drawing on the site's history as home to a world map, while Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub's dancers perform live around the work each morning at 8am. "Izabela Pluta's new commission by the Lock Up as part of New Annual is about the movement of water at the Canoe Pool and watching floating buoys that reflect the movement of people and migration as well as the tides," Loudon says. "We have asked the Courtesy of the artist Curtain Call - Strut Your Stuff. Kids Workshop Catapult dancers to come and dance around ar
WORDS DI VON ESSEN | MANAGING EDITOR IMAGES SOURCE NEW ANNUAL
the installation every day, again a beautiful reflection on the joys of movement, slowing down, taking in the detail and looking at things closely." It's that sense of identity, distinct from any other festival on the calendar, that Loudon sees as non-negotiable. "For me, a festival needs to reflect its place, its people and its character. That is what makes it unique." Last year's festival drew more than 50,000 attendees and contributed close to $3.5 million to the local economy, but Loudon says the numbers only tell part of the story. What matters more to her is how people feel. "For me it's about the public sentiment. I love hearing comments about people feeling proud of the city's abundance of creativity and talent or feeling more connected to other people. That is what we also measure through surveys, and some of the comments make me cry… when someone finds a new artist they love or rekindles their own creativity. We offer lots of hands-on experiences and workshops, so I really encourage people to get involved. It is for everyone." For first-timers, or anyone still deciding whether to come along, Loudon has one clear recommendation: “Head to the water!” "If you have never been to the Newcastle Ocean Baths, then you are in for a treat if you come to SOAK, the free music at sunset, or come and join in the mass ceremonial floating experience, Wansolmoana Lunar Assembly, to be held under a full moon. It will be a special tribute to the ocean and the power of collective gatherings." Tickets for New Annual 2026 are on sale now. For the full program, visit www.newannual.com.
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SOAK Live at the Baths 2025 Credit: Ange Maloney
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Anthony Callea Credit: David Hooley
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Anthony Callea Brings The Connection Tour to Newcastle WORDS DI VON ESSEN | MANAGING EDITOR One of Australia's most celebrated voices is coming to Newcastle. ARIA Award-winning vocalist Anthony Callea has announced The Connection Tour, an intimate and vocally powerful concert series touring the country this October and November, with a stop at the Civic Theatre on Sunday, 1 November.
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After two decades of arena tours, TV specials and big-band productions, Callea is taking his songs somewhere more personal. Backed by a rich acoustic band featuring his longtime musicians, he'll strip his catalogue back to its purest form, trading spectacle for closeness. "I've done the big shows, the big bands and all the bells and whistles, and don't get me wrong, I love that," Callea says.
"But right now, I'm craving something a little more intimate. Just my talented musicians, beautiful arrangements, stories, a few laughs and hopefully some pretty decent singing. There's freedom in stripping everything back and simply connecting with an audience, which really is what this tour is all about." It isn't one particular song he's most looking forward to revisiting, but the journey through all of them. "Some take me straight back to the beginning of my career, while others are connected to very personal moments and people in my life," he says. "I think when you share the story behind a song, suddenly it isn't just my song anymore; your audience starts connecting it to their own lives, their own relationships and their own memories. That's where that beautiful and organic connection happens." Callea's career has rarely slowed since his debut single, The Prayer, became the fastestselling single in Australian chart history. He's since had three albums debut at number one on the ARIA charts, placing him alongside John Farnham, Kylie Minogue, Jimmy Barnes, Keith Urban, Guy Sebastian and Delta Goodrem as one of the only Australian artists in history to achieve that feat, while also being handpicked to perform for Queen Elizabeth II F
and the legendary Pavarotti, and touring with Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Diana Ross. It's a career built on big stages, which makes the shift to a room like the Civic Theatre all the more deliberate. "There's nothing quite like the adrenaline of those moments," he says of performing alongside the artists he grew up idolising. "But an intimate theatre like the Civic gives you something a stadium or arena simply
Anthony Callea Credit: BCS Imaging
can't: that closeness. It becomes less about performing at an audience and more about sharing the night with them." That honesty carries through to his most recent record, FORTY LOVE, released in October 2022 to mark his 40th birthday. It was his first fully independent album, one he coproduced and co-wrote across 11 original tracks, debuting at number five on the ARIA chart and number one on the AIR chart. "Turning 40 naturally makes you reflect on who you are, where you've been and what actually matters to you," he says. "Having that creative control allowed me to be incredibly honest, not just as an artist, but as a man. I could write about love, relationships, vulnerability and life experiences without filtering any of it through what somebody else thought an 'Anthony Callea' record should sound like." For Newcastle, that means a night that exists only once. "The songs have been reimagined, there are stories I haven't shared before, and with an intimate audience there's always spontaneity; you never quite know where the night will take you," Callea says. "Newcastle will get its own version of The Connection Tour, and once that night is over, you can't recreate it. The Civic is such a beautiful theatre for a show like this, so I really
want Newcastle to feel like they're part of the night rather than just watching it." Callea has spent much of his career giving back to emerging performers too, including a stint as voice coach on Ultimate School Musical: Fame, mentoring high school students preparing a full musical. Asked what he wished someone had told him when he was starting out, his answer is simple. "Stop trying to be what you think the industry or certain people want you to be. The thing that will ultimately set you apart is the thing that is uniquely yours. Your voice, your personality, your imperfections, that's where the interesting stuff lives." Between albums, TV appearances, a memoir, and now this tour, live performance still means the most to him. "There's nothing that replicates that exchange of energy between you and an audience," he says. "You can make an album, write a book or appear on television and hope it connects with people, but on stage, you actually get to feel that connection happening in real time. For me, nothing quite compares to that." Anthony Callea performs The Connection Tour at Newcastle's Civic Theatre on Sunday, 1 November. Tickets are on sale at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au. P
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Credit: Denise Truscello Source: DRW Entertainment
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Air Supply Bring 50 Years of Hits to Newcastle WORDS DI VON ESSEN | MANAGING EDITOR Air Supply are bringing 50 years of hits to Newcastle, as part of a run of Australian dates marking their golden anniversary. The soft rock legends behind Lost In Love and All Out Of Love will play the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Saturday 12 December, as the duo celebrates 50 years since Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock
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first crossed paths in the chorus of a 1975 touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The pair hit it off instantly, discovering they shared similar names, birthdays in the same week, and memories of watching The Beatles live in 1964, and were soon performing together with nothing but a guitar and two voices. The Newcastle show follows five sold-out Australian concerts last year, with the duo keen to reach fans who missed out the first time
around. "We love coming back to Australia to where it all started," said Hitchcock. Their demo, featuring Love and Other Bruises, was rejected by every label except CBS, but the song still cracked the Australian Top 10 and won them a support slot on Rod Stewart's Australian, US and Canadian tour. Lost In Love then caught the ear of Arista Records executive Clive Davis, becoming the world's fastest-selling single and helping the band match The Beatles' run of seven consecutive Top 5 hits. Their catalogue has since sold more than 40 million copies worldwide, and in 2010 Russell received a BMI Million-Air Certificate for three million radio performances of All Out Of Love. The touring milestones have piled up too: Air Supply were the first Western act to tour China, in 1995, and drew a record 175,000 people to a single concert in Cuba in 2005. Still playing roughly 130 shows a year, they marked their 5,500th live performance in late 2024. "It means the world to us to celebrate our 50th Anniversary by performing in our homeland of Australia," said Hitchcock. "Nothing will make us prouder than coming back to the place where it all began," added Russell. Tickets are on sale now at www.davidroywilliams.com, with fans urged to book early given last year's sold-out run.
Credit: York&Hellier Photography
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Fierce, Fabulous and Newcastle-Bound! WORDS DI VON ESSEN | MANAGING EDITOR numbers: the opening blast of It's Raining Men, IMAGES SOURCE CHOOKAS ENTERTAINMENT Go West, We Belong, and a finale medley that gets the whole audience on its feet. Newcastle is about to be a lot more fabulous! Jesse Leese leads the cast in the demanding This December, Chookas Entertainment, the dual role of Felicia/Adam, one of three friends at local powerhouse behind sold-out hits like Kinky the heart of the story. Boots, Legally Blonde and Chicago the Musical, "To Adam, life is all about having fun," Leese is bringing Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The explains. "He doesn't take life, or himself, too Musical to the Civic Theatre for five shows only, seriously... he hides behind his quick wit, and from 17 to 20 December. omnipresent irony. Leaving behind a bubble of Adapted from the Oscar-winning 1994 comfortable, privileged city life is what cracks Australian film, Priscilla follows three friends - two that armour open. drag queens and a transgender woman - as they "His emotional world is not contained within journey across the Outback in a battered old the lines of the script, so I'm enjoying finding bus to perform a cabaret show in Alice Springs. new layers to his comedic moments, and It's a raucous comedy and a genuinely moving moments where he allows himself to be a bit story about friendship, love, acceptance and the more genuine." courage to be unapologetically yourself. The role is as physically demanding as it is The soundtrack is stacked with 80s and 90s emotionally rich. Leese, a veteran of Chookas disco anthems, including Hot Stuff, It's Raining productions including Kinky Boots and Ride Men, I Will Survive, and I Love the Nightlife. For the Cyclone, says he's finally confident dancing Musical Director Luke Baker, that soundtrack is in heels. His bigger challenge is a nod to the the engine of the whole show. show's roots in drag performance: lip-syncing "It's all about the energy," he says. "The "Sempre Libera", the Italian operatic piece from balance between the jukebox musical style the iconic scene atop the bus. and the technical precision of a theatrical performance is what truly captivates the audience." A ten-piece live orchestra will bring the score to life across all five performances, adding, he says, "an extra burst of energy to both the performers and the audience." Baker is also mindful of the show's deeper themes. "It's a product of its time, and many elements need to be carefully presented to the audience," says Baker, who is himself a member of the LGBTQI community, alongside many cast members and allies. He's determined to bring integrity and sensitivity to the work, with inclusivity, respect and equality front of mind. Among his favourite
"It is very important to me that I get it right. I'm a perfectionist. My next challenge after that will be trying not to fall off the top of the bus while doing it!" Bringing it all together is a creative team led by producer Jody Miller and director Maddie Watts, with Tahnae Luke as assistant director, choreographer Emily Delchau and assistant choreographer Caitlin Maher, and lighting and sound design by JH Productions. "It takes a team of people who are passionate about live performance to make it happen," says Baker, a long-time Chookas collaborator. "The love and care we put into our art are evident in our team. I want audiences to leave knowing how much we love theatre, and that they'll tell their friends to come back and experience a Chookas Show!" For Leese, the show's message goes well beyond the glitter. "It's about finding a way to love being alive," he says. "A way to accept yourself and others radically, even when the world seems to turn against you." He hopes Newcastle audiences leave "feeling connected - as they all belong to this crazy little thing called proudly being themselves." A word of warning for anyone planning a family outing: this is not a G-rated night out. The production carries adult language and themes, along with confetti cannons, smoke and haze, and is recommended for ages 13 and up. Running time is approximately two hours and thirty-five minutes, including interval. Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical plays five performances at the Civic Theatre Newcastle from its evening opener on Thursday 17 December until the matinee performance on Sunday 20 December at 1pm. Tickets start from $69 and are on sale now through the Civic Theatre Newcastle box office, online, or by phone on 02 4929 1977. Grab your heels, your feather boa, and your friends: the bus is leaving in December, and Newcastle is invited along for the ride! Credit: York&Hellier Photography
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Credit: Elfes Images
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More Than a Cellar Door Latitude 32 Rewriting the Wine Experience The Hunter Valley has never been short on cellar doors. But Latitude 32 Wines understands today's visitors want more than a tasting bench and six wines poured in a row. They want a story, an experience, a reason to linger. That's exactly what the Pokolbin winery has set out to build. "We asked ourselves, what would make us stay for another glass," says owner Emma White, who runs Latitude 32 alongside partner David White.
"For us, that's great wine, amazing experiences, beautiful scenery and spending quality time with the people you're with. We wanted wine to be part of an unforgettable day out, not just a tasting at a bench." That philosophy is behind Latitude 32's now-famous Wine & Dumplings Pairing, an unlikely combination that has become one of the Hunter's most talked-about food and wine matches, and the new Chocolate & Wine Experience, an interactive fondue where each
ingredient echoes flavours found in wine, from citrus and berries to spice and cocoa. For dessert lovers, the new Sweet & Sparkling Experience pairs four indulgent desserts with four contrasting sparkling wines, while a self-guided vineyard walk uses QR technology to explore the property's story from ground to glass. Breakfasts among the vines, curated tastings, private picnics and seasonal events round out the offering, all in a dog- and family-friendly setting. Adding fresh energy is new Head Winemaker Amy Blackburn, who joins Latitude 32 from some of Australia's leading wineries. "Her passion for alternative varietals and the emerging low and no-alcohol category opens up exciting opportunities, but she's equally respectful of the classics that made this region famous," says Emma. Combined with estate-grown vineyards and award-winning wines, including one of Australia's leading Semillons, Latitude 32 is proving a cellar door can be a place to learn, laugh and linger. As Emma puts it, "If someone gets back in the car and says, 'That was the highlight of our day in the Hunter’, that's success for us." Visit Latitude 32 and experience it for yourself at 771 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin. For more information, visit latitude32wines.com.
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From Yes to Forever After Celebrate your love story in the heart of the Hunter Valley, where unforgettable moments become cherished memories. At Château Élan, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to create the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, because your forever deserves a setting as beautiful as your love.
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Credit: Standing Free Photography
The Fresh Start Effect: Why Spring Is the Best Time to Build Healthy Habits Spring is nature’s reminder that fresh starts don’t have to wait until January! With longer days and renewed energy, it’s the perfect time to reset your routine and build healthy habits that last. Every year, spring brings a fresh sense of motivation. The key is turning that momentum into lasting habits that support you beyond the season. Spring is a natural reset Psychologists call it the "fresh start effect". Research suggests we're more likely to embrace positive habits after a meaningful milestone like a birthday, a new year, or even the changing of the seasons. That’s why spring can often feel like a great time to start.
Build habits that last Quick fixes rarely outlast the season. Consistency, on the other hand, compounds. It’s tempting to make big changes all at once, but research into behaviour change shows that small, repeatable habits are far more likely to stick than ambitious overhauls. So, start where you are: a walk after dinner, two workouts a week, or making time for movement that you enjoy. Before long, they'll become second nature — and once they do, you can build from there. Mix indoor with outdoor movement One of spring's biggest advantages is the weather. A walk to your morning coffee, a weekend bike ride or an evening run are great
for complementing strength training or a class at the gym. Mixing different forms of movement supports strength, mobility and cardiovascular fitness, while keeping your routine interesting enough to return to. Make recovery count Recovery is essential for progress, allowing your body and muscles to repair and grow stronger. At Urth Fitness, our Recovery Lounge includes an infrared sauna, HydroMassage lounges, massage chairs and more, making it easy to incorporate recovery into your routine. We also offer flexible memberships, Group Fitness and Reformer Pilates, giving members plenty of ways to keep movement varied and create a routine you’ll enjoy coming back to.
Build healthy habits with a routine that works for U in every season at Urth Fitness. Intro Memberships start from just $6.50pw*, with upgrade options including Group Fitness classes and our Recovery Lounge. Visit urthfitness.com.au. *T&Cs apply. Minimum total cost for Intro Membership is $605 across 18 months.
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The Eiffel Tower
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From Skylines to Skulls A Slice of Paris WORDS & IMAGES DI VON ESSEN Of everything we did in Paris, two moments won't let go of me: one sky-high, one deep underground. Paris has a way of making you feel small in two completely different directions. Look up,
and there's the Eiffel Tower, all iron lace and impossible scale, doing exactly what it was built to do: dominate the skyline. Look down, and there's a version of the city that has nothing to do with cafés and boulevards at all: a silent labyrinth of tunnels, stacked floor to ceiling with the bones of six million Parisians. We didn't plan
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it this way, but our trip ended up shaped by these two extremes: one landmark reaching for the sky, one hiding beneath the streets. The Eiffel Tower is the one everybody knows, and I'll admit we never actually went up it. We circled it instead: from the Trocadéro across the river, where the whole tower fills your view and every second tourist is mid-selfie; from the grass of the Champ de Mars at night, when it does its hourly sparkle, a five-minute shimmer of white lights that starts on the hour and sends a little ripple of gasps through the park each time; and from the SkyBar high above the rooftops, cocktail in hand, watching it glow gold against the dark and float above a sea of grey zinc roofs. At the Trocadéro, the fountains below the terrace were lit up too, so the tower had company: light bouncing off water, off glass, off a few thousand phone screens all pointed the same direction. Every angle gave us something different. Looking back, I think skipping the climb was the right call, not a missed one. Once you're up on the tower, you're looking at Paris. The view is the city spread out below you, not the tower itself. From the ground, the Eiffel Tower stays the star of the show. You get to watch it change with the light, sparkle on the hour, and anchor every skyline photo you take for the rest of the trip. If you do want to go up, book well ahead
(tickets sell out), but don't feel short-changed if, like us, you decide the best view of the Eiffel Tower is simply of it, not from it. Then there's the Catacombs, which might be the strangest thing we did in Paris, and the one I keep thinking about. Nothing quite prepares you for walking down a narrow spiral staircase into cool, still air and coming face to face with walls built entirely out of femurs and skulls, arranged with a kind of eerie neatness by the men who moved them there in the late 1700s, when Paris's overflowing cemeteries had become a public health crisis. The bones aren't just piled up either; they're arranged into deliberate patterns, long walls of femurs stacked like firewood with rows of skulls set into them, occasionally forming a cross or a heart, which somehow makes it more unsettling rather than less. It's dim, it's quiet, and it is genuinely cold. The temperature sits around 14°C year-round, so take a jacket even in the height of summer. What really stayed with me, though, was losing all sense of direction. The official visitor route only covers around 1.5 kilometres of tunnel, but the full network beneath the city stretches for hundreds of kilometres, and walking it feels like far more than a kilometre and a half. It's slow going, single file, past bone wall after bone wall, with no real sense of how far you've come. When you finally climb back
up into daylight, you don't emerge anywhere near where you went in. The exit drops you on a completely different street, blocks from the entrance, and for a disorienting moment you have to remind yourself which way is which, and which century. Book your tickets online in advance; the Catacombs cap numbers underground, and the queue for walk-ups can eat half your day. Sky and underground, tower and tomb. Paris doesn't mind holding both at once. One
landmark asks to be admired from a distance, glittering and enormous, while the other pulls you in close and swallows your sense of direction entirely. We left the city with sore feet, cold fingers, and two completely different kinds of awe: one from standing in a park at night watching a giant iron tower shimmer against the sky, the other from standing in the dark, entirely turned around, surrounded by six million people who got to Paris a very long time before we did.
Paris Catacombs
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Hammer, Anvil, Heart The Story of Cosy Iron Design HAND FORGED WROUGHT IRON EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY Specialising in artistic restoration and new works, Danish born René Rasmussen has the blacksmith’s skill to restore and recreate the style of yesteryear in many creative and varied forms. For all enquiries please contact the office: 71 Branxton St, Greta NSW 2334 PH 4981 7174 | M 0402 190 835 E cosyiron@optusnet.com.au | www.cosyiron.com.au
Since 1784
Your family will likely remember you through shared memories, cherished traditions and acts of kindness that you inspired throughout your lifetime.
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You're not just getting a piece of metal when you order a handmade wrought-iron product from Cosy Iron Design - you're getting a physical manifestation of an age-old artisanal craft, and the culmination of over 50 years of experience from master blacksmith René Rasmussen. Follow the sound of hammer and anvil, and you'll find René ensconced in his forge, blending traditional and modern tools to create bespoke pieces for clients of every kind. His wife Judith brings her own creative talents to the business; a diploma-qualified welder well-versed in fabrication and steel manufacturing, she designs smaller original pieces such as wine racks and candelabras. René has affectionately dubbed her "The Master's Apprentice." Cosy Iron's work marries old-world artistry with uncompromising quality. René and Judith collaborate with architects, designers, builders, fabricators and individual clients to produce a mix of classic and contemporary wrought iron designs and specialise in restoration as well as new commissions. Whether you have a functional or decorative piece in need of attention, or you're after something entirely new, Cosy Iron is the place to call. In an age of mass production, where the art of true handcrafting can feel all but lost, a master craftsperson like René is a rare find. Commission a piece from Cosy Iron Design, and you're getting more than an object - you're gaining a unique focal point for your home or garden, and an heirloom to be treasured and passed down for generations to come.
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More Opportunities Ahead for Local Young People
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CRUISE NEWCASTLE VOLUNTEER TODAY! The Newcastle Tourism Industry Group (NTIG) is calling on the community to join its Cruise Welcome Volunteer program for the 202627 season, which kicks off on Thursday 8 October with the arrival of the Crown Princess, carrying 3,600 passengers and 1,200 crew. NTIG aims to grow its volunteer group to at least 50, welcoming cruise visitors, sharing local knowledge, and helping showcase Newcastle's hospitality to the world. The program has also received a boost from Port Authority of NSW community funding, which will fund expanded "Welcome to Newcastle" signage and new cruise passenger maps, giving visitors clearer navigation and easy access to the city's major landmarks. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people while playing a hands-on role in Newcastle's booming cruise tourism industry. For more information, email info@ntig.org.au or visit the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group website.
The Place: Charlestown Community Centre is delighted to announce that its Place Based Abilities Program (PBA) will continue for another year, thanks to Australian Government funding. Delivered in partnership with ReadyUp Skills, PBA is a free, inclusive program for young people with disability aged 10 to 25. Through weekly activities, participants have the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, make friends and become more connected with their local community. One of the program's highlights is Placed to Speak, a participantled podcast where young people share their stories, ideas and lived experiences, helping to challenge perceptions and celebrate the diversity of the local community. Throughout the year, PBA also brings the wider community together through inclusive events, giving participants a platform and demonstrating what's possible when everyone has the opportunity to take part. The continuation of PBA means more opportunities for local young people to connect, contribute and thrive in a welcoming, supportive environment that celebrates their strengths and creates a genuine sense of belonging, while giving the wider community a chance to see just what's possible when everyone is included. For more information, visit www.theplacecharlestown.org.au, or scan the QR code below.
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