Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley | INTOUCH MAGAZINE MARCH 2024

Gold Award Winner for ‘Tourist Attractions’ in NSW

Welcome to our March issue, or perhaps we should call it our Festival issue, as we showcase experiences that make life in Newcastle and beyond fabulous! This month, we're thrilled to showcase the city's dynamic cultural scene, from the eclectic performances of the Newcastle Fringe Festival to the literary delights of the Newcastle Writers Festival. And everything in between.

The city is buzzing with creativity as the Newcastle Fringe Festival takes centre stage once again. From avant-garde performances to boundary-pushing comedy, this year's lineup promises to captivate audiences of all tastes.

Forget Adelaide Fringe because the second largest fringe festival in NSW will hit our city across two weeks from 14 to 24 March, bringing with it 82 diverse acts and 451 contributing artists performing in 220 shows. Dive into our Fringe Festival Special Feature for an insider's look at the must-see shows and hidden gems of this exhilarating celebration of the arts. Read more from page 16.

Celebrating the wisdom and vitality of our senior community, the 2024 Seniors Festival offers diverse events and activities for older adults to connect, learn, and have fun. Join us as we honour the contributions of our elders and embrace the joy of aging gracefully. Find out more on page 27.

Highlighting the city's commitment to supporting local talent, the UpStage at the Playhouse program supports emerging artists and performers and provides theatregoers with an opportunity to introduce fresh, new and adapted works presented and performed by the local arts scene. Find out more on page 24.

If all this partying becomes too much, why not escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a luxurious retreat to Tower Lodge in Pokolbin? Nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of the Hunter Valley, this hidden gem offers unparalleled hospitality and world-class amenities for the ultimate relaxation experience. Read more on page 39.

Embark on a journey of discovery as we uncover the cultural riches of India and Sri Lanka. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene shores of Sri Lanka's coastline, let us be your guide to experiencing the wonders of these enchanting destinations.

As always, we hope this issue inspires you to embrace new experiences, savour the moments that matter, and celebrate the richness of life in our region in all its forms. Enjoy!

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WHAT'S ON in March

WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT POSSIBLE TO BE CORRECT, HOWEVER EVENTS DO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL EVENTS ONLINE BEFORE PLANNING.

FRIDAY 1 MARCH – SUNDAY 3

MARCH

▲ The 2024 Newcastle Show at The Newcastle Showground

Bring the family along and join the fun at the annual Newcastle Show! This includes three days of competitions, animals, activations, educational displays, thrilling rides, show bags, food markets, and fun! Suitable for all ages, the show is the perfect weekend activity! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.newcastleshow.com.au

FRIDAY 1 MARCH – SUNDAY 10

MARCH

▼ Superbloom at Harold Lobb Concert Hall

Join Australia’s world-class vocal ensemble for an unforgettable night that celebrates both the resilience of the Australian desert and the creativity of the human spirit. Experience a musical Superbloom in a captivating journey inspired by nature’s miracles. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.the.song.company

FRIDAY 1 MARCH – SUNDAY 5

MAY

▶ Lina Buck, ‘It Isn’t Always, Always’ Developed through the Multi Arts Pavilion, the mima Artists in Residency Program presents an exhibition that investigates the relationship we share with the landscape around us. The exhibit investigates the microcosm of the physical and psychological experience we have with our natural environment, captured through the memoirs of lived experience. For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au

SATURDAY 2 MARCH

▼ Josh Thomas, ‘Lets Tidy Up’ at Newcastle Civic Theatre

One of Australia's most loved comedians and TV stars, Josh Thomas returns to the stage to show us how he ‘tidies up’. However, it’s not just about tidying; there’s also gardening, gophers and a love story. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Source: City Hub Sydney

THURSDAY 7 MARCH

■ Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders at Mcdonald Jones Stadium

Newcastle Knights are kicking off round one of The Telstra Premiership 2024 National Rugby League competition with a home game! Join the action and support your local team in a fun environment. Food trucks will be open for your halftime cravings, along with entertainment and the option of a shuttle bus to get you home! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.au

Source: NSW Government

THURSDAY 7 MARCH

■ Bang On Live at Civic Theatre

Join the beloved Myf and Zan as they present their smash hit Double J podcast on stage. Listen to them talk about all things music, art, life, and stuff. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

FRIDAY 8 MARCH – SUNDAY 24

MARCH

■ Print Run at Art Systems Wickham

Members of Newcastle Printmakers Workshop (NPW) are presenting PRINT RUN; the exhibition features original limited edition art prints by 19 Hunter-based artists. The exhibition celebrates printmaking in many different forms. The diversity of the media and subject matter will offer audiences plenty to enjoy. For more information, visit www.art-systems-wickham.com

Source: Newcastle Show

Source: Visit Newcastle

FRIDAY 8 MARCH

■ Sam Taunton – How To Tie a Tie at The Newcastle Comedy Club.

The Newcastle Comedy Club ensures you a night full of whole-belly laughs and good times with Sam Taunton’s latest stand-up comedy show. Sam is one of the most talked about comedians in the Australian comedy circuit right now. His captivating storytelling and witty punchlines have seen him become one of the most in-demand acts in the country. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com.au

Source: The Station

FRIDAY 8 MARCH

▲ Friday Night Feast at the Station. Friday Night Feast is a family-friendly street feast at Newcastle's most iconic city location, The Station Newcastle. Presented by Hunter Events Group, the event provides a variety of street food and vendors ready to serve up some seriously delicious food, live music, kids' entertainment, and an exciting new drinks bar - it's bound to be a good time! For more info, visit www.fridaynightfeast.com.au

Source: NBF

SATURDAY 9 MARCH

▲ Newcastle Beer Fest at King Edward Park Returning for its 8th year of chaos, Newcastle Beer Fest is back for its next round of sun, fun, and beers. 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

SATURDAY 9 MARCH

■ Freestyle Kings Live at Mcdonald Jones Stadium

Brace yourself for the greatest two-wheeled

FRIDAY 8 MARCH

Free Throw The Hamilton Station

SATURDAY 9 MARCH

Ash Blundell The Newcastle Hotel

Avalanche The Wickham Park Hotel

SUNDAY 10 MARCH

Grace Aberhart Band Stag & Hunter Hotel

Cub Sport King Street Hotel

FRIDAY 15 MARCH

Aaron Lenard The Albion Hotel

Rachel Rachel Farmers Wife Distillery

SATURDAY 16 MARCH

360 King Street Hotel

SUNDAY 17 MARCH

Dune Rats Kingstreet Band Room

Georgie Winchester The Wickham Park Hotel

THURSDAY 21 MARCH

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers The Hamilton Station

Methyl Ethyl King Street Hotel

FRIDAY 22 MARCH

The Presets King Street Hotel

Gabby Monery The Stag and Hunter Hotel

Hoodoo Gurus Bar On The Hill

SATURDAY 23 MARCH

Bad//Dreems The Hamilton Station

Tim Harding Cessnock Leages Club

SUNDAY 24 MARCH

Millie Mills Newcastle SLSC

THURSDAY 28 MARCH

The Vanns King Street Hotel

FRIDAY 29 MARCH

Jake Folbigg The Albion Hotel

SATURDAY 30 MARCH

Joy Duo The Beaches Hotel

SUNDAY 31 MARCH

Hudson Rose B Farm by Murray’s

As Fresh As It Gets

WHAT'S ON in March

Source: Coal and Cedar

MONDAY 11 MARCH – TUESDAY 12

MARCH

▲ Bartender Battle at Coal and Cedar Newcastle’s beloved speakeasy bar Coal and Cedar is celebrating ten years of libation by putting on a night for all the beloved hospitality workers! The night centres around a cocktail making competition – contestants roll the dice to determine their spirit, flavour, and style. No experience is required. Winner receives a prize valued at over $600! For more information, visit www.coalandcedar.com

THURSDAY 14 MARCH

■ Royel Otis ‘Pratt’s and Pain’ Tour at King Street Hotel

The freshly minted duo, Royel Otis, are heading across metro and regional cities to share the sounds of their latest album. The upand-coming indie-pop duo will take the stage in Newcastle this month for a night of crisp guitar lines and enveloping melodies. This is not something you want to miss. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.frontiertouring.com

SATURDAY 16 MARCH

▶ St Patrick’s Day at The Station

Join the fun this St Patrick’s Day and celebrate the Irish culture at The Station. The menu includes Irish-inspired foods, Irish music and live Irish performers to build the festive atmosphere. The bars will also be stocked with numerous different Irish beverages for all to enjoy. For more information or to book tickets, visit the Facebook event page.

Source: Bartholomews

THURSDAY 21 MARCH

▲ Le Carnivale at Bartholomews

Dinner and cabaret show, Le Carnivale at Bartholomew’s, is back! This is a journey into dreams of old and where burlesque beauties sparkle. The event is a sit-down dinner with the inclusion of a 2-hour show. It’s always a sell-out, and no show is like the next. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bartholomews.com.au

FRIDAY 22 MARCH

▼ Jessica Mauboy at Newcastle Civic Theatre

Experience the heart of Australia with Jessica Mauboy's 'Yours Forever' Tour. The Australian Idol star presents us with a testament to her authenticity with her powerful vocals and amazing live band. Prepare to be blown away as we take a moment to reflect, offering a nostalgic exploration of Jessica’s past, present, and future. For more info or to buy tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

SATURDAY 23 MARCH

▼ Avenue Q at The Playhouse

This timeless story is a parody of PBS’s Sesame Street. The hilarious musical combines puppets and humans to address humorous adult issues while highlighting the greatness of life. Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart that you just can’t miss. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Source: New City Stage

EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL

SATURDAY 11 MAY

■ Sourdough Making Class at Historic Arnott Bakehouse

Join Stephen Arnott in his immersive and hands-on sourdough baking masterclass from the comfort of the historic Arnott Bakehouse. Ticket includes the class, lunch, a tour of the Bakehouse, plus a loaf of Morpeth Sourdough to take home! For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit www.historicarnottbakehouse.com.au

THURSDAY 28 MARCH

■ Oh Miriam! Live at Civic Theatre Newcastle

Join our national treasure, Miriam Margolyes, for her new stand-up comedy show, ‘Oh Miriam! Live’. Based on her recent book, the show is filled with her favourite anecdotes and explores new stories and life lessons that are more outrageous and entertaining than ever before. Join Miriam for an evening of more full of life and surprises as the actor herself. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL APRIL 12

▼ Friday Night Foodies at MAP Mima

Enjoy the art and a local wine or beer with a different food vendor each week. The event will deliver a series of curated events, delicious eats from a selection of gourmet food trucks on site, a bar stocking local beer and wine and cheeseboards from Harry and Lola’s. For more information, visit www.arts.lakemac.com.au

Source: Lake Mac Arts

MARCH MARKET GUIDE

EVERY SATURDAY IN MARCH

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

EVERY SUNDAY IN MARCH

■ 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

SATURDAY 2 MARCH

■ Morisset Showground Markets at Morriset Showground, 7.30am–1pm

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

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

SUNDAY 3 MARCH

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

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

SATURDAY 9 MARCH

■ Newcastle Handmade and Design Market at The Station, 10am–2pm

■ Morisset Feast Fest Twilight Market at Morisset Showground, 4pm–8pm

SUNDAY 10 MARCH

■ Made & Found Market at Webb Park, Redhead, 10am–2pm

SATURDAY 16 MARCH

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

SUNDAY 24 MARCH

■ Markets on the Green at Club Lambton, 3pm–6pm

SUNDAY 31 MARCH

■ Lake Mac Easter Sunday Market at Nelson Bay Foreshore, 4pm–8pm

FIND ME IN THE FLOWERS | PRUDENCE DE MARCHI

SUPERSTARS

> FRIDAY 8 MARCH – SUNDAY 10 MARCH AT CIVIC

THEATRE

MAITLAND REGIONAL ART GALLERY

> SATURDAY 2 MARCH – SUNDAY 9 JUNE AT

Experience the simple beauty of Autumn, celebrating the change of seasons. This exhibition is bound by a variety of paintings depicting floral silhouettes and golden hues. The artworks spark immense joy by reflecting on the beauty of nature. For more information, visit www.mrag.org.au.

Join this stellar lineup of Australian musical theatre stars as they share a stage in celebration of the magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in concert. This 2-hour musical odyssey stars widely loved musical star Marina Prior and includes hits from numerous leading musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, The Lion King and many more. The musical incorporates a great blend of local and worldclass talent, performers and creatives, forming a high level of professionalism – reflected in the promises of a spectacular and entertaining evening. Superstars will take over Newcastle Civic Theatre for four performances only! Showing from the 8 – 10 March, you don’t want to miss this. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

SUMMERSALT FESTIVAL

> SATURDAY 9 MARCH AT SPEERS POINT PARK

Get ready to experience some serious sun, salt and music at Summersalt Festival 2024! Exemplifying the ultimate Australian outdoor summer experience, the live music event will be taking place at Speers Point Park on March 9. The music festival will provide a feast for the

senses – with a focus on the proven and beloved performers, featuring a combination of global and Australian artists such as Ziggy Alberts, Matt Corby and Thelma Plum. Summersalt has created the perfect setting to dance and sing with your friends, bask in the sunshine and kick back, and experience new foods with local food trucks. Summersalt will be a day of fun in the sun with a fabulous soundtrack to match! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.summersaltmusic.com.au.

Source: Summersalt

Credit: Peter Stoop Credit: Jumbled. Source: www.prudencedemarchi.com

LAKE MACQUARIE TRIATHLON FESTIVAL

> FRIDAY 15 MARCH – SUNDAY 17 MARCH AT SPEERS POINT PARK

Test your limits and get active for a good cause! The Lake Macquarie Triathlon is the latest multi-sport festival in Australia right now. The event features a flat cycle and running track, and the swim is just 100 metres away from Speers Point Park. The three days will involve multiple events, including a 5km Out Of the Sun Run. This fun run is sponsored by the Hunter Melanoma Foundation to encourage sun protection. Whether you’re participating or supporting, this weekend is one you don’t want to miss. For more information, visit www.hevents.com.au.

HUNTER VALLEY HOLI FESTIVAL

> ON SATURDAY 23RD MARCH FROM 11AM – 4PM AT NEW GOKULA FARM

New Gokula Farm and The Bhakti Tree restaurant welcome friends of all ages and all backgrounds to the Hunter Valley Holi Festival…The festival of colours! Participants throw coloured powder dye into the air to symbolise new beginnings. Hosted by DJ’s Global Party People, talented Kirtan artists and fantastic dancers. Guests can expect lively beats, dance immersions, epic colour throw countdowns and more!! The New Gokula farm is home to 60 cows and bulls, some of whom will be decorated in bright colours for the event. So come and explore the farm, meet our cows, peacocks and goats. There will be face painting and a jumping castle for the Kids and a range of delectable food and drink stalls to satisfy any foodies appetite. Admission for the event is free. Please see Eventbrite for more information and to get your tickets as they are selling out fast.

RENT

> FRIDAY 15 MARCH – SUNDAY 17 MARCH

AT NEWCASTLE CIVIC THEATRE

Newcastle Civic Theatre brings you Jonathan Larson’s Tony-award-winning musical, Rent–a tale about grasping opportunities, facing adversity, and finding one's community. Step back into the world of New York in 1991, where dreams are born, friendships are tested, and the

overarching power of love prevails against all odds. Be immersed by the sounds of Puccini's ‘La Boheme’ with numbers such as, 'Seasons of Love', 'Take Me or Leave Me' and 'La Vie Bohème’, amidst the thriving days of bohemian culture in Alphabet City. Rent is not just a musical; it is a profound celebration of life, love, and the human spirit. You can now discover the show that took Broadway by storm, running for 12 years straight! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SOUND THE TRUMPET!

> SUNDAY 24 MARCH, 2.30PM AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL (CHURCH STREET, NEWCASTLE).

International trumpet virtuoso John Foster joins Newcastle's Christ Church Camerata for Haydn's great Trumpet Concerto - plus the World Premiere of his own Trumpet Concertino. David Banney also conducts Mozart's magnificent "Prague" Symphony. Tickets at the door and StickyTickets. www.cccamerata.com.au

SCOTTISH SOCIAL DANCING BEGINNERS' CLASS

> EVERY FRIDAY COMMENCING APRIL 12 STARTING 7.30PM AT ADAMSTOWN UNITING CHURCH CNR GLEBE AND BRUNKER ROADS, ADAMSTOWN

The Scottish Country Dance Society which conducts regular classes in Adamstown, is offering a beginners’ class in Scottish social dancing. You don’t need to be super fit, have previous dance experience, wear special clothes, have a dance partner and you definitely don’t have to be Scottish or of Scottish descent. You will dance in groups of six to eight people to the sounds of exhilarating Scottish music. The movements create flowing patterns to the music which are very satisfying and enjoyable to dance.

First week free, then $5 per week, commencing at 7.30 pm. Check out the fun: Youtube - search N7UoHY57df4: “Dance Scottish” For enquiries contact, adamstownscd@gmail.com

Mobile: 0417 651 368 (Marney) 0422 747 965 (Allyn)

w o n ' t h a v e a m i n u t e t o s p a r e !

l i n e a t

One of Australia’s finest galleries, located on the banks of the Hunter River in historic Morpeth village. Specialists in traditional Australian art, featuring international award winning paintings –landscape, wildlife, marine, still life & photo realistic drawings.

Strut & Fret is excited to unveil the cast and composers of the much-anticipated LIMBO – The Return, which will head to Newcastle immediately after making its international debut at Adelaide Fringe 2024.

If you've been left spellbound by previous Strut & Fret performances staged within The Spiegeltent at Newcastle’s Civic Park, such as the acclaimed Blanc de Blanc, the outrageously entertaining The Party, or the award-winning LIMBO, you're in for a treat. The Newcastle season will run from 5 April until 3 May.

LIMBO – The Return promises to deliver an exhilarating reimagining of the award-

winning festival favourites – LIMBO and LIMBO Unhinged, again featuring an international cast of circus luminaries.

Combining a fresh and intoxicating mix of cabaret, circus, acrobatics and ecstatic heartpounding live music, LIMBO – The Return is set to seduce audiences worldwide all over again. The show will again transport audiences to a realm where the line between heaven and hell blurs – resulting in an otherworldly party experience like no other!

“Audiences will be whisked away to a sinister netherworld of gut-churning contortion, breath-taking acrobatics, and jaw-dropping

stunts. This high-powered extravaganza leaves you gasping for breath, dancing in the aisles, and shedding a tear,” says Strut & Fret Creative Director Scott Maidment.

The cast brings together a host of wildly hypnotic, world-renowned circus performers and prolific musicians, led by composer and New York’s Jank maestro Sxip Shirey. Sydney musician Mick Stuart joins the live ensemble with irreverent electro-acoustic noise and playfully sexy beats. Sxip’s haunting, ethereal melodies are delivered via an eclectic collection of rare instruments, including Ukrainian jaw harps, siren whistles, megaphones, industrial flutes and a glass harmonica.

LIMBO – The Return will unleash circus darlings, including Bulgaria’s stunning Maria Moncheva (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Germany); French gravity-defying Chinese pole master, beatboxer and clown Mikael Bres (Cirque Du Soleil, La Clique); Australia’s acrobatic dancing sensation Hilton Denis; and daredevil Spanish acrobat and slack rope virtuoso David Marco.

Don’t miss your chance to see this new rendition of LIMBO, the show so hot, Madonna came twice!

For tickets, visit www.strutnfret.com/ spiegeltentnewcastle.

CELEBRATING DISCOVERY, DIVERSITY AND CULTURE

Newcastle Fringe is Back!

WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER

Forget Adelaide Fringe because the second largest fringe festival in NSW will hit our city across two weeks from 14 to 24 March, bringing with it 82 diverse acts and 451 contributing artists performing in 220 shows. Newcastle Fringe Festival hails itself as Australia’s ‘biggest little fringe’, but as it grows year on year, it may no longer be able to continue to call itself ‘little’ at all.

In 2023, the festival welcomed an attendance of 5,248, up from 4,500 in 2022 and 3,150 in 2021. This year’s ticket sales are already indicating that the trajectory of attendance is continuing the upward trend, with one show already an early sell-out. The festival’s impact on the cultural and economic fabric of the region is increasing and contributes to the

growth of the arts sector, attracting tourists and artists from further afield.

According to Newcastle Fringe Chair Brooke Twyford, 2024 sees the post-covid return of international artists.

“We are very proud of the fact that 35 per cent of our artists are locals, 20 per cent are from Sydney, a further 20 per cent are from other towns in regional NSW, 15 per cent are from interstate whilst the remaining ten per cent are inbound from other parts of the globe including East Africa, Iran, Japan, Sweden, the UK and the US.”

Fringe festivals worldwide act as crucibles of emerging performing arts, celebrating discovery, diversity and cultural democracy, and Newcastle is no different. It was after performing at the world’s largest and most successful fringe festival, Edinburgh Fringe, in

2014 that the founder of Newcastle’s festival, Phil Aughey, decided to make it happen in his own city. In 2016, he made his vision a reality and then went on to incorporate the festival in 2019, evolving it into the exciting event it is today.

“Fringe provides the opportunity for artists to experiment, try something brand new, challenge norms, and it is a source of great pride for us to see artists that performed at Newcastle Fringe go on to perform at other fringe festivals nationwide and even internationally, and to see the development of their craft each year,” said Brooke.

Another important measurement of success for the festival is the earnings that are generated and returned to the artists through ticket sales. In 2022, that figure was $67,000, and it grew to $80,000 in 2023. It’s a core part of the fringe

movement’s mission to support art for art’s sake and to not be constrained by commercial demands - to let artists create and experiment.

“We know things are on track when we see a number of new shows, and encouragingly, 25 per cent of our shows this year are world premieres. All genres are well represented with award-winning comedy, cabaret and burlesque, dance and theatre, music, choirs, and kids' shows. Audiences get to indulge in an affordable treat and be awed by raw talent... expect the unexpected, that’s the pure joy of fringe.”

A further indication of the festival's success is the enthusiasm of local venues to host the performances.

“In 2024, there will be four hubs. Hamilton is fringe’s heartland, and we welcome new venue partners, including The Northern Star, The Kent, Young People’s Theatre, a pop-up at Son Of A Gun, as well as regular favourites like Hamilton Uniting Church for our third annual Choir Day, The Gal for burlesque and music and just a few steps around the corner to The Newcastle Hotel in Islington. Don’t miss our family-friendly free activation Fringe@Park After Dark at Gregson Park, supported by funding from the City of Newcastle and Hamilton Business Association.

“We are super excited to add a new hub located at Souths Merewether as well as expand our activity in the CBD with the addition of the iconic Newcastle Museum in Honeysuckle and a pop-up at Bernie’s Bar in Newcastle West to add to the ever-popular The Royal Exchange and close by The Underground at The Grand. Our Adamstown hub hosts theatre, dance and kids’ performances at Adamstown Uniting Church’s Memorial Hall Theatre and The Dungeon.”

International and Touring Shows

Newcastle Fringe is deliberately scheduled to follow on directly from the second largest

fringe festival in the world, Australia’s own Adelaide Fringe, thereby enabling artists to tour to Australia and perform at more than one fringe festival. This strategy has worked for Newcastle Fringe with several international artists and touring Australian shows coming to Newy directly following Adelaide.

Among them is Murata Tasogare from Japan with his show Twilight Tap, which left audiences at the Avignon Fringe Festival speechless as his ninja tap dancing reinvented the dance form. And all the way from Sweden is The Flapper Dapper Show, starring the incredible DecaVita Sisters, who take the audience on a dazzling journey to the roaring 20s, singing and dancing to jazzy melodies and performing mind-blowing magic. If comedy is more your thing, don’t miss Whore’s Eye View by Kaytlin Bailey from NYC, who takes the audience through a mad dash of 10,000 years of history from a sex worker’s perspective. Bailey is a globally recognised

leader in the sex worker rights movement and delivers a show that is part history, part standup, and part lived experience that has been enjoyed by audiences worldwide.

Australian shows that are on the festival tour circuit include the multi-award-winning Kaboom! – a children’s spectacular that will be held at the iconic Newcastle Museum – a first for the Newcastle Fringe. Billed as an electromagnetic extravaganza and a stunningly stylish STEM show, this is one for the kids that shouldn’t be missed. And Newcastle’s own Steve Wilson will return to his hometown after performing both his shows – Camino Man and A Tale of Cats and Hugs at Adelaide Fringe. Wilson has toured these shows worldwide since we last saw them, and it will be interesting to see how he has developed his craft – a perfect example of why fringe exists.

Other international shows include Agasimbo all the way from East Africa, it is a traditional, acrobatic dance that uses rhythmic hand clapping so that audiences can participate in the show. There’s also Sambafrog, a Brazilian percussion and dance show based here in Newcastle and features festive rhythms that the audience can’t help but move to. While we’re on the subject of dance, Classique Nu, performed by acclaimed dancer Shakti entirely in the nude and to classical music, is hailed as a consummate and moving performance. Shakti is from an Indian and Japanese background and uses Indian classical dance and yoga to imbue an exotic spirituality to her piece.

Highlights for the Kids

Kids are well catered for at this year’s festival. Aside from Kaboom! at the Newcastle

River of Fire. Credit: Ness_thepurplephotographer

Museum, there’s also The Greatest Magic Show, which has won multiple awards and enjoyed sell-out seasons everywhere from Edinburgh to New Zealand, Perth and Adelaide and promises whimsical wonders and a free magic wand on entry! Our very own Young People’s Theatre is presenting A Pocketful of Stories (Itty Bitty Edition), following an author who weaves three imaginative tales with songs and dance to delight the youngest audience members. And don’t miss Natalie May Ventriloquist in her show Ew! Puppets! A professional ventriloquist since the age of 11, May has entertained audiences all around the world for 30 years, and her new show is full of silliness and singing that the kids will love. And for something a little different, The Long Dark, A Short Shadowy Musical is a modern-day fairytale and climate change allegory that’s full of adventure, comedy, and music and is just a little bit scary.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of them all for the kids (and their families) is the free Fringe@ Park After Dark on Saturday, 16 March, at Gregson Park in Hamilton from 7pm. Supported by the Hamilton Business Association and

the City of Newcastle, the event is free and features street performers, pop-up interactive side shows, magicians, face painting, clowns, dancers, cool beats and cameo appearances by select fringe artists. The headline act, River of Fire, at 8pm, is a landscape-based spectacle with fire dancers, acrobatics and multi-cultural dance forms.

Choir Day

This year sees the very popular third annual choir day on Saturday, 23 March, where seven choirs will perform from 10.30am until 9.30pm in the beautiful surroundings of the Hamilton Uniting Church. It’s an incredible line-up of local, award-winning and visiting choirs, and it sells out every year. If you want to experience a crescendo of well-being and euphoria, a day of joyful song and musical connection, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t miss Hunter Singers, The Song Sisters, The Callaghan Singers, the Newcastle Chamber Choir, the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, the Sydney Male Choir or The Novatones.

Honourable Mentions

With so many shows on offer this year, it’s challenging to do a complete round-up. Comedy would have to be one of the most popular genres at the festival, and this year won’t disappoint. Last year’s winner of Best Comedy returns with a new show, Clan of the Kel Bear; our local talent Eddy Rockefeller is back with her violin and her raunchy humour with In the Loop; Northern Ireland comedy colossus Micky Bartlett brings his razor sharp wit to the festival and comedy/cabaret duo Rheinburger and Wilson share their razor-sharp songs and unhealthy obsessions with Kenny Rogers and Nana Mouskouri in their show, A Love Odyssey

When it comes to music, the festival has a diverse offering, with Wait ‘til Tomorrow: The Songs of Silverchair – a pared-back solo performance; the return of last year’s Artistic

Natalie May

The Amazing Jono

Merit award, Madame Nightingale with her new show New Beginnings; our hilarious and talented fringe regulars and locals Nerds & Music Do the Fringe; indie folk artist Claire Tonti in Matrescence and the trio Vocalconnect will be inviting guest vocalists to celebrate the power of the voice with innovative mashups and funky twists on popular classics in their show Gin O’Clock

There’s no denying that Newcastle loves a cabaret and a touch of burlesque. Red Light Confidential is returning with its popular variety show, and the local crew behind the new show ConspiRACY brings their raunchy, wicked wit to a whole new subject this year. For homegrown, high-end cabaret, don’t miss Les Divine Folles a Newy. If you fancy some puppets with your burlesque, They Came From Uranus is an outrageous adults-only drag/puppet extraterrestrial extravaganza!

The Loafaoke dinner show, where the audience gets to sing along with Meatloaf and eat Meatloaf at the same time, sounds like great fun, led by two Melbourne comedy queens! And whatever you do, do not miss the return of the very talented Eliane Morel (Best in Fringe 2021) in Carmen the Cabaret with her new deliciously subversive take on the world’s most famous opera.

Rounding out the program this year, there is a substantial theatre offering. Back In Ten with Emil Wolk and Mark Long, from the longestrunning experimental theatre company in the UK, are currently pouring all their experience and God-given talent into this new two-person show that promises to be profound and quite possibly ‘the greatest theatrical experience of your entire lives’. Jopuka is back with a new production, Mirror Mirror, that asks the question, ‘Is the person in the mirror the person I expected to be?’ Sydney Fringe award winner The Ukulele Man presents the story of George Formby with laughs, smiles, and tears, a sort of Elvis Presley meets Mr Bean.

The program contains so much more than we have time to write about. To get the most out of fringe, festival-goers are encouraged to study the program carefully, make a game of seeing as many shows as you can, go venue hopping or stay at one venue for the whole night and see multiple shows. With ticket prices ranging from $5 to no more than $40, with an average of $20 to $25, it’s all affordable fun and has the added bonus of supporting emerging artists and local venues. The program and tickets can both be found at www.newcastlefringe.com.au.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

The

Loafaoke

Les Divine Folles à Newy

Join us for an unforgettable journey that brings the best of both worlds - the sophistication of Paris and the charm of our beloved Newcastle! An entirely local cast brings CG Productions debut show to life for the Newcastle Fringe Festival! Created out of the desire for professional performance opportunities in their hometown, these seasoned professionals bring all the elegance of a world class act back home. All ages welcome! (Some explicit song lyrics). For tickets visit www.newcastlefringe.com.au.

www.cgproductions.com.au | E hello@cgproductions.com.au

@newyfolles/@cgproductionsau | CGProductionsau

The Desperate Showgirl

Natalie has been a professional ventriloquist since the age of 11, touring the world with all her puppet pals and entertaining all ages. A er a few years hiatus - Natalie is back with The Desperate Showgirl show. It is all the naughty cheeky bits that she's always wished she could say - a li le bit cabaret, a li le bit burlesque inspired and a whole lot of funny!

South’s Merewether Windsor Terrace

March 15 & 16, 7:30pm | March 23 & 24, 3pm

Tickets available at www.newcastlefringe.com.au.

Friday 22 March 6pm

Saturday 23 March 7pm

Sunday 24 March 2pm

“She is not young, nor naive. She is a woman who has much experience in life and in love.”

Building on last year’s Newcastle Fringe Artistic Award Nominated Superluminary Synthpop, Madam Nightingale’s new show ‘New Beginnings’ is a tight musical set, including spoken word and interpretive dance, storytelling what it means to be human.

At The Royal Exchange

32-34 Bolton St Newcastle 21-24 March

www.madamnightingale.com

March

TWO OF US THE SONGS OF LENNON AND

JEREMY SPOKE - THE PEARL JAM TRIBUTE SAT 2

MIA DYSON SUN 3

HARRY MANX TUE 5

CHARLTON CHRISTIAN COLLEGE SHOWCASE WED 6

THE WHITLAMS BLACK STUMP BAND 7-8

COUNTRY WITCHES ASSOCIATION FEATURING AINE TYRRELL AND MANDY NOLAN SAT 9

GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS PRESENTS ELIXIR FEATURING KATIE NOONAN ZAC HURREN AND BEN HAUPTMANN SUN 10

ASH GRUNWALD THUR 14

LUKA BLOOM FRI 15

SAT 16

SUN 17

DIAMOND - THE SHOW

THE LEGENDARY HERMANS HERMITS - 60TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

LORRAINE NASH (IRELAND) AND ERNEST AINES (AUSTRALIA) TUE 19

LIFE IS A CABARET A LAZY LUNCH FEATURING WAYNE ROGERS WED 20

ROCK TRIVIA THUR 21

JAMES BENNETT FRI 22

KILLER QUEEN 23-24

STEVE POLTZ (USA) WED 27

GOOD FRIDAY LUNCH AND DINNER WITH NEWTON FAULKNER FRI 29

Civic Theatre Initiative Brings

Local Shows to Local Audiences

UpStage at the Playhouse is an exciting initiative developed by the Civic Theatre for the City of Newcastle. The program aims to connect the broader community with the vibrancy

and talent of the local theatre community by co-presenting and supporting works that showcase the ability and creativity of the Newcastle region.

UpStage at the Playhouse will introduce fresh, new and adapted works presented and performed by local creatives.

Four productions have been selected to form this year's program, which Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace says will highlight the talent and creativity of our region.

"The fact all four of these productions have been written by Newcastle playwrights just

shows the depth of talent we have in our city," Ms Wallace said.

"The Civic Theatre is aiming to build the capacity and exposure of our artists and to build Newcastle's reputation as a cultural capital.

"It's wonderful to see original and reimagined productions form part of UpStage at the Playhouse program."

The four selected productions that will form this year's UpStage program are:

• Blueberry Play by Ang Collins, presented by Lingua Franca

• Romeo & Juliet: A Reimagining, presented by HER Productions

• Karma Kafé by Carl Caulfield, presented by Stray Dogs Theatre Co

• The Magic Hour by Vanessa Bates, presented by Lulu Bell Productions

The program performances will be on stage between August and November in the Civic Theatre's atmospheric 195-seat venue, The Playhouse.

To celebrate each production, ticketholders on the opening night of each production will be treated to an exclusive Q&A with the playwright following the performance.

Tickets for UpStage at the Playhouse are on sale now at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com. au/upstage.

Lulu Bell Productions. Written by Vanessa Bates

LIVE MUSIC

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

Battlesticks at Scratchleys

Everything you've loved about Scratchleys... and so much more.

Battlesticks at Scratchleys is Newcastle’s most iconically situated and chic bar. Offering a great selection of cocktails, beer, wine and spirits, plus tasty tapas and bar snacks in a stunning location that is casual, yet classy.

If you love live music – we’ve got you covered! Come along every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 3pm–6pm for quality live music.

Other great ways to enjoy Battlesticks include drinks before or after the theatre, before and after lunch or dinner at Scratchleys. Chill out at Battlesticks and watch the incredibly active Newcastle Harbour from this relaxed but sophisticated bar.

Battlestick’s Bar is open Friday–Sunday 12pm-late. Over 18s only. For bookings and enquires visit our website, battlesticks.com.au Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates:

@battlesticksbar

Battlesticks Bar

Comedy, Connection and Learning 2024 SENIORS FESTIVAL

Community connection and lifelong learning are at the heart of Newcastle's annual festival celebrating seniors as part of the state-wide NSW Senior's Festival.

With the theme 'Reach Beyond', close to 40 events and activities will be held across the city from 11 -24 March 2024 delivered by City of Newcastle (CN) and a range of community organisations.

The festival kicks off on Monday, 11 March 2024, with the Comedy Gala and Expo at City Hall. Headlined by Jean Kittson, the Comedy Gala is guaranteed to entertain ahead of an afternoon of talks and demonstrations sure to pique the interest of the young at heart.

Alongside the flagship Comedy Gala and Seniors Expo at City Hall, there will be a range of events, including a travel writing workshop with renowned author Bruce Elder at Wallsend Library and a saucy science lecture with Newcastle Museum's resident scientist.

The Expo is a one-stop shop to connect with community groups and services that support positive aging, connection, and well-being in Newcastle. Tickets for the Comedy Gala are on sale via the Civic Theatre.

In addition to the City of Newcastle events, a wide selection of community-led activities, lectures and workshops will be included as part of this year's festival program, including pickleball matches, Tai Chi classes, line dancing lessons, handbell ringing demonstrations, and cake decorating sessions.

The breadth of events in this year's program, tailored to different interests and abilities, are designed to encourage seniors to 'reach beyond' and try something or meet someone new. There is nothing like the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of acquiring new skills. Opportunities for sharing knowledge and gaining knowledge are many and varied.

The importance of continual learning and connection cannot be underestimated, which is why the festival plays such a significant role in the mental health and well-being of seniors in our community.

View the complete festival program and register to attend an event at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival.

Discover the stories behind the stories.

5 – 7 APRIL 2024

Join us from 5 to 7 April to hear from 150 of Australia’s most exciting and much-loved writers across 90 free and ticketed events in the Civic precinct.

Guests include Bryan Brown, Hannah Diviney, Wendy Harmer, Sally Hepworth, Melissa Lucashenko, David Marr, Pia Miranda, Emily Perkins, Peter Polites, Sara Saleh, Leigh Sales, and Charlotte Wood.

Newcastle Writers Festival is proudly supported by

Illustration: Caelli Brooker

The 2024 Newcastle Writers Festival program is the largest since the Covid disruption, featuring 150 writers across 95 free and ticketed events from 5 to 7 April across Newcastle’s Civic precinct, Cessnock and, for the first time, Port Stephens.

Newcastle Writers Festival 2024 program OUT NOW!

The bumper festival program has been overseen by founding director Rosemarie Milsom and Amy Lovat, author and co-founder of bookstore Secret Book Stuff, who joined the organisation as program manager in August 2023.

“It is an exciting, diverse program that includes Australia’s most respected writers and a strong lineup of debut writers. Amy has done a brilliant job,” said Milsom.

The festival program features workshops, book launches, readings, panel discussions, one-on-one interviews, a dinner, literary trivia event, and a special program at the University of Newcastle’s Wollotuka Institute.

After its debut in 2023, Words & Music returns to the Conservatorium of Music on 6 April. Dan Flegg and Nick Milligan curate the event, which features musicians who perform new work inspired by books by festival guests. The lineup includes Elijah Amoss, Piper Butcher, Deborah Conway, Jim Moginie, Adam Newling, and Sunbiirds.

Family events have been scheduled for the first time since 2019, including Hunter and Central Coast talent Dan Marshall, Sara Acton, Katrina McKelvey, and Liz Anelli. Several other Hunter writers are appearing across the festival, including 93-year-old debut writer Rosemary Lewis and adult romance writer Natalie Murray.

Respected ABC journalist Leigh Sales is the special opening night guest and will speak to Indira Naidoo on 5 April at Newcastle City Hall about the art and craft of journalism and its future in the face of cost cuts and an increasingly divided world.

2024

2024

Popular identities who will also be speaking about their recent books include actors Bryan Brown and Pia Miranda, musicians Deborah Conway and Jim Moginie, Wendy Harmer (in Newcastle and Cessnock), Richard Glover, and Newcastle baker Reece Hignell.

The program is available at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au, and tickets are now on sale. An audio version of the program is available on the website.

PLEASE WELCOME TO THE STAGE

PLEASE WELCOME TO THE STAGE

DAN SULTAN | TROPICAL F*CK STORM

DAN SULTAN | TROPICAL F*CK STORM

KID CONGO & THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS | EMILY WURRAMARA

KID CONGO & THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS | EMILY WURRAMARA

RVG | COTERIE | THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP | HARD-ONS

RVG | COTERIE | THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP | HARD-ONS

GARETH LIDDIARD ( ) | DALLAS CRANE | BATTLESNAKE

GARETH LIDDIARD ( ) | DALLAS CRANE | BATTLESNAKE

THURS 25th THURS 25th

TEENY TINY STEVIES | VAUDEVILLE SMASH | BULLHORN

TEENY TINY STEVIES | VAUDEVILLE SMASH | BULLHORN

CLAIRE ANNE TAYLOR | THE BURES BAND | BURGER JOINT

CLAIRE ANNE TAYLOR | THE BURES BAND | BURGER JOINT

THE MAIN GUY & THE OTHER GUYS | CHIMERS | MARVELL

THE MAIN GUY & THE OTHER GUYS | CHIMERS | MARVELL

MELODY POOL | KARL S WILLIAMS | JOE MUNGOVAN | QUEENIE

MELODY POOL | KARL S WILLIAMS | JOE MUNGOVAN | QUEENIE

RADIUM DOLLS | CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE | MAGPIE DIARIES

RADIUM DOLLS | CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE | MAGPIE DIARIES

DAVE WELLS | SALARYMEN | JET CITY SPORTS CLUB

DAVE WELLS | SALARYMEN | JET CITY SPORTS CLUB

DON’T THANK ME, SPANK ME | GEORGIE WINCHESTER SPECIAL

DON’T THANK ME, SPANK ME | GEORGIE WINCHESTER SPECIAL

JOEY LEIGH WAGTAIL | JUNIOR BURGER | BUTTERKNIFE

JOEY LEIGH WAGTAIL | JUNIOR BURGER | BUTTERKNIFE

SF WRENS | SITTING DOWN | DASHVILLE PROGRESS SOCIETY

SF WRENS | SITTING DOWN | DASHVILLE PROGRESS SOCIETY

YOUNG GUMS YOUTH MENTORSHIP SHOWCASE

YOUNG GUMS YOUTH MENTORSHIP SHOWCASE

Join Château Élan for their exclusive Weekend Series, where you’re invited to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other. Elevate your dining experience with exquisite menus – each carefully designed to tantalise your taste buds and indulge your senses.

If you're a lover of seafood, the Seafood and Semillon lunch is a must-try. Dive into a feast of fresh catches, from succulent prawns to delicate salmon, expertly prepared to perfection. To enhance your dining experience, Château Élan has partnered with Phil Griffiths from Tranquil Vale, who will guide you through a tasting of local Hunter Valley Semillon. With every bite and sip, you will be transported to coastal bliss.

For those seeking a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to spend quality time with their loved ones, the Bottomless Brunch is the perfect choice. Gather your family and friends for a delightful meal, where you can enjoy bottomless Hunter Valley sparkling and spritz thanks to Bimbadgen Winery. Toast to special occasions or simply enjoy a day out surrounded by laughter, love, and endless bubbles. It's a culinary journey that will create lasting memories!

If you're in the mood for a heart-warming meal that celebrates togetherness and tradition, the Family-Style Roast lunch is the ideal

Château Élan Weekend Event Series

choice. Indulge in a sumptuous spread featuring tender roasts, flavourful sides and all the trimmings. Every bite is infused with warmth and love, creating a truly memorable dining experience for you to come together and create cherished memories over a delicious meal and beverages from Horner Wines.

For those seeking elegance and sophistication, the High Tea is a mustexperience. Immerse yourself in timeless elegance as you sip on a selection of exquisite teas and indulge in a range of sweet and savoury treats. From delicate pastries to

savoury bites, the high tea menu is a feast for the senses. Enjoy the charming ambience of Château Élan as you immerse yourself in this delightful culinary journey alongside bubbles from Elbourne Wines.

No matter what your culinary preferences or occasion, Château Élan’s Weekend Series has something for everyone. Elevate your dining experience and treat yourself to a weekend filled with exceptional food and wonderful company. Book your table now at Legends Restaurant and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you satisfied and delighted.

Event SeriesWEEKEND

Celebrating Resilience… JUST A FARMER

Suicide rates among farmers are alarming, with a farmer dying every ten days, and despite feeding millions globally, our farmers lack access to essential medical services, leading to a devastating ripple effect in rural communities.

Just A Farmer is a compelling drama that authentically portrays the impact of suicide on a rural Australian family, shedding light on critical mental health issues in farming communities.

A personal crusade of a 35-year-old farmer turned filmmaker Leila Sweeney McDougall, Just a Farmer is the result of Leila’s quest to raise awareness of farmer suicide and the devastation it leaves behind. A magnetic entrepreneur and influential advocate for Women in Agriculture, Leila is on a mission to promote, support, and celebrate farming life. Her diverse career spans from fashion designer to rural teacher and now filmmaker. A force for change, Leila also mentors young women in agriculture, passionately championing the next generation of successful female-led businesses to come out of rural Australia.

In 2020, amidst the challenges of COVID-19, Leila, alongside her husband Sean, conceived the idea of Just a Farmer as a cinematic message of support for rural communities. Undeterred by dyslexia, Leila passionately penned the script, showcasing an unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling and representing her communities.

Filmed on location at her family’s 1620-hectare farm in Ararat, rural Victoria, with a production budget exceeding $1.7 million, the film promises a poignant exploration of mental health and the crucial contributions of farmers.

Just a Farmer is directed by Simon Lyndon, best known for his AFIwinning role in Chopper, and featuring the star of Longmire, Robert Taylor along with Damian Walshe-Howling, Susan Prior and Trevor Jamieson as well as members from McDougall’s local community - including McDougall herself as the lead character. A uniquely Australian story, the plot follows a newly-widowed mother left to manage an ailing farm with an alcoholic father-in-law (Taylor) after her husband Alec’s (Joel Jackson) sudden death by suicide. The film is further brought to life with the iconic music of Nick Cave and Paul Kelly, along with original compositions by Bryony Marks.

Just a Farmer will premiere nationwide at Events Cinemas (including here in Newcastle/Kotara) this March. Check online for details.

From 7th March

Two of Australia’s most applauded performers, Darren Coggan and Damien Leith, are back on stage and in good company as they celebrate the songs that shook the world by the artists that changed it. Their new show, In Good Company, comes to Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) on Friday, 5 April, from 7.30pm for one night only.

Individually, their critically acclaimed portraits of Roy Orbison, Cat Stevens, Elvis Presley, John Denver and The Beatles have had audiences on their feet across the globe on every occasion. Now, together in one grand concert, Darren and Damien re-live the songs that the whole world sang along with, accompanied by the lush sounds of 'A Good Company of Strings Quartet'.

Damien and Darren are well-placed to be paying homage to these iconic musicians. Both have a long history of writing and performing, and the richness and diversity of Darren and Damien’s solo careers are also showcased, with a selection of their own songs and stories that reflect their musical heritage.

Damien Leith became a household name when he won Australian Idol in 2006. Since then, he has made an indelible imprint on the Australian music scene as a prolific singersongwriter, producer, author, playwright and

Darren and Damien in Good Company this April

TV and Radio personality. With multi-platinum selling albums under his belt and acclaimed sold-out tours paying homage to greats like Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley, Damien is one of the country’s most beloved performers.

Darren Coggan is a masterful storyteller who has carved an impressive career in the Australian country music industry with a swag of Golden Guitars under his belt. Darren is equally at home in musicals and on screen, currently presenting the lifestyle TV

program Sydney Weekender. He has received critical acclaim for his portrait of Cat Stevens, which has seen him perform sold-out shows everywhere, including Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Glasgow Concert Hall and Liverpool Philharmonic.

The two-hour show is back-to-back hits with immortal songs from the treasure trove of music history. Tickets are on sale at the PACC Box Office, by phone on 02 4993 4266 or online at mypacc.com.au.

NEWCASTLE NORTHSTARS ACTION ON ICE

With the Newcastle Northstars’ 2024 Australian Ice Hockey League season just around the corner, excitement is building. Season tickets are sold out, and individual tickets for each game are online and for sale.

“We have the best supporters in the league.”, shared Northstars’ Captain, Liam Manwarring.

“Our crowds are an extra guy that the bench feeds off, and the guys on the ice feel it, especially when they erupt with a chant or celebrate with us after a goal.”, Coach David Ferrari emphasised.

“We see it in our following shifts, as our guys are running off the adrenaline from the crowd.”

Be a part of all the excitement this year, and visit https://northstars.thundertix.com to secure your tickets today!

Want an even more unique experience? Book the VIP mezzanine area.

Whether it’s a reward for your hard-working team or a family gathering, the fully catered VIP area offers premium views and the freedom to stand and chat while the action unfolds on the ice. Complete with its own bar, you’ll have everything you need. There’s even a big-screen TV to catch replays of all the big hits, epic goals, and jaw-dropping saves.

Comfortably fitting up to 30 people, this is the ultimate way to experience a Newcastle Northstars home game. For ticketing information and available dates, contact bookings@northstars.com.au.

E A T D rin k

Spice Up Your Life

Why Sri Lanka and India Are Every Foodie's Dream Destinations

you're a die-hard foodie craving unforgettable flavours, Sri Lanka and India are a must-visit. Whether you're strolling through the streets of Colombo or navigating the bustling lanes of Mumbai, there's always something delicious

creating a symphony of flavours that dance on your taste buds. Picture yourself strolling through bustling markets, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of exotic spices, and vendors beckon you with their mouth-watering street food offerings.

But it's not just about the street food scene – both Sri Lanka and India boast a rich tapestry of culinary traditions that are as diverse as they are delicious. From fiery curries to fragrant biryanis, each region offers its own unique twist on traditional dishes, guaranteed to leave you begging for seconds.

And if you're a vegetarian or love exploring plant-based cuisines, you're in luck. Indian cuisine is celebrated for its extensive vegetarian options, which are sure to woo even the most devout meat lovers, while Sri Lankan cuisine is heaven for seafood lovers alike, with some of the freshest seafood options around.

So, whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to spice up your culinary adventures, Sri Lanka and India are the perfect destinations to satisfy your cravings for flavour, fun, and

India

The Ultimate Culinary Delight - 12 Days

Delhi – Lucknow – Agra – Jaipur – Mumbai

Explore the rich flavors of India while visiting iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal in Agra and the culinary hub of Delhi. From savoring mouthwatering street food to indulging in traditional home-cooked meals, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and heritage of India, hosted by Fringe Holidays.

14- 26 octOBER 2024

Sri Lanka

Aroma & Taste of Sri Lanka - 13

Days

Negombo – Habarana – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya –Ella – Yala – Galle – Colombo

Experience the essence of Sri Lanka's aroma and taste on this immersive tour, featuring scenic train rides, visits to spice gardens, culinary classes, and encounters with local culture and wildlife. From the vibrant fish markets of Negombo to the historic Galle Fort, embark on a culinary and cultural journey through the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Sri Lanka, hosted by Fringe Holidays.

14-27 sepTEMBER 2024

(Limited places remaining)

Jungle Bungalow

Giraffe Treehouse

Jamala Dining

A Private Oasis in Pokolbin

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

The family behind the region’s most luxurious resort, Tower Lodge, and the neighbouring Hope Estate are driven by a commitment to creating the Hunter Valley's penultimate experience and all it has to offer. The Hope family, along with recently appointed Group Executive Chef Anthony Fullerton, have developed a full range of experiences that include a deeply embedded core philosophy of farm-to-table that is designed to showcase not only the garden produce but the dry-aged beef, beer, wine and whiskey that complements the exclusive accommodation offering and the popular concerts that Hope Estate is known for.

Originally built in 1999 by Hunter wine legend Len Evans AO OBE and a coterie of his high-profile mates, it was their commitment to quality that saw Tower Lodge win the global luxury lodge category at the World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2010 and then continue to win it four years in a row. In 2013, the property was purchased by Michael and Karen Hope, who converted it into a private residence where they lived for eight years. In 2021, they led a $6 million refurbishment of its exterior and interior spaces, working with Newcastle-

based Space Design Architecture and Spicer’s Resorts. In June 2023 the family relaunched the luxury lodge with son Sam Hope looking after the guest experiences and elder son Jonno supplying the Angus beef from the family’s Nioka Farm at the foothills of the Barrington Tops for the restaurant. Michael and Karen each bring their own personal style and furnishings to the venture that complete the luxury lodge’s welcoming, ‘at home’ feel.

"WE’RE IN THE BUSINESS OF FUN AND HAVE CREATED A LUXURIOUS HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR OUR GUESTS THAT PROVIDES THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES THAT TRAVELLERS SEEK"

“We’ve created a private gated oasis on 40 acres, smack bang in the middle of Pokolbin – the busiest wine region in Australia,” said Michael.

“It’s a new style of luxury experiential tourism for the Hunter Valley, delivered in a unique, high-quality, but friendly manner that makes us different. There are luxury hotels all over the world, but if you want a fully immersive,

personally tailored Hunter Valley experience, we believe that we can take it to the next level.”

The property is centred around a warm terracotta plaza, while a striking stucco tower sets a distinctive Spanish tone to the property. A satellite pool, sauna and gardens offer guests options to leisurely explore the Hunter’s countryside, take advantage of personally guided in-house masterclasses and wine, whiskey and gin tastings, or enjoy front-seat access to a world-class entertainment lineup at the estate.

“We have 14 individually styled and generously proportioned suites, some with hot tubs, some with fireplaces, and all have a private balcony or courtyard, and no two are the same. The library and lounge are beautiful, and the wine cellar has been converted into a private dining room. Our antiques include a c1550 four-poster bed from Rajasthan. The bathrooms are quite simply the ultimate sanctuary,” said Michael.

“We curate our guest experiences, which might include in-room treatments, learning from our Chef Anthony about the dry aging beef process, gin masterclasses, and wine, beer or whiskey tastings. In fact, our distillery has just opened, and every guest at Tower Lodge now receives a complimentary whiskey-tasting experience in the distillery. We’ve found that

people like learning things in a non-threatening environment – it’s fun and interesting and makes their visit with us memorable. We hope to have guests return regularly as they would to their own country home.”

Set under soaring wood ceilings, the restaurant and its adjoining lounge are the venue for breakfast and long lunches, sunset drinks and canapes, followed by an a la carte dining menu that’s designed either for sharing or more formal dining. Guests and visitors can enjoy lunch and dinner at the lodge.

Group Executive Chef Anthony Fullerton and Michael Hope share a passion for true farm-to-table philosophy. Both grew up on farms in the country, Anthony at Lake Wanaka in New Zealand and Michael in Young NSW. Their similar background has created a shared vision and a commitment that sees Anthony

fully involved in the farming of the cattle. The beef's journey from conception to life on the farm takes the highest priority. Anthony has introduced a dry-aging facility onsite and aims to raise different breeds of beef and lamb for diversity. He is keen to build a housemade charcuterie line and has plans for a smokehouse.

This approach has seen Anthony, classically trained in the French tradition, win multiple awards, including the Australian Hotels Association Australian Chef of the Year in 2022 for the Bull & Bell Steakhouse in Griffith, which came in #92 in the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants in 2023. He is committed to sourcing all his produce within a 300-kilometre radius, working hard to develop relationships with local farmers and producers and is heavily focused on the dry aging process of the beef.

“It’s a labour of love,” said Anthony.

“Once the cattle have reached a certain weight on a grass-fed diet, they are brought to the pastures adjacent to Hope Estate for a 120150-day grain-based feed up. The grains are the byproduct of the other on-site operations, such as the brewery and distillery, which creates a sustainable production approach across the Hope outlets.

“The process involves a sterile, climate and humidity-controlled storage facility and a lot of dedication. You have to look after it, rotate it, check it every week, and you have to know what you’re doing. It’s like cheese or wine. I’ve been known to dry age for up to 300 days. It results in a phenomenal flavour and tender meat. From the breeding program to the plate, it’s a two-year process. It’s a major investment, and I’m lucky that Michael sees it as being like producing a good wine. Anything good takes time, and we’re the only place in Australia that does this with this level of intensity.”

Anthony also believes in letting the produce be the star of the plate and utilising old-school techniques that develop multiple layers and dimensions of flavour. The sauce is always served on the side, sharing is encouraged, and every dish is delicious, with diners looking forward to trying something else on the menu at their next visit. Despite the commitment to dry-aged beef, the restaurant at Tower Lodge is not a steakhouse.

Did someone mention steakhouse?

Novacastrians will soon be able to enjoy Nioka Steakhouse when it opens in the former Hope Estate at The Landing building. The beef for this venture is already being planned for, so watch this space!

Hope at Honeysuckle will open at The Wharf building in Newcastle in late 2024. Showcasing the wine, spirits and craft beer the Hope family is known for, Hope at Honeysuckle will also offer wine tastings, cooking masterclasses and beer-matching experiences.

5

The Humble Filling

DR ALEX HUSZTI BelleDental

In an age of advancing AI, it is easy to be carried away with new, modern, exotic technologies.

Sometimes, when we’re exposed to this kind of bamboozling advance, we lose sight of simple, cost-effective, durable solutions.

This looks and sounds a lot like what I’m seeing in Dentistry at the moment.

Computerised ceramic mills use scanners to take optical impressions, all-on-implant restorations, and 3D printers. Again, YES, these are impressive technologies. But what about the cost… and who pays for it?

You may desire having such technology for your dental care. However, in such an age, it is easy to dismiss tried and proven, simpler, more cost-effective technologies that still work… and work well.

What about the humble filling? In 2006, I largely eliminated conventional crowns by recommending our composite resin crowns and fillings that I’d placed since the early 1990s.

I regularly see my composite resin crowns placed in the 2000s – many approaching 17 years old and in excellent shape… This fills me with confidence that we can help people keep their teeth for life.

I have seen similar results around composite resin veneers. I treated a significant number of patients with composite resin veneers in the early 2000s. Many of these patients still have the veneers – albeit somewhat worn and discoloured. I now know that many of these early reconstructive treatments suffered because of the composite resin technology available at the time. The newer composite resins now available have greatly increased wear resistance, strength and colour stability, and because we didn’t cut any tooth structure away when we did the original composite resin veneers, the teeth are amenable to new veneers AGAIN, without the loss of any further tooth structure. Not only do these patients enjoy the financial and health benefits of long restorative cycles, but this is also how they keep their teeth for life.

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PETS OF THE MONTH

WILLOW | 6 year old Labrador X

Wonderful Willow loves to go for walks. She loves a car ride and exploring! And when she isn’t exploring, she is snoozing. She loves her people and as many belly rubs as possible! She is initially timid, but once she gets to know you, she is your best friend! Don’t let her dough eyes fool you; she loves her food but isn’t starving! Willow will need to be an only dog, but with the love she has, she will be the only dog you need!

Trinity’s coat is decorated in three beautiful colours! She is beautiful, playful and friendly and is currently the #GirlBoss of the group at her foster home. Trinity is a female domestic short hair with soft fur and a popular calico coat. About ten months old, she is healthy and happy, living strictly indoors at all times, but wouldn’t say no to a safely enclosed cat run if you have one (very comfortable indoors, so it’s not a must). Trinity is cool with dogs but will take a minute to feel safe enough to interact closely.

AHA and The Screaming Jets Unveil Music Grant Honoring Paul Woseen

Australian rock royalty The Screaming Jets and AHA Newcastle Hunter have come together at The Stag & Hunter Hotel to officially launch the AHA Newcastle Hunter – Paul Woseen Memorial Music Grant. The grant offers an annual recipient $5,000 cash and the chance to record, produce, and launch an original single and receive mentor sessions with industry professionals.

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Please contact Dog Rescue Newcastle if you want to adopt one of this month’s pets. www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au

“Paul Woseen and The Screaming Jets have long been synonymous with Newcastle having grown up and built their career on the stages of our local pubs,” AHA Newcastle Hunter President Mick Starkey said.

“Being able to now come together with the band and some incredible sponsors to create something that will allow his legacy to live on and assist other local artists realise their music goals is something we are incredibly proud of.”

Paul Woseen was a founding member of The Screaming Jets and a luminary in Australian rock for over three decades. Screaming Jets frontman, Dave Gleeson said Woseen had always been a proud Novocastrian and would have been honoured by the grant program.

“The Paul Woseen music grant is such an amazing initiative. To have his name attached to a grant to foster young local talent in Newcastle is a testament to the impact his life in music has had,” he said.

“As the bassist of Screaming Jets, Paul left an indelible mark on Newcastle's music culture, and his contributions were pivotal in shaping the city's vibrant music scene. This grant will inspire generations to come and empower recipients to further their musical journey while helping to support the city's thriving live music scene where artists can flourish."

The grant’s inaugural recipient will have the opportunity to officially launch their single in September as part of City of Newcastle’s New Annual Festival.

Applications are now open to artists over 18 who reside within the greater Newcastle area, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, and Cessnock. Applications will close at 11.59am Thursday, 4 April 2024. To learn more about the grant, go to www.ahanewcastlehunter.org/paulwoseenmemorialmusicgrant.

TRINITY

10 month old Domestic Short Hair

The Screaming Jets with AHA Newcastle Hunter President Mick Starkey, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, and AHA Newcastle Hotels Representative Nikki Taylor. Credit: Marina Neil

From Protest to Celebration and the Road Ahead

On Tour With the Kid

CHLOE O'SULLIVAN

1998 was the first year I remember going to Mardi Gras. My best friend had come out a couple of years prior, and for lots of unconnected reasons, it had been a rough time. Marching in the parade felt like something to look forward to. I remember seeing a small group of Fred Nile-affiliated protesters as we walked into the marshalling area and wondering if they had nowhere better to be. I never understood that kind of venom about something that didn't seem like any of their business.

I grew up in a country town, and my mum was a psych nurse who was younger and certainly more left of centre than most of my friends’ parents. Aside from older relatives, I didn't really know people who were married. Lots of mums’ friends came of age in the 70s and thought marriage was an outdated concept, so were living in sin. Most of the longterm couples we knew were gay men, who, of course, couldn't get married at the time.

Mum had me at 18, so I was one of the only kids for a long time. I heard lots of adult conversations. Nothing inappropriate, just

things other kids might not have heard or even taken any notice of. I heard stories about what it was like to come out in the 60s and 70s. When just being who they were was illegal. I heard stories about being abused and beaten by total strangers or by the police. Stories of being disowned by their families.

They seemed like stories from the Second World War. Distant from anything I knew. I had only ever seen joy and fun - the realisation that sometimes you have to make your own family to be surrounded by the acceptance you deserve. As the 80s dragged on, I saw this unmatched sense of community and love as their friends and lovers slipped away due to what people were referring to at the time as gay cancer, now known as HIV/AIDS.

I then heard conversations about medical professionals who wouldn't step into the hospital rooms of patients, and partners who had been together for decades being excluded from medical and end-of-life decisions. Watching those decisions handed over to the family that had refused to be part of the amazing life they shared was heart-breaking. It was, by anyone's standards, unconscionable.

As we walked down Oxford Street that February night in 1998, surrounded by people cheering on my friends and police wishing them well, I remember thinking how far society had come. How this event that had begun as

a protest had become a celebration. I was so thankful to be able to be there supporting my beautiful friends and watching them shine.

On 6 October that year, the whole world would hear the name Matthew Shepard. He was a 21-year-old college student living in Laramie, Wyoming, a town the size of Cessnock.

That night, he had been robbed and brutally assaulted by two local men his age. They then tied him, severely injured, to a fence post outside of town in freezing temperatures. The following morning, he was found still breathing by a bike rider. The only part of his face not covered in blood were the tracks of the tears that had rolled down his face. Matthew died in hospital four days later, surrounded by his family.

The Laramie Project became a movie that would later become a play. It was a collection of interviews with 200 people from the town of Laramie in the aftermath of the crime, which would become the epicentre of the hate crime conversation (it’s currently on Binge if you haven’t seen it).

As we head into Mardi Gras this month, to my LGBTQI+ friends, you celebrate everything that makes you amazing. To those of us who consider ourselves allies, cheer them on, but remember there is still work to do, and we need to take some of that load.

Happy Mardi Gras!!!

Community News

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?

If you love a good cuppa, you’ll be thrilled to know there will soon be a couple of new options around Newcastle! Find out what else is happening in your local community…..

NEW CAFE ON THE HORIZON AT NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY

Interest is being sought from potential operators of another one-of-a-kind cafe to be located at the reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery, with an expression of interest process kicked off late last month.

The expansion will more than double the Gallery's size, providing a fitting home to one of Australia's most significant public art collections, worth more than $126 million.

Alongside the expanded exhibition and education areas, the Gallery will feature a striking cafe space on the northeast corner of the building, with full-height glass windows

making the most of its unique position overlooking Laman Street and Civic Park.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the expression of interest was an important step towards creating a unique and high-quality destination for the Newcastle community and visitors.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will provide a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW, expected to attract 150,000 visitors annually,” Cr Nelmes said.

"In conjunction with the expanded exhibition space, the project will deliver, for the first time in the Gallery's history, a permanent cafe that will complement and enhance the experience for visitors of this landmark cultural facility while also creating a hospitality destination in its own right."

More information about the Expression of Interest is available via Commercial Collective. ▶

Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion Project. Source: City of Newcastle

City of Newcastle is preparing to revamp a former café site at one of the city's most popular parks as it seeks expressions of interest from potential new operators. The Lambton Park building, constructed in the 1940s as a baby health centre, will undergo renovations as part of a development application set to be lodged within coming months.

Subject to approval, the project would see the building modernised into an open-plan cafe complete with bi-fold doors onto a new

rear deck extension, providing accessible ramp access for parents with prams and people with mobility issues.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the café redevelopment would continue CN's ongoing investment in the Lambton Park precinct.

"City of Newcastle is committed to creating enriched neighbourhoods with accessible spaces that nurture connected, inclusive communities," Cr Nelmes said.

"The café redevelopment follows on from significant upgrades at the Lambton Park War

Memorial Swimming Centre and the extensive renovation of Lambton Library, which delivered modern and accessible facilities while also returning the building's original heritage character to the front façade.

"We are continuing to deliver enhanced community spaces and invest in a range of projects to ensure our community has continued opportunities for active living and social connection."

"This café is ideally located next to the children's playground, with the new rear deck allowing parents to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching their children play on the equipment. Its proximity to the refurbished Lambton Library and nearby tennis courts ensure it will be a valuable addition to what is already on offer in the park precinct,” said Councillor Winney-Baartz.

"This will be the first major adaptive reuse of this historic building since its construction more than 80 years ago, and I look forward to seeing it well utilised by the community for years to come."

An expression of interest process, managed by Colliers on behalf of CN, will begin early this month to find a suitable operator to lease the café, pending the approval and completion of renovations.

Artist's impression front exterior Lambton Park cafe

WORLD-BEATERS ON LAND AND SEA TO INSPIRE WOMEN IN SPORT

Champion Australian netballer Liz Ellis AO and surfing trailblazers Pauline Menczer and Jodie Cooper are set to inspire Lake Macquarie as part of this year’s Women in Sport Festival.

Ellis, Australia’s most capped netballer, will speak at the Lake Mac Inspirational Women in Sport Breakfast at Club Macquarie on Tuesday, 5 March, sharing her remarkable sporting and life journey and participating in a Q&A session.

Ellis said she hoped her story would resonate with all generations of attendees.

“I’m looking forward to sharing some of my experiences, and I think women and girls of any age or sporting ability will be able to take something away that they can apply to their life on and off the field,” she said.

“No matter what sport you play or at what level, there’s so much to be gained in terms of health and social benefits just by participating.

“Sport has opened many doors for me throughout my life, and I put a lot of my personal and professional success down to the confidence I gained along the way.”

The festival will also feature a screening of ‘Girls Can’t Surf’ and a Q&A with two of its stars, world champions and paradigm shifters Menczer and Cooper.

The documentary, which will screen at Warners Bay Theatre on Wednesday, 6 March, follows a band of renegade surfers who took on the male-dominated professional surfing world to achieve equality and change the sport forever.

Menczer, a former world champion and Surfing Hall of Fame member defied the odds to spend two decades on the world circuit, winning 20 World Championship Tour events in a decorated career.

Cooper won 13 international events in a stellar career, including a Hollywood appearance as a stunt double for Lori Petty in the cult classic Point Break.

The pair will be on hand to recount their epic stories of clashing personalities, sexism, adventure, heartbreak and their journey to the professional ranks as part of the special screening.

The festival highlights don’t stop there, with the first Lake Mac Women in Leadership and Careers Expo also in store.

Former Australian cricket captain and sports administrator Belinda Clark, AO and elite AFL, rugby union and basketball multisport athlete Chloe Dalton OAM will share their personal and professional stories in the Saturday, 9 March session at The Place, Charlestown, focusing on leadership.

The Women in Sport Festival will run from 2-10 March 2024. The ever popular ‘try a sport’ day will be held on Sunday 3 March at Speers Point Park from 10am to 2pm. For more information or to book tickets to an event, head to www.visitlakemac.com.au/events.

Lis Ellis AO will speak at the Lake Mac Women in Sport Inspirational Breakfast

The Lake Mac Women in Sport Festival try a sport day will return as part of this year's event

March Horoscopes

ASTROLOGER KIM FAIRMINER ON WHAT’S IN THE STARS THIS MONTH

STAR OF THE MONTH

PISCES

19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH

March is the month to get serious about your future direction. (Also: Happy Birthday to you!) The New Moon in your sign sets the mood and helps you strike a balance between growth and stability. Beat the Lunar Eclipse by frontloading the first half of the month with fun and celebrations. Emotions run hotter in the last week with long-term finances and intimate agreements the likely flashpoints. These matters are more likely to flare if you’ve taken on too much responsibility or are looking to dodge it completely. As always, the sweet spot is in the middle.

ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL

You are happily minding your own business for most of March. Friends may express mild concern that you seem somewhat withdrawn, particularly around the New Moon. Although you’re unlikely to admit it, you feel your inner flame has dimmed. This is a classic pre-birthday symptom and will pass when you get your much-needed annual solar recharge.

TAURUS 21 APRIL – 20 MAY

Be careful what you wish for under the March New Moon as the universe offers extra receptivity and extra durability for your intentions. But, by golly, once you decide what you want, do not miss this magical moment to make your dreams come true. It’s also a wonderful lunation to share with your most cherished friends.

GEMINI 21 MAY – 21 JUNE

A fresh career chapter unfurls with the New Moon at the top of your chart. What starts now could have far-reaching consequences, so aim high with your professional goals, then roll up your sleeves. Getting out and about to mingle more will expand your web of connections and boost your visibility. Plus, it’s fun, right?!

CANCER 22 JUNE – 22 JULY

There’s an undercurrent of longing to carry you through March. While you will enjoy going with the flow at times, you may become frustrated by an inability to chart your own course. Try to get away from it all around the New Moon. If you can’t put yourself on a beach with a cocktail, seek out a more local watering hole.

LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST

Grab your insect repellent. A murky New Moon requires you to wade through the swampy territory of loans, taxation, and retirement planning. If you come adequately prepared, you will find your way back to solid ground and have discovered some hidden riches along the way. Inevitably, this leads to you browsing for your next holiday destination or educational opportunity.

VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER

Fancy a spot of romance? You’ll either be all-in or all-out on a partnership at the New Moon. In fairy tales, the division of household chores is never mentioned in the happily-ever-after, but you need to find the sweet spot between reality and fantasy in your relationship life. The Lunar Eclipse suggests that a modest investment of time/energy/money in periodic escapes could be worthwhile.

LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER

New routines and daily habits, which are a happy medium between do-able and Goopworthy, can be started around the New Moon. The weirder, the better. As March progresses, you’ll soon know if they’re sustainable by how cranky you are (or aren’t). Don’t be caught with your metaphorical pants down on the Lunar Eclipse. It will be difficult to hide if you’re up to anything ethically dubious.

SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER

Grab a friend and head to a class or workshop to capitalise on the abundant creative energy you have at your disposal this month. The New Moon is the ideal time to unleash your inner child. After all, play is serious business. Experiment with your artistic projects or try a new sport. No glue sniffing or high-risk athletic moves, though; we seek heart health and safety.

SAGITTARIUS

22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER

You are digging deep at the New Moon –perhaps literally in your home veggie garden or hydroponic set-up. There’s a sense of getting back to basics to ensure your daily routine is as fulfilling as it can be. This, of course, isn’t the end game; these foundational activities also support your optimal wellness. Sink into feeling good.

CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY

The New Moon helps you bring together your goaty pragmatism and your fish-tailed intuition. Max out your mental productivity by adding some fun as a lubricant. Then it’s just a matter of allowing the cogs to turn at their own pace. The Lunar Eclipse offers an alternate perspective on your professional life, and this new awareness is likely to be positive. Maybe let go of work a little?

AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY

You’ve been dreaming big lately, and March is great for taking action on your visions. Turn over a fresh financial leaf with the New Moon and put a downpayment on your goal. Interesting money-making opportunities online, at home, or with family could also help improve your cash flow. But it’s not really about numbers on a spreadsheet.

intouch contributor

KIM FAIRMINER

Kim is an astrologer, writer, and witch who has helped thousands of people achieve their goals, navigate challenges, make important decisions, and live their best life. Her readers, clients, and students rave about the deep spiritual insights she delivers with honesty, humour, and uncanny accuracy. Learn more about her work at www.kimfairminer.com

HUNTER HOMES & Lifestyle

First Home Buyers Staking A Claim

First-home buyers are staking their claim on property markets around the nation once more, with activity increasing by about 13 per cent in the past year, according to the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA). According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of new loan commitments for owner-occupier first home buyers in December 2023 (seasonally adjusted) was 12.9 per cent higher than the previous year.

REBAA President Melinda Jennison said the rapid rise in first home buyer activity during the tail-end of last year, in particular, could be attributed to the peak of the interest rate cycle having passed.

“Many first-time buyers were waiting in the wings for a clearer interest rate picture to emerge, which was the case at the end of last year,” Ms Jennison said.

“Indeed, it certainly looks like this year will be about interest rate reductions rather than rises — a positive scenario for all mortgage holders.” Ms Jennison said it appeared that the rental crisis was motivating more and more people to become homeowners.

“Rising first home buyer activity is often the case when we experience periods of strong rental growth, with many tenants often running the numbers to discover that becoming a property owner makes more financial sense for them,” she said.

“Homeownership is not only one of the dreams of most Australians, but it is also one of the simplest ways to secure your financial future.”

Ms Jennison said while government schemes to help first-time buyers, such as Help to Buy, were attractive, it was essential to understand the future impacts on your home ownership journey beforehand.

“But schemes like this, as well as First Homeowner Grants, need to be thoroughly understood to ensure the properties for which these schemes apply align with the longer-term goals of the individual,” she said.

Ms Jennison said it was vital that prospective property owners recognised the importance of getting their first property purchase right.

“Your first property won’t be your last, but it is important that it is the best dwelling you can afford to purchase with the most upside potential,” she said.

“By purchasing strategically, first home buyers can fast-track their wealth-building journeys.”

For more first-time homebuyer tips, read this article online at www.intouchmagazine.com.au.

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