Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley | INTOUCH MAGAZINE MARCH 26

From the Editor

There’s a particular kind of pride that comes with watching something you love grow into everything it was always meant to be. This month, Newcastle Fringe Festival steps into its second decade — and it does so with confidence, soul and a lineup that proves this city’s cultural heartbeat is stronger than ever.

What began as a homegrown, determined start-up has matured into something rarer and more powerful: a festival the city can genuinely claim as its own. With more than 250 shows across three weekends this month, “Fringe” brings together international heavyweights, award-winning Australian artists and a wave of exciting newcomers, all choosing Newcastle as their destination. The numbers alone tell a story of growth, but the deeper evolution that truly matters: local heart, global vibe, no gatekeepers and no apologies, should make us all proud to be part of the growth.

March is also a month of celebration for older Australians, with the NSW Seniors Festival running from 2–13 March under this year’s theme, Live Life in Colour. Presented by the City of Newcastle in partnership with Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum, Civic Theatre and more, the program features over 30 events — from creative workshops and guided tours to live music with Australian rock’n’roll pioneer Lonnie Lee (page 21).

For theatre-lovers, Hunter Drama is set to dazzle with Once Upon A One More Time, bringing rebellious princesses, girl-power storytelling and the irresistible hits of Britney Spears to the Playhouse at Civic Theatre Newcastle. With 22 musical numbers, director Luke Baker promises a theatrical feast and a pop concert all in one — and from all reports, the students are delivering (page 10).

And if you’re in the Cessnock region, don’t miss the stunning new exhibition by internationally recognised artist Dani Marti, now open at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC). Fallen is a visually arresting, deeply considered work that rewards a slow and curious eye — running until 18 April (page 11).

Newcastle Fringe Festival is back — bigger, bolder and more brilliantly itself than ever. From 14 to 29 March 2026, more than 250 shows, 125 acts and 800 artists will take over the city for three weekends of theatre, comedy, cabaret, music, digital arts and gloriously unclassifiable performances. It’s Australia’s Biggest Little Fringe, and it belongs to Newcastle. Read more on page 12. Image: Kelly Ann Doll in The Ruby Revue. Image Credit: Georgia Moloney.

As always, we’re grateful to bring you these stories and to celebrate the extraordinary talent and creativity calling Newcastle home. This city continues to surprise and inspire us — and March is shaping up to be one of the very best months to be here. Enjoy!

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What's On IN MARCH

NEWCASTLE BELLY DANCE FESTIVAL

▲ FRIDAY 6 – SUNDAY 8

AT WALLSEND DIGGERS & MEZZ BAR

Australia's premier belly dance festival offers workshops for all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, along with live performances and markets. Led by top Australian teachers and performers, the event covers choreography and technique across various dance styles. For more information, visit www.newcastlebellydancefestival.com.

THE BIG '90S PARTY

■ SATURDAY 7 MARCH

AT THE STATION

Dance to iconic anthems with DJs Peewee Ferris, Nick Skitz ft. Kidd Kaos and The Big Party Band. Dress 90's best, compete for prizes, and relive the ultimate decade. Expect a sellout! For more information, visit www.newcastlestation.com.au.

We make every effort possible to be correct, however events do change. Please check individual events online before planning.

SUNSET SOUNDS 4 – LIVE ON THE LAKE

▲ SATURDAY 7 MARCH

AT TORONTO HOTEL

Triple M Presents Sunset Sounds - Live on the Lake, bringing you the next instalment of Sunset Sounds to Toronto Hotel featuring The Angel, The Radiators, Swanee, DV8 and Mark Gable (Choirboys). Stunning lakeside views, iconic Aussie music, and good vibes all day –what more could you ask for? For more info, visit torontohotel.com.au/live-on-the-lake.

THE CHOPPER BALL

■ SATURDAY 7 MARCH

AT SHOAL BAY COUNTRY CLUB

The Chopper Ball 2026 fundraiser supports the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Newcastle. This circus-themed black-tie gala features a three-course dinner, canapés, a beverage package, live music, and entertainment. Enjoy live/silent auctions and raffles with spectacular prizes while supporting your local community's vital rescue service. Brought to you by First National Real Estate Port Stephens. Book now, visit rescuehelicopter.com.au.

MITCH TAMBO – STORYTIME AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

▲ SATURDAY 7 MARCH

AT RATHMINES THEATRE, NAWAYIBA

Join Mitch Tambo, the electrifying performer, didgeridoo player, dancer, singer and now author, for a storytime and live performance. Travelling across the country for the I AM ME tour, using music, storytelling and culture to inspire young people and encourage self-belief, this is a storytime you don’t want to miss.

LAKE MAC TRIATHLON FESTIVAL

■ SUNDAY 8 MARCH

AT SPEERS POINT PARK

Swim, cycle and run in the beautiful Lake Macquarie! This welcoming event is perfect for all levels, from juniors and first-timers to experienced athletes. Enjoy calm, protected swimming waters, a flat closed road cycle, and a scenic lakeside run, the perfect place to chase a PB or to cheer on loved ones from the finish line. For more information, visit hevents. com.au/events/lake-macquarie-triathlonfestival.

8am–2pm Every Saturday Stockland Glendale Under the Huge Big Top (adjacent Target)

GLENDALE FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

0427 586 079 glendale@nswfarmersmarket.com.au facebook.com/glendalefarmersartisans glendalecityfarmersmarket.com.au

OCCASIONAL COMBUSTIBLE DISASTER

▲ THURSDAY 12 MARCH

AT PLAYHOUSE, CIVIC THEATRE

Freddy Ambit faces a crucial decision before turning 18: confess to police as a minor or carry lifelong guilt over a deadly secret. His sibling's return and parents' quarrels can't distract him. Local playwright Daniel Cottier's debut explores nuclear family dynamics with humour and heartbreak. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

SHOAL BAY FOOD & WINE FEST

■ SATURDAY 14 MARCH

AT SHOAL BAY ROAD

This free coastal event showcases some of Shoal Bay's finest local food, wine, and entertainment. Attendees can sample dishes from regional restaurants, wineries, brewers, and distillers while enjoying live performances, cooking demonstrations, and activities. Visit www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au.

FESTIVAL OF TWO PALETTES

▲ SATURDAY 14 – SUNDAY 15 MARCH

AT MORPETH GALLERY

The Festival of Two Palettes is a unique celebration of art and food, offering a rich cultural experience that blends creativity and culinary pleasure. Watch Australia's finest artists paint original works at their easels and enjoy gourmet food tastings downstairs at Morpeth Gourmet Foods, featuring fudge, cordial, and honey. For more information, visit www.morpethgallery.com.au.

A LITTLE BIT OF BROKE

■ SATURDAY 14 MARCH

AT MULTIPLE VENUES ACROSS BROKE FORDWICH

Discover the most incredible food, wine, and fresh produce the Hunter Valley has to offer at this festival-style weekend in the beautiful venues of Broke Fordwich. This showcase aims to encourage visitors to return to the fabulous participating locations outside the experience. Whether you’re into wine, gin and tonic, cocktails or anything else, there’s something to please everyone! For more info or to get tickets, visit www.brokefordwich.com.au.

MARCH GIG GUIDE

SATURDAY 7 MARCH

The Years Cardiff RSL

SATURDAY 7 MARCH

Mac the Knife Kahibah Bowling Club

THURSDAY 12 MARCH

Frenzee Hamilton Station Hotel

FRIDAY 13 MARCH

The Whitlam’s Civic Theatre

FRIDAY 13 MARCH

Prestige Inc Warners Bay Foreshore

SATURDAY 14 MARCH

Sarah McLeoud & Dallas Frasca Stag & Hunter Hotel

SUNDAY 15 MARCH

Thunderstorm Artis Stag & Hunter Hotel

WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH

Elephant Sessions Hamilton Station Hotel

FRIDAY 20 MARCH

Hot Potato Band The Exchange

SATURDAY 21 MARCH

Gen-R-8 Belmont 16s Sailing Club

SATURDAY 21 MARCH

The Tay Tay Tribute Show Club Macquarie

FRIDAY 27 MARCH

Hussy Hicks Stag & Hunter Hotel

What's On IN MARCH

BERNARD FANNING -

TEA & SYMPATHY 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

▲ TUESDAY 17 MARCH

AT CIVIC THEATRE

Bernard Fanning celebrates Tea & Sympathy's 20th anniversary with an Australian tour, with an exceptional performance in Newcastle. Following a sold-out QPAC show that sold out in two minutes, Fanning will be joined by special guests Sam Cromack from Ball Park Music and Georgia Mooney from All Our Exes Live in Texas. Book now, visit www.civictheatre.com.au.

THE RIONS

■ THURSDAY 19 MARCH

AT KING STREET HOTEL

Following their #1 debut album Everything Every Single Day, Sydney indie favourites The Rions are hitting the road for a massive 19-date regional tour. The Everywhere Every Single Day Tour spans WA, VIC, NSW, QLD, and TAS from February to April 2026, featuring new songs and support from Chloe Parché. For more info,

NEWCASTLE CHILLI FESTIVAL

▲ SUNDAY 22 MARCH

AT THE STATION

The weather may have cooled down, but things are about to heat up! Mark your calendar for the Hottest Day in Newcastle at The Station! If you're a fan of all things spicy, this event is made for you. Chilli lovers will be in paradise with an array of chilli products, fiery food options, and even a chilli-eating competition for the brave. For more information, visit the Facebook Event.

NEWCASTLE FABULOUS LADIES WINE SOIREE

■ THURSDAY 26 MARCH

AT SIGNAL BOX

Third-generation winemaker Natalie Pizzini debuts in Newcastle, featuring an eight-wine tasting with a multi-course dinner, hosted by Pizzini and FLWS founder Jane Thomson OAM. Guests will enjoy Italian wines from Prosecco to Nebbiolo, plus prizes and networking opportunities. For more information, visit

ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL

▲ SATURDAY 28 MARCH

AT WARNERS BAY THEATRE, BARAMAYIBA

The Lake Macquarie One Act Play Festival is a vibrant theatre competition featuring a series of short one-act plays written and submitted by local, national and international playwrights. The festival, directed by Charlotte De Wit, highlights local talent and promotes the region’s arts scene. Reserve your tickets at www.arts.lakemac.com.au

ROCKING THE GREEN

■ SATURDAY 28 MARCH

AT STOCKTON BOWLING CLUB

Five incredible bands, one epic location, and a whole day of live music await. Experience tributes to legends, including The Whispering Jack Show, Elton John, Damnation and a '90s throwback with All Access, and Fabba's ABBA celebration. Get ready for non-stop entertainment, good vibes, and great company in this ultimate tribute band lineup. For more

NEWCASTLE BEER FESTIVAL

▲ SATURDAY 28 MARCH

AT KING EDWARD PARK

Returning for its 10th year of chaos, Newcastle Beer Fest is back for its next round of sun, fun, and beers. Prepare for a fantastic lineup of beers, great vibes, live music and moments you'll remember. The event will feature a diverse selection of beverages from a range of independently owned Australian brewers, with a variety of delicious food vendors. Grab your picnic blanket, gather your friends, and get your tickets now! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.newcastlebeerfest.com.au.

SOUNDBITES FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

■ SATURDAY 28 MARCH

AT NEWCASTLE RACECOURSE

Prepare for a full-day celebration of the region’s best chefs, wineries, brewers, distillers and producers, paired with live music, tastings, live chef demonstrations with Miguel Maestre and six local chefs and headline entertainment from Hindley Street Country Club. For more info, visit www.newcastleracecourse.com.au.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH WHAT'S ON

Visit our website to view weekly updates on events in the Hunter region.

SAILFEST

▲ SATURDAY 28 – SUNDAY 29 MARCH

AT NEWCASTLE HARBOUR

Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend activity or are someone who enjoys walking the foreshore, SailFest has something to show you. As Newcastle’s celebration of sailing, the event promotes life on the water to the local community. With race locations across Newcastle, it will be easy to find a spot to watch the event unfold. For more information, visit sailfest.com.au.

HILL TO HARBOUR

■ SUNDAY 29 MARCH

AT BAR BEACH TO CARRINGTON

Whether you're an avid runner or just looking for a fun day out, this event offers something for everyone. The 12km course takes you on a breathtaking journey from Bar Beach to Carrington, showcasing the city's stunning coastline. For those seeking a shorter challenge, the Halfa Hill to Harbour 6km event is the perfect fit, and the 2K-4-FUN is ideal for kids or those wanting a more relaxed pace. For more information, visit www.hilltoharbour.com.au.

MY GREATEST WALK

■ SUNDAY 29 MARCH

AT DIXON PARK

MARCH MARKET GUIDE

EVERY SATURDAY

■ Glendale Farmers & Artisan Market at Stockland, Glendale, 8am–2pm

EVERY SUNDAY

■ Newcastle City Farmers Market at Newcastle Showground, 7am–1pm

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

■ The Olive Tree Market at Civic Park, 9am–2pm

■ Morisset Shop and Feast Markets at Morisset Showground, 9am–2pm

■ Pelican Foreshore Markets at Pelican, 9am–1pm

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

■ Maitland Community Markets at Maitland Showground, 9am–1pm

FIRST & THIRD SUNDAY

■ Homegrown Market at Speers Point Park, 10am–2pm

SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

■ Homegrown Markets at The Station, 10am–2pm

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

■ Made & Found Market at Beach Road, Redhead, 10am–2pm

Myeloma Australia's My Greatest Walk 2026 invites thousands nationwide to raise funds and awareness for myeloma. Participants receive a complimentary t-shirt with their ticket and enjoy a family and pet-friendly community event. Following 2025's success with over 2,200 walkers across 30 locations, the walk supports research and those affected by myeloma. Register now, visit shop.myeloma.org.au.

SECOND & FOURTH SUNDAY

■ Tomaree Markets at Neil Carroll Park, 8am–2pm

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

■ Warners Bay Market at Warners Bay Foreshore, 8am–2pm

■ Tanilba Bay Markets at President Wilson Walk, 9am–12pm

DIANA

> SUNDAY 1 – SUNDAY 8 MARCH AT CIVIC THEATRE

Diana is a breathtaking new musical about one of modern history's most beloved women. Nineteen-year-old Diana Spencer becomes the world's most famous woman when engaged to a prince she barely knows. Struggling within the rigid royal family structure, trapped in a loveless marriage, and enduring an unprecedented media spotlight, Princess Diana defies expectations to emerge as her own woman and create an enduring legacy. With an irresistible score by Tony Award® winners Joe DiPietro and David Bryan, this unmissable production brings Diana's story to vivid new life onstage. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

NEWCASTLE SURFEST CHALLENGER SERIES

> MONDAY 9 – SUNDAY 15 MARCH AT MEREWETHER BEACH

Surfest in Newcastle is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, culminating with the opening event of the 2026 World Surf League, Newcastle Surfest Challenger Series. As the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere, it attracts over 120 of the world’s best up-and-coming surfers, all vying for World Surf League ranking points as they look to qualify for the 2026 Championship Tour. In addition to surfing, pop-up markets are held on select days, featuring handmade items and artwork by local artists. For more details, visit www.surfest.com.

Source: SummerSalt Music

SUMMERSALT FESTIVAL

> SATURDAY 14 MARCH AT SPEERS POINT PARK

SummerSalt presents Ocean Alley on their Australian Coastal tour with a series of sundrenched events, with a special stop in Lake Macquarie! The festival features a stacked line-up of homegrown and international artists, including Skegss, Allah-Las, Babe Rainbow, Mid Drift, Le Shiv, and Seaside. It’s the perfect setting to dance and sing with your friends, bask in the sunshine, and try new foods from local food trucks. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.summersaltmusic.com.au.

NEWCASTLE FRINGE

> SATURDAY 14 – SUNDAY 29 MARCH

AT VARIOUS VENUES ACROSS NEWCASTLE

Newcastle Fringe Festival delivers 250 shows, 125 acts and 800+ artists across three weekends, spanning across three hubs: Hamilton CBD, Newcastle City Precinct, and Beach & 'Burbs. Expect comedy, cabaret, theatre, music and kids' shows featuring YouTube star Saksham Magic, comedy legend Jean Kittson, UK's Kate Smurthwaite, cabaret icon Dolly Diamond, and theatremaker Rob Carlton and many more! View the full program and get tickets now! Visit www.newcastlefringe.com.au.

THE FAB FOUR

> WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH AT NEX NEWCASTLE

NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL

> FRIDAY 27 – SUNDAY 29 MARCH AT VARIOUS VENUES IN NEWCASTLE

Returning for its 13th year, the inaugural Newcastle Writers Festival celebrates the best Australian writing and provides the opportunity to meet your favourite authors at free and ticketed events. Held over three days, the festival is bursting with panel discussions, readings, interviews, and book launches. This year you can expect to hear from best-selling writer and Reese Witherspoon’s November Book Club pick Charlotte McConaghy, much-loved cook and Australian treasure Stephanie Alexander and much more! To view the complete program and to book tickets, visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au.

Abstract Touring proudly presents The Fab Four – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute, coming directly from the United States – it’s an unmissable evening at NEX for any Beatles fan. The Emmy Award-winning Fab Four stand apart with their exceptional attention to detail and flawless live performances of classic Beatles songs, delivering an unforgettable tribute experience that captures the magic of the legendary band. For more information, visit www.thenex.com.au. 50clydestart.com.au

Earthen Rhythms Drumming for Corporates

SambaFrog Live Drum and Dance Workshop

Sky Rivers & Emerging Artists Opening The Creator Incubator Arts in Recovery The Creator Incubator, 10am

Build a Playground! Reclaimed Commons, 9am

Kids Cooking for a Cause OzHarvest Newcastle, 1pm

Happily Ever After… WITH BRITNEY SPEARS

Hunter Drama is set to start its 2026 season with a bang and a whole lot of glitter. Once Upon A One More Time brings together rebellious princesses, girl-power storytelling, and the irresistible hits of pop superstar Britney Spears for a night of theatrical fun at the Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle, from 9–19 April.

This isn’t your typical fairy tale. When Cinderella, Snow White and their storybook sisters meet for book club, a rogue fairy godmother drops The Feminine Mystique

into their hands. Suddenly, happily ever after isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning. The show cleverly mixes humour, heart and empowerment, using the stories of iconic princesses to explore identity, independence and female strength in today’s world.

Director Luke Baker says the production immediately captured his imagination. “The talent of these students is incredible,” he says.

“I’ve watched Hunter Drama’s senior productions for years, and the energy, vocals and performance skills are so polished you

forget they’re teenagers. When I found out this was the show for 2026, I couldn’t wait to get started.”

With 22 musical numbers and up to 30 Britney Spears hits, the show is as ambitious as it is entertaining. “It’s a theatrical feast and a pop concert all in one,” Baker says. “Our performers are giving everything they’ve got, and audiences are going to feel that energy from the moment the curtain rises.”

Choreographer Abbey Fotheringham says the music gives the story extra sparkle. “There’s so much variety in the songs - powerful ballads, sassy hits, energetic dance breaks. The students have thrown themselves into it, and it really shows on stage,” she says.

“Audiences arrive curious and leave completely won over.”

Once Upon A One More Time combines spectacle, laughter and a killer soundtrack to create a show that’s fun for all ages, with a message that resonates beyond the stage. It’s the perfect start to Hunter Drama’s 2026 season and a celebration of the next generation of local performers, confidence and creativity.

Tickets are on sale now - for a fairytale night that’s anything but ordinary. Visit www. civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/ all-shows/once-upon-a-one-more-time.

crowd. Members mingled over canapés and Lisa McGuigan Wines before heading into the theatre, where jazz band Round Midnight rounded out the evening with infectious energy and style. It was a vibrant celebration of creativity across multiple art forms — exactly what PACC does best, and a fitting launch for what looks to be a landmark year.

Art Under Pressure: Dani Marti's Fallen Comes to Cessnock

Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) has kicked off its 2026 season in spectacular style, with a stunning new exhibition by internationally recognised local artist Dani Marti now open to the public and running until 18 April.

Before the official opening, PACC members were treated to an exclusive first look at Fallen at the season launch event, Curtain Up on 2026, held mid-February. It was an evening that set

the tone beautifully for what promises to be an exciting year ahead. Guests were welcomed into the Gallery for an intimate preview of the exhibition, accompanied by a mesmerising lyra hoop performance that brought the space to life in a truly unique and unforgettable way.

Adding a touch of local pride to the occasion was 13-year-old Amber Copeland from St Philip's Christian College, whose acoustic performance drew warm applause from the

Fallen offers audiences a rare opportunity to engage with the work of an internationally exhibited artist whose practice spans sculpture, textile, installation and performance. Marti is known for transforming everyday industrial and domestic materials — melting, binding, knotting and weaving them into works that explore fragility, endurance and the instability of form. It is deeply considered, visually arresting work that rewards a slow and curious eye.

At the heart of Fallen is Furious Red (Vermell Furiós), a striking circular relief made from melted domestic plastics that speaks to states of pressure, urgency and permanent emergency. Alongside it, works such as Torn Borders, Portrait of a Tudor, DUST and Brianna weave together themes of contested boundaries, vulnerability, memory and perception.

Together, the works present a world under pressure — where structure and fragility are in constant, compelling negotiation.

As Newcastle Fringe Festival rolls into its second decade, something has quietly shifted. This is no longer a homegrown, determined start-up proving its worth. Nor is it a novelty on the cultural calendar. Newcastle Fringe has grown up, and in doing so, it has become something rarer and more powerful: a festival the city can genuinely claim as its own.

From 14 to 29 March 2026, Newcastle Fringe Festival will spill across the city for three weekends of theatre, comedy, cabaret, music, digital arts, kids’ shows and gloriously unclassifiable performances, with more than 250 shows, 125 acts and 800 artists taking part. The numbers alone tell a story of growth, but they don’t quite capture the deeper evolution underway.

Because this is what maturity looks like in the fringe world: returning artists who are award-winners on the national and international touring circuit; first-time audiences who become repeat Fringe-goers; and a festival confident enough in its identity to keep its open-access heart while lifting its game across programming, governance and reach.

In short, Newcastle Fringe has arrivedwithout losing its soul.

There’s a reason Newcastle Fringe feels so deeply embedded in the city’s cultural fabric. It has grown alongside Newcastle itself, shaped by the same forces that have transformed the former steel city into a confident, creative, beachside destination with a strong sense of place.

Once known primarily for heavy industry, Newcastle is now celebrated for its live music scene, independent hospitality, public art, coastal lifestyle and thriving creative community. Fringe hasn’t imposed itself on that identity - it’s mirrored it.

Open-access, independent and unfiltered, Newcastle Fringe remains proudly democratic. There are no curators, no gatekeepers and no prescribed tastes. If you’ve got a show, you can take part. That philosophy continues to attract artists at every stage of their careers, from emerging locals to internationally recognised performers looking for a festival that values experimentation and connection over prestige. But as the festival enters its second decade, the calibre of work and the confidence behind it is unmistakable.

The 2025 Fringe marked a turning point. Its 10th anniversary year saw 14,170 attendees, up from 9,454 the year before, with almost half coming from outside the Newcastle LGA, and

nearly 95 per cent of the audience rating the festival as good or excellent.

Just as telling were the words audiences used to describe the experience: fun, inclusive, joyous, uplifting, enlightening. It’s rare for a grassroots arts festival to generate that level of emotional connection, and even rarer to do so at scale. Perhaps that success is due to the fact that accessibility is central to the festival’s appeal. With average ticket prices sitting between $25 and $30, Newcastle Fringe continues to offer some of the best-value, multigenre live entertainment on the calendar.

Supporting this growth and accessibility is a newly launched website that is already earning praise for its simplicity and seamless checkout experience. Designed to make discovering and booking shows easier than ever, the refreshed platform reflects the festival’s continued evolution on stage and behind the scenes.

It’s also a festival designed to be experienced your way. Pick a venue and stay for the night, or venue-hop across Hamilton, the Newcastle CBD and the Beach & ’Burbs hubs of Merewether and Lambton. Bring friends, bring kids, take a punt on something you’ve never heard of before because that’s half the fun.

The growth and maturity of the festival is reflected clearly in the 2026 program.

Returning to Newcastle Fringe this year are artists who have built serious reputations on the global fringe circuit - performers who could choose to play almost anywhere, and who are choosing to come back.

From the UK, comedy powerhouse Kate Smurthwaite returns with three shows, spanning razor-sharp political comedy, poetry exploring love and grief, and her beloved kids’ show Evolution Revolution. Also back from the UK is the wonderfully surreal Giant Balloon Man, delighting audiences of all ages with two shows that are equal parts chaos and joy.

Australian favourites include comedy icon Jean Kittson, award-winning theatre-maker Rob Carlton with Virgin in a Knife Fight, and last year’s Best Show winners Bubble Show Adults Only alongside the family-friendly Bubble Show in Space. Cabaret heavyweights Dolly Diamond and Skank Sinatra bring sequins, sass and powerhouse vocals, while kids’ hero Mr Snotbottom returns with two shows he promises adults will love just as much as the kids.

And then there are the newcomers - a wave of international and national debuts that signal Newcastle Fringe’s growing reputation well beyond the Hunter.

Canada’s The Routine arrives for the first time with a physical comedy described as Death of a Salesman meets Mr Bean. From the USA, award-winning entertainer Melvin Brown brings old-school song-and-dance charisma. Germany’s Stefanie Rummel makes her Australian Fringe debut with Chansons: Piaf, Brel & Me – an internationally acclaimed solo show breathing new life into the timeless songs of Piaf, Brel and beyond. Closer to home, Sydney Fringe Best Comedy winner Nun Slut,

Adelaide Fringe favourite Becoming Benno, and the brass-fuelled funk spectacle of the Hot Potato Band round out a program that is as ambitious as it is eclectic.

Acclaimed songwriter Owen Smith is sharing his sharpest and most utterly bogan work yet as he brings his high energy music show Upper Class Bogan to Newcastle. And deserving a share of the spotlight is up and coming comedian Chris Matthews-Darby with his show Small Town Syndrome and Dean Robinson with his show #SwiftTok a one-man comedy and deep dive into the hilarity of stan culture, the Tik Tok generation and a celebration of Taylor Swift.

Audiences will laugh until they cry with Sarah Francis’ unique show Psycho or Psychic. Expect playful clowning with soulful stories in this wacky one-person comedy when Luna takes you through true stories of spiritual anomalies in a show that is manically unconventional and intriguingly unpredictable. The message is clear: Newcastle Fringe is no longer a stepping stone. For many artists, it’s a destination.

Despite that global pull, the beating heart of the festival remains unmistakably local. Newcastle artists continue to feature prominently across the program, with muchloved Fringe regulars including The Pretty Amazing Show, Nerds & Music, Les Divine Folles à Newy, and Creative Creatures returning once again. Their ongoing presence is both a point of pride and a sign of trust - these are artists who have grown with the festival and helped define its personality.

The festival opens on Saturday, 14 March with Fringe Feast, a free community street party celebrating Hamilton’s food, music and entertainment scene. Supported by the City of Newcastle and Hello Hamilton, the event will feature five hours of taster performances from Fringe artists, with main stage acts from this year’s festival - Pretty Amazing Jono, Les Divine Folles à Newy, 3Degrees, Ark Hive, KehdiDoofi Disqo, along with new dance works and fire performance. The MC, Comedian Eddy Rockefeller, will keep everyone entertained between shows, along with roving entertainment, workshops, kids’ activities, and live music, setting the tone for

three weeks of creativity and connection. Don’t miss the Dance Workshop with Top Rock Studios, Creative Creatures, the ‘Best Fringe of Fringe’ hair competition to rival the Mullet Fest, a Silent Disco, the Face and Portrait Painting and the upcycled craft project Little Hands - Big Fringe, which is expected to be a highlight of the day. A recycled art project, young creators are invited to help build a giant Newcastle Fringe sign in a hands-on workshop. Once complete, the artwork will travel to venues hosting kids’ shows, becoming a vibrant annual symbol of creativity, sustainability and community.

Fringe Feast is a reminder that Fringe isn’t confined to theatres and bars. It lives in streets, churches, clubs, community halls and unexpected corners of the city, wherever artists and audiences are willing to meet.

In a wonderful example of taking the essence of Fringe to the people, on March 15, the families of Port Stephens will have the opportunity to experience a taster of their own with The Pretty Amazing Show headlining an activation at Soldiers Point Memorial Hall for an afternoon of family-friendly fringy fun. And back in the city, Newcastle Fringe is also activating The Headphone Project on Darby Street, creating an intimate pop-up space for connection and discovery. Across the second and third weekends of the festival, Fringe PopUp Previews will take place there - currently planned for Fridays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm and Saturdays from 11am to 1pm - offering audiences a chance to sample live performances in the heart of #DarbyStreet.

The annual Choir Day is a festival highlight, and this year is no exception. Set within the soaring surrounds of Hamilton Uniting

Church, it’s a stirring celebration of voices in harmony. While the much-loved Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir returns - having performed every year since Choir Day began - the rest of the lineup proudly showcases homegrown talent, with every other choir hailing from the Hunter. From the a cappella harmonies of Hunter Women of Note Chorus to the internationally award-winning Newcastle Chamber Choir, it’s a magical day that celebrates the extraordinary depth of talent in our own community.

For an infectious performance of music laughter and rich harmony, join Novatones Harmony Chorus - Newcastle’s acclaimed men’s a cappella chorus and for classical music fans, there’s The Australian Landscape in Poetry and Music, exploring works by Australian composers and Fingers at Play – a piano recital by renowned local pianist (and Fringe Founder), Phil Aughey. Wild Looping Bass is a dreamy meditation of music, poetry and nature, and The Flute Revamped is a solo recital inspired by television, pop music and popular culture. For opera buffs, don’t miss Opera's Bad Girl, exploring the life of rebel opera singer Anna Bishop.

If you’re in a nostalgic mood, why not enjoy the golden voices of Queens of Song, looking back at artists such as Olivia Newton-John and Judith Durham or The Peter Allen Songbook: Time is a Traveller, featuring Annaliesa Rose on vocals and Daryl Wallis on keys.

For those who prefer their art on the edgier side, comedienne Vanessa Larry Mitchell won’t disappoint at either of her shows, Teardrops on My Dildo: Fully Charged or her Comedy Marathon. If you want to have a go at your own stand-up, Vanessa is also running a comedy workshop for adults. For the quintessential cabaret experience inspired by Marlene Dietrich, head to the Royal Exchange for Jude Bowler’s Stage Fright ein Kabarett and if it’s gritty you want, try Upside Down Fantasyland. This true-life story will shock and move you.

If you want to feel better about your own life choices, then don’t miss Mandy Scotney’s Married for Six Weeks - a true story of a tumultuous six-week marriage that explores the rocky terrain of a whirlwind marriage and navigating the aftermath of saying “yes” when every instinct screamed “no”. Fringe is no stranger to giving voice to controversial ideas, and nothing could illustrate that better than the new theatrical work I Hate Men as Read by Men, based on the book they tried to ban in France, I Hate Men by Pauline

Harmange. Hailed as ‘part lecture, part pubyarn, part cultural cleanse’ and featuring iconic feminist songs all performed by men, this world premiere will be just one of the provocative live experiences on offer across the festival, delivering the very essence of what Fringe is all about.

Newcastle Next: Emerging Artists is returning in a celebration of the next generation of musicians after a sold-out gig at the 2025 festival, as is the Newymation Extravaganza, which celebrates Newcastle’s thriving digital arts scene with animation, VFX, and game art from creators of all levels. And for something completely different, the fringe first True Crime Comedy Walking Tour with veteran comedian Shayne Hunter will explore Newcastle’s dark underbelly.

As Newcastle Fringe Festival matures, so too has its governance.

Following the 2025 AGM, respected broadcaster and community advocate Carol Duncan joined the board, bringing extensive experience in public service and community engagement.

“As a strong advocate for arts and culture in our city, I’m delighted to join the Newcastle

Fringe team,” Duncan says. “The growth of the festival clearly demonstrates how much our community values independent artists and how much people love being part of something that feels genuinely inclusive.”

Chair Brooke Twyford says the addition comes at a pivotal time.

“Newcastle Fringe has always been driven by passion and volunteer energy,” Twyford says. “As we grow, it’s vital that we also build strong foundations for artists, for audiences and for the long-term future of the festival.”

In an era where arts funding is increasingly uncertain and cultural experiences can feel out of reach, Newcastle Fringe stands as proof that grassroots festivals still matter and still work.

It matters because artists earn real income. Because audiences discover work they didn’t know they needed. Because the city lights up with conversation, laughter and curiosity. And because it offers something increasingly rare: a shared cultural experience that belongs to everyone.

As Newcastle Fringe steps confidently into its second decade, it does so with a clear sense of who it is and who it’s for.

Local heart. Global vibe. No gatekeepers. No apologies. This is Australia’s Biggest Little Fringe, and it’s Newcastle’s to be proud of. Visit newcastlefringe.com.au.

Saturday 28th March, 5pm Exchange Hotel Hamilton

FRI 20 MARCH - SUN 22 MARCH THE

Hunter Women of Note Chorus

SINGS BARBERSHOP IN 4 PART HARMONY!

Hunter Women of Note Chorus is an a cappella chorus of singers from across the Hunter, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland and the Central Coast. Under the musical directorship of Elizabeth W Scott, the chorus offers extensive tuition in barbershop and the opportunity to perform a wide repertoire in the community and in national conventions. Rehearsals are at Mayfield West every Monday night at 6pm.

21 March | 4.30pm | Hamilton Uniting Church E: hwonchorus@gmail.com | FB: @hwonchorus

Newcastle’s Premier Men’s Harmony Chorus

Join NOVATONES HARMONY CHORUS for a fun performance of music, laughter, and harmony! Experience Newcastle’s award-winning men’s a cappella chorus as we deliver an unforgettable mix of variety, comedy, and fine music. From rock and folk to classical and traditional barbershop, our rich harmonies and infectious energy will have you smiling long after the show. Come share the joy of song with us!

28 March 2026, 3pm

The Polish Club, 122 Chatham St, Broadmeadow

Full Price: $30, Concession: $25

Tickets available now!

We’re always looking for new members. For information, contact Brian on 0400 406 114.

March Art Workshops

AT ALLETTARE DEZIGNS

Colour, Creativity & Connection at Allettare Dezigns

March is shaping up to be a month of colour, creativity and connection at Allettare Dezigns — Newcastle's favourite creative destination.

The studio's weekly Artflow Sessions offer the perfect two-hour escape from the everyday. Each week brings new skills, fresh techniques and different mediums, from expressive process art to hands-on exploration with materials participants may never have tried before. Relaxed and welcoming, the sessions attract a wonderful community of like-minded creatives who come together to learn, laugh and create.

March also delivers an exciting lineup of specialty workshops. In the Resin Décor class, participants design and pour their own statement chipand-dip bowl, plus their choice of coordinating canisters — functional art that's as beautiful as it is practical. The ever-popular Beach Resin Workshop also returns, where attendees master the secret of creating breathtaking resin cells that capture the movement of the ocean, bringing a sense of coastal calm into the home.

For lovers of fluid art, the elegance of Alcohol Ink awaits. Participants can explore multiple substrates, blend vibrant colours, incorporate luminous metallics and discover techniques that will have them hooked from their very first pour.

Chris Deards | PH 0473733486 | E allettaredezigns@outlook.com www.allettaredezigns.com.au

Whether you're a seasoned creative or a complete beginner, there's something at Allettare Dezigns to spark your imagination this March. Head to www.allettaredezigns.com.au to secure your place — your next masterpiece is waiting.

Newcastle in Full Colour:

Seniors Festival 2026

Each March, the NSW Seniors Festival brings communities across the state together to recognise, celebrate and connect with older Australians. In Newcastle, a vibrant local program reflects the city’s creative spirit and strong sense of community.

This year’s theme, Live Life in Colour, encourages people to try something new, embrace joy and explore fresh experiences. Across the festival, there are opportunities to learn, discover and connect through a rich mix of cultural, creative and wellbeing activities.

Presented by City of Newcastle in partnership with community groups and cultural institutions, including Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Libraries, and Civic Theatre Newcastle, the city-wide program features more than 30 events.

From creative workshops and guided tours to wellness sessions, social activities, intergenerational tech help and live music – including a special evening with Australian rock’n’roll pioneer Lonnie Lee – Seniors Festival offers meaningful ways to stay curious, active and connected at any age.

The festival runs across various venues from 1–13 March with a range of free and ticketed events. Download the program and plan your festival experience at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/our-community/ seniors/seniors-festival-2026.

Seniors Festival

KING STINGRAY | DON WALKER | CHRISTINE ANU | MEG WASHINGTON

KINGSWOOD | THESE NEW SOUTH WHALES | WILLIAM CRIGHTON THE VASCO ERA | JAZZPARTY | DAVEY LANE | MYLEE GRACE | SUB-TRIBE

BLUEBOTTLE KISS | MESS ESQUE | THE ROADTRIPPERS | PINKY BEECROFT

DANA GEHRMAN | MARVELL | JOAN & THE GIANTS | WARBABY

BROWN SPIRITS | ALTER BOY | UNGUS UNGUS UNGUS

BOB CORBETT & THE ROO GRASS BAND | MILLY STRANGE APOCALYPSE JOE & THE COYOTE | BURGER JOINT | REGIKAY

TIMOTHY NELSON | HOLiDAY MYSTICS | COL RAY PRICE

FAHM | JAY SQUIRE & THE LOVELINERS | CHAIN DAISY

GLENY RAE VIRUS & THE COUNTRY ACE SOUL BAND

BENJI & THE SALTWATER SOUND SYSTEM

DASHVILLE PROGRESS SOCIETY

+ A FEW MORE TO COME

Cool Times Ahead at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium

Hunter Ice Skating Stadium is more than just a rink. It's a community hub where families, friends, and sports fans come together. From the heart-pounding excitement of Australian Ice Hockey League games to the joy of birthday celebrations and the fun of public skating activities, there's something for everyone at HISS!

Friday Night Skate at HISS is the perfect way to kick off the weekend! With Crowd DJ, the music is in the skaters' hands. Whether it's Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, or a bit of classic rock, guests can choose the tunes to match their vibe.

Combined with disco lights and an electric atmosphere, the rink transforms into Newcastle's coolest dance floor on ice. Whether showing off moves, racing mates, or just enjoying a night out, the Friday Night Skate is an unmissable experience for skaters of all levels, with entry from 7 pm.

Celebrating a birthday this month? Make it cooler than ever with a party at HISS, where birthday parties are a hit for kids and teens alike. Combining active fun, music, games, and laughter with a unique party experience that's easy for parents to organise, party packages are fully catered and include

access to the dedicated party rooms — no stress required.

With a team that handles everything from food to on-ice games (and even the birthday cake), all that's left to do is enjoy the smiles and celebrate. To book a party, call the friendly team on 02 4954 4499.

There's always something happening at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium. For those who'd rather stay off the ice while the kids carve it up, the café is open with hot food and drinks — a perfect, cosy space for parents to sit, relax, and catch up while the kids burn off some energy. Visit www.hiss.com.au for session times.

The discussion moves seamlessly between literature and visual media. The group debates graphic novels versus traditional books, the role of fan art, and the difference between fan art and fan fiction. They explore whether seeing a character visually enhances the experience or risks “ruining” the image you’ve built in your own imagination. There’s also a lively critique of book-tomovie adaptations. How to Train Your Dragon earns strong praise as a rare example of a story successfully reimagined for the screen. Other adaptations spark frustration, with participants noting how changes to characters, tone or target audience can disappoint loyal readers. Their analysis is sharp, respectful and impressively nuanced.

Where Good Writing Meets Great Fantasy: Young Voices, Big Imaginations

There’s something energising about listening to young people talk about the stories that shape them. In the latest episode of The Placed to Speak podcast, produced through the Place Based Abilities Program, a group of passionate participants explore where “good writing meets great fantasy and visual media”. What unfolds is thoughtful, funny and surprisingly insightful.

Hosted by Riley and joined by Jason, Quinn, Dom and Emily, the episode dives straight into the heart of storytelling: when did we fall in love with reading, and why does it matter?

For some, it started early. For others, like Riley, the spark came later, around age 10 or 11, proving that there’s no timeline on discovering a love of books. Emily shares her pride in recently finishing a book cover-to-cover, a milestone she speaks about with quiet confidence. Quinn traces his reading journey back to the COVID lockdowns, when online

novels opened entire new worlds. And what worlds they are.

From Brandon Sanderson and Leigh Bardugo to Wings of Fire and Lord of the Mysteries, the group speaks fluently in the language of fantasy: dragons, steampunk cities, mythical beasts and intricate power systems. Quinn enthusiastically describes epic sagas spanning thousands of chapters. Emily lights up discussing authors who write characters so vividly you can “picture it in your mind.” Riley reflects on how powerful it is when writing allows you to build a complete world inside your head.

Dom offers a perspective many readers will relate to: sometimes pictures make all the difference. Graphic novels and cartoon-style storytelling help him connect more deeply. “For me, I’m able to see the pictures and stuff, it’s a lot more fun to read,” he explains. His honesty brings balance to the conversation and reinforces an important message that stories don’t belong to just one format.

What stands out most is that these young people are not only consumers of stories, but creators too. Dom recreates classic cartoon scenes and shares his art online — Emily experiments with animation-style drawing. Riley speaks candidly about the challenges of developing a personal art style. Even those who claim they “aren’t strong artists” demonstrate creativity through ideas, critique and storytelling insight.

Throughout the episode, personalities shine. Quinn’s encyclopaedic knowledge of fantasy worlds. Emily’s thoughtful reflections. Dom’s candid humour. Riley’s reflective hosting. Jason’s steady questions guiding the conversation forward.

This is exactly what the Place Based Abilities Program is designed to foster: confidence, creativity and voice. Give young people a microphone, and they’ll show you just how deeply they’re thinking.

If you’ve ever argued that the book was better than the movie, drawn your favourite character, or disappeared into a fictional world for hours at a time, this episode is for you.

Listen now on Spotify and step into a world where imagination leads the way.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xN HllY8mTU5THbkgHCBo3?si=yvpUDbbZT SyEXpipScoiTQ.

Eat. D rin k. Travel.

Bimbadgen More Than Just a View

WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE BIMBADGEN

In a region defined by choice, few Hunter Valley estates offer the sheer breadth of experience that Bimbadgen does. Wine of pedigree, multiple dining styles, an on-site distillery, premium accommodation, concerts, weddings and vineyard experiences - all anchored by two of the region’s oldest vineyards and one of its most recognisable hilltop sites, framed by century-old fig trees and sweeping views to the Brokenback Range.

Appropriately, the name Bimbadgen comes from the local Indigenous language and translates to “Place of Good View.” Established in 1968, Bimbadgen has evolved from a quiet vineyard at the end of a dirt road into one of the Hunter’s most complete wine country destinations. It is a place where heritage vines and modern hospitality coexist with ease, and where visitors can shape their day or their weekend entirely to their own pace.

“There’s something for everyone,” says Jordan Rodgers, General Manager of Hunter Valley Operations.

“We’ve got an expansive footprint with lots of tendrils. People can come for an hour or stay for days.”

From the contemporary cellar door entrance which overlooks a working winery, to long lunches at Esca, wood-fired pizzas in the courtyard, sunset cocktails, vineyard picnics or a stay at The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen’s appeal lies not just in what it produces, but in how generously it shares it.

Bimbadgen’s story begins on Palmers Lane, where the original vineyard was planted in 1968. Alongside the Palmers Lane site, the McDonalds Road vineyard was planted shortly after, giving the estate two distinct vineyard expressions, both now more than 50 years old.

Those vineyards remain the beating heart of the business. Palmers Lane, with its ancient sandy loam soils on the valley floor, has become synonymous with elegant, perfumed Semillon and refined Chardonnay. McDonalds Road, positioned higher along the valley crest with red volcanic soils, produces earlier-ripening, dry-grown fruit, powerful, structured Shiraz and concentrated reds with depth and drive.

“These are very different sites,” says Chief Winemaker and Head of Sales & Distribution, Michael Hatcher. “Palmers Lane is all finesse and delicacy. McDonalds Road has boldness and structure. Having both gives us enormous blending options, but also the confidence to let each vineyard speak on its own.”

At Bimbadgen, winemaking starts and stays in the vineyard. Each block is treated as if it could become a Signature wine, with parcels vinified separately and handled with equal care. It’s a philosophy that allows the team to blend with intention, selecting only the best parcels for the Single Vineyard and Signature ranges.

“We’ve got the luxury of really knowing our blocks,” says Hatcher. “You’re looking for an even canopy, consistency in ripening and when it’s right, you can see it straight away.

“We’ve just finished the 2026 vintage, and it’s a real win. When we needed rain, it rained; when we needed it to be hot, it was hot. Hunter

Valley growing conditions can be brutal, but I’m very pleased with the fruit this year. It looks sensational.”

The estate’s focus remains firmly on Hunter Valley classics: Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz, supported by a Grower’s range that offers more approachable, early-drinking styles and a popular sparkling selection. While innovation is always on the radar, varieties like Fiano and Sangiovese are being explored for the right sites, with the priority on refinement rather than reinvention.

One wine that quietly encapsulates that approach is the Palmers Lane Chardonnay. Sitting outside the entry-level range in the Single Vineyard bracket, it has become one of Bimbadgen’s most reliable performers.

“It’s not heavily awarded, but it consistently overdelivers,” says Hatcher. “People who enjoy Chardonnay are often pleasantly surprised by it. It wins people over quietly, and we’re starting to see a bit of a reputation build around it.”

That understated success mirrors Bimbadgen’s broader winemaking ethos: letting site and season do the talking.

“Globally, there’s a glut of wine and fruit, and drinking habits are changing,” Rodgers notes. “One category that’s really held up is Single Vineyard wines and classic Hunter styles. That’s where our focus is - producing less, but at an even higher quality.”

The results speak clearly. Recent years have delivered an impressive run of trophies and gold medals across regional, national and international wine shows, including top honours for Palmers Lane and McDonalds F

Road Semillons and Shiraz. The 2014 Signature Palmers Lane Semillon has been recognised multiple times as one of Australia’s finest, while newer releases continue to build momentum.

For Hatcher, one milestone stood out. “Our Single Vineyard Semillon being picked up by Malaysian Airlines for Business Class was huge,” he says. “Seeing your wine landing in different destinations like that is incredibly rewarding.”

Behind the wines is a tight-knit team balancing experience with fresh energy. Hatcher joined Bimbadgen last year, bringing with him a background spanning winemaking and sales, a combination well-suited to an estate where the audience comes directly to the source.

Working alongside him is Winemaker and Compliance Manager Sam Boyd, a longtime member of the Bimbadgen team whose career continues to gain international traction. Recently selected as one of just four Australians for the Australia–China Winemaker Immersion Program, Boyd spent four weeks working across Ningxia’s wine region and representing Australian winemaking on a global stage.

“It really reinforced the importance of crosscultural knowledge exchange,” Boyd says.

“Quality, sustainability and collaboration are universal, and that perspective feeds straight back into how we think about our own vineyards and wines here.”

That commitment has also been formally recognised, with Bimbadgen earning Sustainable Winemaking Australia accreditation, a reflection of practices already deeply embedded in daily operations.

The Bimbadgen cellar door sits in a commanding position, offering sweeping views across vineyards to the Barrington and Brokenback ranges. Contemporary in design yet deeply connected to the working winery below, it offers multiple tasting experiences catering to different levels of curiosity, from Sparkling and Grower’s flights through to Signature and Single Vineyard tastings. A new Vineyard to Table experience is taking that connection even further, combining guided vineyard walks with tastings at each varietal block, followed by a four-course lunch at Esca with matched wines.

“We go well beyond the cellar door,” says Rodgers. “This new Vineyard to Table experience is a great example of how we provide a truly immersive taste of the Hunter Valley. We’re a destination.”

It’s a philosophy that doesn’t stop at the vineyard gate. Dining at Bimbadgen spans multiple moods, united by a shared focus on quality and ease.

At the top end, the long-running and highly respected Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant remains one of the Hunter Valley’s most celebrated

dining rooms. Suspended above the winery, it offers a sense of arrival that never quite loses its impact. Weekend dining has recently been extended with the restaurant now open for Sunday lunches.

“Many other operators have set price menus for three or four courses, but we’ve made the

decision to offer a full à la carte, providing our diners with flexibility and choice,” says Rodgers. “It provides our guests with greater freedom to drop in for a glass of wine on the balcony or settle in for a long, leisurely meal.”

Friday sunset sessions with live music, a $10 Martini menu, half-price cocktails, $5 scallops, and other tasty bar snacks add a relaxed counterpoint to Esca’s refined reputation, while locals’ nights and special events keep the calendar dynamic.

For something more casual and familyfriendly, the wood-fired pizzeria set in a Tuscaninspired courtyard is a firm favourite for families and groups, with live music, happy hour and even pawcuterie boards for four-legged visitors, reinforcing the sense that Bimbadgen is a place to linger.

Gourmet picnic hampers offer a slower pace again, allowing guests to settle into private vineyard spaces with regional produce and a bottle of estate wine, a simple but deeply satisfying way to experience the property.

And adding yet another layer to the Bimbadgen experience is the Night Merchant Distillery, which produces small-batch gins, vodkas, rums, and agave spirits on-site. While still a niche part of the business, it continues to gain traction, with tasting flights available at the

cellar door and a recent Silver Medal win at the Australian Gin Awards for its Cask Gin.

With so much to do on the estate, accommodation has become a significant part of Bimbadgen’s evolution. The Lane Retreat, now two years young, has quickly established itself as one of the Hunter Valley’s most soughtafter places to stay, with 60 premium studio retreats overlooking vineyards and mountains.

“The guest sentiment has been incredible,” says Rodgers. “People love the sunsets, relaxing with a glass of wine, enjoying their private view, watching the kangaroos, and the sense of space and calm. As the landscape matures, the guest experience will keep getting better and better.”

Additional options at McDonalds Road and Emma’s Cottage cater to families, groups and wedding guests, completing the estate’s impressive accommodation offering.

From world-class Day on the Green concerts at its iconic amphitheatre for 11,000 people to intimate weddings, corporate retreats and milestone celebrations, Bimbadgen continues to expand the ways people connect with the property without losing sight of what matters most.

“It’s about balance,” says Rodgers. “Premium wine production alongside accessible

hospitality. Honouring the past while creating something exciting and relevant today.”

More than five decades on, Bimbadgen remains true to its name. The views are still spectacular, but it’s the depth of experience, the care in the vineyard, and the warmth of the welcome that keeps people coming back. In a region rich with choice, Bimbadgen doesn’t ask visitors to choose just one thing. It invites them to stay, explore, and discover it all.

If it’s boutique, delicious & unique...

Escape the ordinary, explore the Hunter River’s hidden gem.

Demystifying Patellofemoral Joint Pain

intouch contributor

What Is PFPS?

The Patellofemoral Joint (PFJ) is the joint between the patella (kneecap) and femur (thigh bone). We often refer to pain coming from this joint as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). PFPS is a very common cause of pain coming from the front of the knee, affecting about 10% of beginner runners and 22.7% of the general population. Specific populations, such as adolescents and elite athletes, are likely to experience even higher rates. Females are twice as likely to experience PFPS as males.

How Long Does PFPS Last?

Recovery timeframes for PFPS can vary. Relief of symptoms may be rapid, but, on average, it takes about 3 months. However, it is not unusual for PFPS to be persistent, with some studies finding that up to 40% of those with PFPS continue to experience symptoms after 2 years.

Load vs Capacity: A Key Contributor

PFPS often develops when your load (what you’re asking your knee to do) exceeds your capacity (what your knee can handle). That means if you suddenly increase your running distance, speed, or hills, your knees may not keep up. It is important to avoid big changes or increases in load by using gradual progression to give your joints time to adapt. To put this into context, a 2025 study looking at safe load progression in adult runners found significantly increased running-related injury rates with a greater than 10% increase in running distance compared to the longest run completed in the previous 30 days.

How Much Load Does the PFJ Experience?

PFJ loading levels also vary significantly across exercises and activities. Peak loading ranges from 0.6 times body weight during walking, 5.4 times body weight during running and up to 8.2 times body weight during a single leg decline squat. This research gives us a useful blueprint for how to progress or regress exercises for the knee, with manipulation of variables such as squat depth, double leg vs single leg versions, step height, and gradient, all increasing or decreasing PFJ load.

The Role of Hip Strength and Biomechanics

Weak hip muscles, particularly those that move the leg outward (hip abductors), can contribute to poor knee alignment during movement known as “dynamic knee valgus”, where the knee collapses inward when running or landing. Strengthening the hips and thighs and improving movement control may be important to address this.

Evidence-Based Management of PFPS

Recent best practice guidelines recommend a multifaceted approach to managing PFPS, including:

• Education about pain, load management and gradual load progression.

• Exercise targeting glutes, quads, and movement control.

• Taping or orthoses may be helpful

• Running technique modifications such as increasing cadence (step rate) or reducing overstriding can reduce PFJ load.

What About Noisy Knees?

Many patients with PFPS present with, or report ‘noisy’ knees. The technical name for this grinding, creaking or popping is Crepitus. Studies have shown that Crepitus is not associated with negative impacts on function, activity level and pain. Crepitus is also commonly present in those without pain. It is not considered a sign that you are doing damage.

Final Thoughts

PFPS is a common but complex condition. It may be influenced by a variety of factors, including how your whole system manages load, movement, and mindset. With the right combination of load management, strength, gradual progression and education, most people can get back to moving and living without fear or pain.

The outstanding benefit to the patient is fewer appointments (sometimes only two) compared with seven over multiple weeks if done conventionally.

Newcastle's First Digital Denture Clinic

WORDS: MAURIE D'ANDREA | OWNER OF SMILES ON HUDSON

I've seen many technological advances in the Dental Industry, but none as advanced as Digital Dentistry, especially Digital Dentures.

So, what does this mean for you as the patient?

Well, firstly, one of the greatest fears in the making of Dentures is the impression technique, requiring conventional impression material placed on an impression tray and inserted into the patient's mouth. Patients find this technique very invasive, and it creates high anxiety. Gagging is common, and a shortage

of impression material can be problematic, requiring the process to be repeated.

Not only that, but there are also discrepancies in tearing the impression material on removal and capturing bubbles once the impressions are poured in Dental stone. In short, we encounter multiple errors using the conventional process.

Fast forward to the world of Digital Dentistry, where today your teeth and gums are scanned using the latest intraoral scanning technology powered by Artificial Intelligence.

These scanned images are then printed, creating the most accurate (distortion-free) printed models. As part of this process, Digital Dentures are also manufactured or printed.

One of the key benefits as well is the knowledge that if your Digital Dentures are lost or misplaced, they can be remade at “the touch of a button” without having to go through the impression process again, ensuring the patient’s peace of mind.

The accuracy of Digital Dentures is also significantly superior to conventional methods. Because the entire process is computer-aided — from scanning through to manufacturing — the fit is more precise, meaning greater comfort right from the very first fitting and fewer adjustments down the track.

As Newcastle’s first dedicated Digital Denture Clinic, Smiles On Hudson is proud to be at the forefront of this technology in the Hunter region. Our team is committed to making the denture experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible — because everyone deserves a smile they’re confident in.

To learn more or to book a consultation, visit Smiles On Hudson or call our friendly team today. We’d love to show you how Digital Dentistry is changing lives — one smile at a time.

Guilty as Charged: My Love-Hate Affair with Reality TV On Tour

I honestly feel a bit embarrassed admitting this. I like to think of myself as a smart woman. I make good decisions at work every day, and I’ve raised a daughter who values herself and treats others with kindness and empathy. Even though I hold those values close and promise myself every year that I won’t get drawn in, here I am, sitting in front of the TV, watching MAFS again. I hate-watch it, but I still watch.

It’s not the only reality show I love. Survivor is a favourite, The Block and most of the Housewives franchise. Even when there is a bit of drama, which is why you keep watching, I can tell myself in the first two cases, they are ending up with money and skills they can use elsewhere, so the juice is probably worth the squeeze.

With the Housewives, I can watch people yell and flip tables, knowing that none of them actually needs to be there. If it ever got too much, they could just walk away, and they’d still be fine. Sometimes it’s funny to see how money and privilege can make people lose touch with

reality. But every now and then, you get a real moment that shows money doesn’t protect you from heartbreak, loss, or the problems everyone faces. If your child is struggling or your relationship is falling apart, money might give you more options, but it doesn’t make you immune.

Then there are the dating shows. I never really got into The Bachelor or any show where people date a bunch of others at once. It’s not a moral thing, it’s just that, as someone with ADHD who’s a bit introverted, even watching all that small talk and constant socialising makes me want to throw up in my handbag.

Love is Blind, and MAFS have always felt a bit like nature documentaries to me. I’ve never been completely convinced by the idea of marriage. It’s great when it works, but awful when it doesn’t. I also think two adults can love each other, live in separate homes, and never need to involve the law or government in their relationship.

Watching from that perspective, I always wonder what people hope to get out of it. Seeing a 26-year-old cry on camera before even meeting their match, saying it’s their last chance, makes me want to tell them to go on a Contiki tour or pick up a new hobby. Sometimes I want to hand out a book of recommendations or suggest talking to a psychologist. And don’t get me started on kids introducing their parents to total strangers —just no. Even if you’re looking for love, by now you have to know you’re more likely to leave with emotional scars and a damaged reputation than to find ‘the one.’

Now I’m going for a walk, hoping I have the good sense not to watch and scream at the TV, but to listen to the recaps instead. For those looking for recommendations, I love Abbie Chatfield’s MAFS recaps, and if you are watching Love is Blind US, there is a podcast called Shut the **** up Nick Lechey that regularly has me crying with laughter in the car.

You’re welcome.

Broadway's Finest Head to Newcastle

Three of Australia’s brightest musical theatre stars are bringing the best of Broadway and the West End to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre this March. Presented by Stoddart Entertainment Group, Superstars: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains in Concert promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the iconic characters that have captivated audiences for generations.

With a live 38 piece orchestra, a dynamic selection of 32 beloved musical theatre songs from The Little Mermaid, Frozen, Little Shop Of Horrors, Mean Girls, The Lion King, Hamilton, Pocahontas, Jekyll And Hyde, Les Misérables and Wicked, and 29 powerhouse vocalists in

ANZAC DAY

support, this production is a true showcase of Australia’s musical theatre excellence.

Leading the stellar line-up is Jemma Rix, whose eight-year tour as Elphaba in Wicked saw her literally flying across stages in Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Asia, delivering unforgettable renditions of “Defying Gravity.” More recently enchanting audiences as Elsa in Frozen, Rix has become one of our most beloved leading ladies.

“You’ll get to hear the lighter and more empowered side from the heroes, plus the darker and more mysterious side from the villains. All bases will be covered for a fantastic night at the theatre,” Rix says.

The Palmdale Group will host ANZAC Day Ceremonies at both Palmdale and Greenway on 25th April, paying respect to the memory of our service men and women.

The Palmdale Group will host ANZAC Day Ceremonies at both Palmdale and Greenway on 25th April, paying respect to the memory of our service men and women.

Joining her is Chloé Zuel, who made history originating the role of Eliza Hamilton in the Australian production of Hamilton. With impressive credits spanning Six, West Side Story, Ragtime, and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Zuel brings her signature warmth and storytelling prowess to every performance.

“I love singing with an orchestra, and I got so excited about the songs that I would get to sing,” says Chloe. “Theatre lovers will absolutely adore it, but it’s also a fantastic introduction for anyone who might not usually see musicals.”

Newcastle’s own Ben Mingay completes the triumvirate, returning home after conquering stages across Australia and beyond. From humble beginnings in construction to starring roles in theatre, television, and film, Mingay’s journey epitomises the power of persistence.

“The work ethic I gained from those early days has served me better than any other formal training,” he reflects. “It’ll be like going to a concert of your very favourite songs from a diverse range of shows, sung by the best in the biz.”

For devoted theatre fans and newcomers alike, Superstars: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains in Concert plays Civic Theatre Newcastle this March. For tickets and info, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park

PR OUD LY PRESENTED BY

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

Services and Wreath laying ceremonies will be held at both Palmdale and Greenway.

Services and Wreath laying ceremonies will be held at both Palmdale and Greenway.

57 Palmdale Road, Palmdale Commencing at 9am, the service will be held adjacent to the Defence Force Memorial.

Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park Greenway Chapel & Memorial Gardens

57 Palmdale Road, Palmdale Commencing at 9am, the service will be held adjacent to the Defence Force Memorial.

Greenway Chapel & Memorial Gardens

460 Avoca Drive, Green Point Commencing at 11am, the service will be held adjacent to the Defence Force Memorial.

460 Avoca Drive, Green Point Commencing at 11am, the service will be held adjacent to the Defence Force Memorial.

Palmdale Phone: 4362 1203

Palmdale Phone: 4362 1203

Greenway Phone: 4369 2013

Greenway Phone: 4369 2013

palmdalegroup.com.au

palmdalegroup.com.au

Community News

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY OPENS A BOLD NEW CHAPTER

Newcastle Art Gallery has thrown open the doors to its spectacular expanded home, welcoming visitors to what is now the largest public art gallery in New South Wales outside Sydney.

The official reopening on 28 February capped more than 16 years of fundraising and perseverance, completing the largest capital works project in City of Newcastle's history. Designed by award-winning architects Clare Design in collaboration with Smith and Tzannes Architects, the expansion more than doubles the gallery's footprint, adding 1,600 square metres of exhibition space, a new café, retail shop, multi-purpose program space and learning studio to the original 1977 brutalist building on the corner of Laman and Darby streets.

Headlining the reopening is Iconic Loved Unexpected, a sweeping two-level exhibition drawn from the gallery's world-class permanent collection, valued at $145 million and comprising over 7,000 works. Close to 500 pieces spanning the early nineteenth century to today are on display, from Joseph Lycett's colonial-era Newcastle landscapes and William Dobell's portraits to Patricia Piccinini's confronting sculptural work and Brett Whiteley's sun-drenched Summer at Carcoar. Leading First Nations artists, including Emily Kam Kngwarray, Albert Namatjira, Tracey Moffatt and Archie Moore feature prominently, alongside international figures from sculptor Auguste Rodin to Japanese avant-garde ceramicist Kazuo Yagi. Entry is free.

Source: Newcastle Art Gallery

Complementing the exhibition is a limited-edition companion publication, a 45-years-in-the-making celebration of the collection featuring perspectives from interdisciplinary writers across 165 works.

Before heading home, the new Gallery Shop is well worth a browse. Thoughtfully curated to champion more than 30 local artisans and over 70 different brands, it stocks a diverse range of prints, products and publications celebrating current exhibitions and artists. The shop is open during gallery hours. For more info, visit www.newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au.

FULL SPEED AHEAD: $230M BOOST FOR NEWCASTLE-SYDNEY

RAIL

Big news for the Hunter region — the Newcastle-Sydney high-speed rail project is officially moving into its development phase, backed by a Federal Government commitment of $230 million for detailed design and planning approvals. A final investment decision is expected in 2028, but the wheels are very much in motion.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes is understandably excited, describing the announcement as a transformational opportunity for the region.

"Progressing high-speed rail to the development phase signals real momentum toward a project that will reshape the way we interact socially and economically with the Sydney and Central Coast regions," he said.

And it's not just about faster travel times, although dramatically cutting the commute between Newcastle and Sydney is certainly a win. The project promises improved workforce mobility, job creation and support for the population growth and housing development already underway along the corridor.

Hawes also pointed out that the development phase itself will deliver immediate benefits for local businesses, with opportunities F

for consultants and industry specialists to get involved well before a single shovel hits the ground.

Looking further ahead, the potential is enormous. As Hawes puts it, Newcastle isn't just a beneficiary of this project; it's the birthplace of Australia's high-speed rail vision.

"We will become the national hub for a new specialised industry, with a pipeline of work potentially stretching out for decades," he said.

For a region navigating significant economic transformation, that kind of long-term investment is exactly the boost the Hunter needs.

THE GROUND BENEATH THEIR FEET: NEW LAMBTON LANDSLIP CRISIS DEEPENS

It's been almost a year since the New Lambton landslip devastated a quiet residential street, and for the 16 families still unable to return home, the wait for answers and action has felt endless. Now, an independent geotechnical report has confirmed what many already feared: this is the largest residential landslip in Australian history, triggered by two days of intense rainfall that dumped 198mm of water on the site overnight.

The report, peer-reviewed by Transport for NSW and NSW Public Works, found the landslip was driven entirely by geological conditions and extreme weather, not former mining operations or any third-party action. It also revealed the area had shown movement as far back as 2015 and 2022. Critically, the site remains unstable, still sensitive to heavy rain, and continues to pose risks to surrounding properties and infrastructure.

Remediation won't be simple or cheap. Preliminary estimates put the cost of restoring the site at more than $130 million, requiring a whole-ofslope intervention rather than any isolated fix.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath says the human toll is just as significant as the financial one. Affected residents are dealing with psychological stress, family disruption and mounting costs — including the prospect of paying rent on temporary accommodation while still servicing mortgages on homes they can't enter, repair, sell or occupy. Insurance-funded temporary accommodation is set to end in June 2026.

City of Newcastle is now calling on the NSW Reconstruction Authority to step up, apply for Category D disaster recovery funding and provide urgent financial assistance to residents — estimated at around $750,000 for the next 12 months.

"The NSW Reconstruction Authority cannot ignore the findings of the independent geotechnical report," Mr Bath said. "Funding exists specifically to address these circumstances." P

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March Horoscopes

WHAT’S IN THE STARS THIS MONTH

STAR OF THE MONTH PISCES

19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH

Happy Birthday, beautiful Pisces! March belongs to you until the 20th, when the sun moves into Aries, and a new cycle begins. This is your moment — set powerful intentions, launch meaningful projects, and allow yourself to be seen in all your wonderful complexity. Your intuition is at its annual peak; trust every quiet inner nudge. In love, your romantic, empathetic nature is utterly irresistible this month — let yourself be adored. Professionally, your imagination and compassion create solutions no one else could have found. Financially, a fresh financial chapter is beginning — approach it with optimism and practicality in equal measure. As the sun leaves your sign late in the month, carry the clarity and confidence of this beautiful birthday season with you into what comes next.

ARIES 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL

Early March invites you to pause, reflect, and tie up loose ends before your birthday season launches you forward. Mid-month, your natural boldness returns with a vengeance. In love, passion runs high and direct communication wins hearts. A new professional chapter beckons — don't hesitate to put your hand up. Step into your power, Ram.

TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY

March invites you inward in the most nourishing way. Your intuition deepens, and a desire for stillness and meaningful connection takes hold. Towards the end of the month, your social circle expands and stimulating new friendships form. In love, your sensual nature is at its most magnetic. Trust the slow, steady Taurean process.

GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUNE

March lights up your social world, and you are absolutely in your element! Career opportunities arrive through your network — stay connected and say yes to invitations. A creative project gains momentum mid-month. In love, someone finds your intelligence irresistible. Your words have real power right now — use them wisely and watch doors open.

CANCER 21 JUNE – 22 JULY

Career and public life take centre stage in March. A long-held professional goal could finally come within reach if you're willing to step into the spotlight and confidently showcase your skills. Balance work ambitions with relationship needs — schedule quality time and guard it fiercely, as loved ones will need reassurance that success isn’t pulling you away. Honest conversations can actually strengthen your closest bonds and remind you why you’re striving so hard in the first place. Towards the end of the month, an unexpected creative or romantic opportunity arises, sparking fresh inspiration and excitement. Trust yourself.

LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST

March expands your horizons beautifully! Travel, study, and big philosophical questions capture your imagination. A leadership moment arrives mid-month — embrace it with confidence. In love, someone from a different background brings fresh excitement. An investment in your personal growth pays meaningful dividends. Dare to dream on an entirely new scale this month, Leo.

VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER

March is powerful for addressing financial matters — investments, insurance, and shared resources all benefit from your meticulous attention. A conversation you've been putting off proves far more liberating than you feared. Whether it’s about money, boundaries, or emotional expectations, speaking with clarity and calm confidence clears the air and strengthens trust. Behind-the-scenes work yields impressive results. Towards the end of the month, a fresh burst of energy invigorates your relationships. Your thoroughness is your greatest superpower.

LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER

Relationships take precedence in March, and your gift for harmony makes you indispensable. If tensions have been simmering, a candid conversation clears the air beautifully. For singles, a significant encounter is possible — stay open. Professionally, collaboration outperforms solo effort this month. Your relationships are your greatest wealth right now, Libra. Invest in them.

SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER

March calls you to reset health and daily routines — establish the habits you've been contemplating. Small, consistent changes will prove far more powerful than dramatic overhauls, so focus on sustainability rather than intensity. Professionally, your focus achieves remarkable results this month. In love, showing up in the everyday moments speaks far louder than grand declarations. Towards the end of the month, a welcome surge of creative energy provides a delightful contrast. Trust the process.

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER–21 DECEMBER

Creativity, romance, and joy are your March companions — perfectly suited to your adventurous soul! After a period of responsibility or routine, this month feels like a breath of fresh air, inviting you to reconnect with what genuinely excites you. Artistic pursuits flourish, so pick up that instrument or start that passion project. In love, your playful spirit is magnetic and single Archers may find an exciting connection. Let March be your season of pure, unapologetic pleasure. You've earned it.

CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY

Home and family take priority in March. Slow down from your usual ambitious pace and tend to what truly matters — your loved ones and the space you call home. Creating order, comfort, or beauty in your environment will feel especially grounding now, and even small changes can have a powerful emotional impact. A renovation or family gathering brings deep satisfaction. Towards the end of the month, professional energy surges again. Use March to recharge fully, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY

Communication and learning energise your March — your mind is sharp, and your ideas are worth sharing widely. Conversations flow easily, and you may find yourself connecting with people who challenge and inspire you in equal measure. A writing project or speaking opportunity could take off with little effort. In love, intellectual chemistry is everything right now. Professionally, remember to put those innovative ideas in writing. Towards the month's end, a shift in domestic energy brings a welcome change.

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