HELLO Newy | SPRING 26

SPRING 2026

EXPLORE

Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Morpeth & the Hunter Valley

LET IT GLOW!

Frozen Lights Up Newcastle

WHAT’S ON

Newcastle’s Civic Theatre

WELCOME TO THE CRAZY LIFE

Loca Vida Hits the Speigletent Stage

NEWCASTLE IN A NEW LIGHT New Annual Returns to Newcastle

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Credit: Destination NSW

Welcome to HELLO Newy!

ISSUE #8 | SPRING 2026 Welcome to the Spring issue of HELLO Newy!

Spring has arrived in Newcastle and the Hunter, bringing one of the year's busiest, brightest stretches. The days are warmer, the calendar is overflowing, and there has never been a better time to get out and about.

Our cover story celebrates a season of spectacle. Disney's Frozen The Broadway Musical lights up the Civic Theatre from 10 to 25 October, and this month we go behind the scenes with the creative team bringing Arendelle to life.

Down in Civic Park, Loca Vida continues to stun audiences from within the lofty peaks of the Spiegeltent until 4 October, a wild mix of circus, cabaret and old-school glamour. It also headlines the sixth New Annual festival, which returns from 25 September to 4 October with 402 artists and a program that turns beaches, ocean baths and laneways into stages. “Head to the water”, as Festival Director Tory Loudon says. You won't regret it.

Music lovers are in for a treat too. Air Supply celebrates 50 years of hits at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in December, and Anthony Callea brings his intimate Connection Tour to the Civic Theatre on 1 November. I loved chatting with him about why a smaller room can make a bigger night.

Also this Spring: the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival fills the valley with art until 27 September, the Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta returns to the sky over Pokolbin from 3 to 5 October, and Avani Cypress Lakes prepares to open its doors as Australia's largest wellness retreat. We wander into the welcoming country town of Denman and taste our way through the region's best rosés. Our What's On Calendar is packed, so grab a pen and start planning.

Every issue reminds us how much talent, creativity, and community spirit lives right here in our own backyard. Thank you for reading, for supporting local, and for making this region what it is.

Enjoy your stay, the sunshine, and I'll see you out there.

Di von Essen Managing Editor ON THE COVER New Annual at Newcastle Ocean Baths Credit: We Made You Look Publisher Tourism Publishing Group Address PO BOX 97, 46 Pearson St, Charlestown NSW 2290 Web www.hellonewy.com.au Email hi@hellonewy.com.au Advertising Sales 0432 195 942 | Editorial Enquiries 0439 496 403 Artwork Enquiries 0406 503 088 © Copyright 2026 Tourism Publishing Group. Published quarterly by Tourism Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, Tourism Publishing Group cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

DEEP SHOWBIZ SPECTACLE ...BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

4 SEP 4 OCT

Tickets selling fast LOCAVIDA.COM.AU 4

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ISSUE #8 | SPRING 2026 6

SPRING | What's On Calendar

On At Newcastle's Civic 17 What's Theatre it Glow! | Frozen Lights Up 18 Let Newcastle Supply Bring 50 Years of Hits to 21 Air Newcastle to the Crazy Life as Loca 22 Welcome Vida Hits the Spiegeltent Stage Into the Spotlight: What's On 25 Spring at PACC Callea Brings 26 Anthony The Connection Tour to Newcastle in a New Light | New 28 Newcastle Annual Returns for a Sixth Year of Art, Music and

22

28

Fabulous and Newcastle29 Fierce, Bound!

Pink | Rosés for Every 46 Tickled Season

Than a Cellar Door | Latitude 31 More 32 Rewriting the Wine Experience

Grown Wild | The Wollombi 49 Art Valley Sculpture Festival Returns

Valley Balloon Fiesta Ready 32 Hunter to Fill the Sky Again Queen of the Hunter Rides 34 The Again | Molly Morgan Wines Roche Estate: A New Table at 37 Lucia the Heart of Pokolbin

38 The Hunter Valley Art Trail Valley Set to Become Home 41 Hunter to Australia's Biggest Wellness Retreat the Rivers Meet the Vines | 43 Where Discovering Denman

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5

4 SEP–4 OCT

12 SEP–27 SEP

Source: Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival Sentinel Steve Coburn

Credit: Snap Factory

LOCA VIDA AT SPIEGELTENT NEWCASTLE (CIVIC PARK) FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER

Credit: Destination NSW

Credit: Destination NSW

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▲ Pull back the velvet curtain on skyhigh artistry and choreography from the acclaimed producers Strut & Fret. As the creators of Blanc de Blanc Encore, this wild, seductive night of world-class circus and entertainment shines inside the glittering Spiegeltent and is set to be a night you won’t forget. Book now, visit www.strutnfret.com.

WOLLOMBI VALLEY SCULPTURE FESTIVAL AT WOLLOMBI VALLEY SATURDAY 12 – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

◆ Discover sculpture in unexpected places throughout the historic Wollombi Valley, from village streets to open bushland and vineyards. Featuring leading Australian and international sculptors alongside emerging artists, this celebrated NSW festival offers an outdoor sculpture trail, indoor exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops, set among stunning heritage landscapes, with works available for purchase. Find out more information at www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au.

19 SEP

19 SEP

19–20 SEP

Source: Bluey TV

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

Source: Port Stephens City Council

ILLUMINATE AT BOOMERANG PARK, RAYMOND TERRACE SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER ▲ Featuring stunning light installations, live entertainment , food and free familyfriendly activities, Illuminate is expected to draw over 5000 people in celebration of everything that makes Raymond Terrace unique. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

MACY GRAY LIVE AT THE STATION SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER ▲ Following her sold-out 2024 Australian tour, Macy Gray returns for her largest ever regional tour. Expect a careerspanning celebration of hits from one of soul music's most distinctive and enduring voices. For more information, visit www.macygraylive.com.au.

AT CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE SATURDAY 19 – SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER ▲ Bluey's Big Play leaps off the screen and onto the stage! Join Bluey, Bingo, and the whole family in an all-new story from creator Joe Brumm, featuring larger-thanlife puppets and original music. When Dad just wants a quiet afternoon on the bean bag, the pups have other plans, sparking a hilarious, heartfelt adventure the whole family will love. Book now, visit www.blueylive.com.

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26 SEP

26 SEP– 11 OCT

Source: HVG Credit: TVBH

BOOTS AND BASS AT THE VALLEY BREWHOUSE SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER ▲ Get your boots on this September for a day packed with live country music from Viper Creek Band, Whiskeyfyre, Dirt Road Tribute Band, and Lucy Watson.

Enjoy bucking bull rides, face painting, a jumping castle, and smoked meats, with bands on the lawn from 4:30pm. Book your tickets now; visit www.tvbh.com.au.

BRICKFEST AT NEWCASTLE JOCKEY CLUB SATURDAY 26 – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

◆ Newcastle Brickfest returns for a full

▲ Wander ten themed gardens, meet baby lambs, wander through a live butterfly aviary, and discover the buzzing world of bees. Little ones will love daisy chain making, face painting and amusement rides, while green thumbs can soak up horticultural talks, bonsai workshops and nursery finds. For more information, visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au.

COLOUR FRENZY FUN RUN AT STOCKTON FORESHORE SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER

◆ Colour Frenzy's family-friendly colour walk/run is here! Choose your distance with our flexible 1 km loop. Complete 1 lap, 2 laps, 3 laps, or go all the way to 5 km, suited to all ages and fitness levels.

Enjoy colour stations, bubbles and foam, inflatable obstacles, and participation medals. All in support of local animal rescues. Tickets available at www.colourfrenzy.com.au.

TASTE OF THE HUNTER VALLEY

PAUL LEWIS: MOZART+

◆ The best of the Hunter Valley comes to

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AT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER

LEGO fan experience. Exhibitors travel from across NSW, QLD, ACT and VIC with breathtaking creations on display, alongside a Play Zone, Speed Build Competition, Minifigure Hunt , cosplayers and a dedicated Sunday morning Sensory Session. Something for everyone. For more information, visit www.trybooking.com/DIVZE.

AT THE STATION SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

Credit: Destination NSW

SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

the foreshore this Spring, highlighting the local wineries, distillers, chefs and market stalls all in one place. With live music, Discover Stage tastings, mini golf, lawn games, jumping castles and food trucks, it's a full day out for the whole family. Book now, visit www.events.humanitix.com.

AT NEWCASTLE CITY HALL WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER

◆ British concert pianist Paul Lewis, acclaimed for his Beethoven and Schubert , now turns to Mozart's piano sonatas; works he believes are unfairly overshadowed by the concertos. This recital juxtaposes them with Poulenc and Debussy, tracing unexpected threads of contrast and connection. Book now, visit www.musicaviva.com.au.

9 OCT

9 OCT

9 OCT

HUNTER VALLEY RODEO

Source: Lake Macquarie City Arts and Culture

AT MAITLAND SHOWGROUND FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER

JAZZ MUSIC

PSEUDO ECHO

▲ Get ready, Maitland! The Hunter Valley Rodeo brings world-class bull riding, bronc events, and barrel racing to Maitland Showgrounds. Part of Australia's premier Stampede Series, featuring top cowboys competing for thousands in prize money. Gates open at 4pm, and the rodeo starts at 6pm. Includes food trucks, bars, kids' activities, and live music.

For more information, visit www.nationalrodeoco.com.au.

AT BELMONT 16S FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER

AT MAP MIMA FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER ▲ Experience jazz like never before as a live three-piece ensemble performs inside MAP mima's breathtaking 360-degree projection Cube. Dynamic visuals respond to every note in real time, blurring the boundaries between sound and sight for an unforgettable multisensory experience that places you at the heart of the music.

Book now, visit www.lakemac.com.au.

▲ Prepare to be taken to Funky Town on Pseudo Echo’s national tour! Showcasing a dynamic six-piece line-up that promises to elevate the live experience to new heights. Fans can expect an unforgettable blend of pulsating rhythms, electrifying keytars, blazing guitars, and visuals that will transport you back to the vibrant 80s with a modern edge. Book now; visit www.oztix.com.au.

Transforming Messy Play Into Meaningful Art Jellybeanstreet is a unique creative art experience where children (and adults!) are encouraged to paint freely, explore their imagination and simply have fun.

Book a workshop, view upcoming events and discover how your artwork can become a masterpiece.

PH Chris 0473733486 E Chris@jellybeanstreet.com

fo Suitable r all age s

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Only * $35* s xc ign lud es Des

www.jellybeanstreet.com/newcastle-central-coast

2027 Art Retreats 15–18

April 2027

9–12

September 2027

Everything Included • Accommodation options • All meals • • Guided creative workshops • Retreat activities • Curated surprises

Learn more & reserve your place

Contact Chris for more information on 0473 733 486 @allettare_dezigns | www.allettaredezigns.com.au 9

10–18 OCT

17 OCT

Credit: Jason JJ Jamieson

DISNEY'S FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL AT CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE SATURDAY 10 – SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER ▲ The Very Popular Theatre Company’s production of Disney's FROZEN The Broadway Musical brings the animated classic to life with iconic songs like ‘Let It Go’, plus new numbers written for the stage. Featuring stunning sets, costumes, and special effects set in Arendelle, this celebration of love, courage, and family starring Elsa, Anna, and Olaf is not to be missed. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

FESTIVAL OF SWEET TREATS AT THE STATION SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER

◆ Newcastle’s sweetest day out is back and better than ever before; packed with cakes, lollies, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, and more. It ’s a sugar-filled celebration for all ages; don’t miss the ultimate dessert lover ’s dream! For more information, visit www.festivalofsweetsandtreats.com.au.

Credit: Destination NSW

REGENCY MASQUERADE AT NEWCASTLE CITY HALL SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER ▲ Crown & Corset invites you to an immersive experience transporting you to the elegance of 1813 in support of White Ribbon Australia, as together we unmask the realities of gender-based violence in Australia. Book now at crowdcatcher.com.

KARUAH OYSTER AND TIMBER FESTIVAL AT LONGWORTH PARK, KARUAH SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER ◆ The Karuah Oyster and Timber

Festival is an annual celebration featuring championship wood-chopping competitions drawing competitors from across the country, alongside a showcase of the region's finest local oysters and prawns. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.

SPRING AT THE HUNTER REGION BOTANIC GARDENS Although there is always something blooming, Spring is the very best time of year here at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. Our wattles, grevilleas and orchids make a spectacular display during September, October and November. Our Spring Fair on 25th October will showcase our beautiful flowers and will be supported by the Australian Native Orchid Society, as well as many other plant groups and businesses.

Don’t forget our school holiday program (bookings via Humantix)...

30 SEP Bush Foods Walk

2 OCT Pokémon Picnic

9 OCT Bee Hotel Workshop

19 SEP Orchid Potting Demonstration

14 NOV Workshop

2100 Pacific Hwy, Credit: Destination NSWHeatherbrae, NSW, 2324 | events@huntergardens.org.au | 4987 1655 | www.huntergardens.org.au

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Native plant sales, first Saturday of each month

22–25 OCT

24 OCT

24 OCT

OKTOBERFEST IN THE GARDENS AT THE STATION SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER

Source: Lake Macquarie City Arts and Culture

PAVILION FILM FESTIVAL AT MAP MIMA THURSDAY 22 – SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER ▲ Celebrate bold, independent storytelling through short films, experimental cinema, and immersive audiovisual experiences from local, national, and international filmmakers. Beyond screenings, enjoy Q&A sessions, masterclasses, and workshops.

Book now, visit www.lakemac.com.au.

▲ Experience the magic of Germany’s famous celebration of beer, food, and fun in the luxury of your own home! Arriving in Newcastle for one day of epic bands, DJs, roving performers, and much more, there’s entertainment for everyone! If you’re more interested in exploring the food and drink scene, you can sip on beers from the world's most iconic breweries and feast on mouthwatering pretzels, bratwurst , and pork knuckle. For more information, visit www.oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au.

MAYFIELD DAY AT DANGAR PARK, MAYFIELD SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER ▲ Join the community for a free, familyfriendly day packed with live music, local food and drinks, market stalls, kids' workshops, face painting, and special performances. Bring your friends, family, and furry companions to celebrate everything that makes Mayfield special.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

25 Sep — 04 Oct

ART MUSIC IDEAS NEWCASTLE Presenting Partners

Proudly funded by

BOOK NOW 11

31 OCT

7 NOV

RED HOT SUMMER TOUR AT ROCHE ESTATE SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER ▲ The Red Hot Summer Tour will create history in 2026, bringing Australian Crawl to the stage for the first time in 40 years, alongside the iconic Men At Work. They will be joined by an all-star Aussie line-up featuring Birds of Tokyo, Vika & Linda, Eskimo Joe, Boom Crash Opera and Ella Hooper. Book now, visit www.redhotsummertour.com.au.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE AT BAR ON THE HILL THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER ◆ Celebrating 25 years, Killswitch Engage bring a career-spanning set to Australia and New Zealand, fresh off their new album This Consequence and its hit single. Expect era-defining anthems and new favourites delivered with the intensity that's seen them share stages with Iron Maiden, Slipknot , and more.

Book now, visit www.oztix.com.au.

RADIUM GIRLS AT CIVIC THEATRE THURSDAY 5 – SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER ◆ Radium Girls tells the haunting true

Credit: Destination NSW

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story of 1920s factory women poisoned by radium while painting luminous watch dials, only to face corporate denial and silence as their health failed. Presented

by Hunter Drama, this searing play, a coproduction with Knock And Run Theatre and The Actors Company, celebrates their courageous fight for justice and truth.

Book now, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

SLEAP FESTIVAL AT BAR BEACHCENTRE SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER ▲ Pull on your best pyjamas and join the Sleap Walk , a family and pet-friendly night of fun, creativity and community. Walk with family, friends or a workplace team, and go in the running for the best dressed prize.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

THE WIGGLES' SPARKLE! BIG SHOW AT NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER ◆ The Wiggles have hit the road again! Join

Anthony, Lucia, Simon, Caterina, Lachy, John, Tsehay and Evie, plus favourites like Dorothy, Wags, Henry and Captain Feathersword, for singalongs, laughter and unforgettable family memories. Book now, visit www.nec.net.au.

CRAFTED FESTIVAL AT CAMP SHORTLAND SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER ◆ Crafted Festival returns to the Foreshore

for a full day of craft beer, live music and coastal vibes that the festival has become known for. Featuring a fantastic lineup of brews from across the country that will be on pour, such as lagers, hazies, fresh drops and familiar favourites covering all bases.

Book now, visit www.craftedfestival.com.au.

11 NOV

12–21 NOV

12 NOV

Source: Civic Theatre

ANH DO’S THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE LIVE

SHE, HER & I

AT BELMONT 16S SAILING CLUB WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER

AT CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE THURSDAY 12 – SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER

▲ Based on the bestselling book , Anh Do brings The Happiest Refugee to the stage, combining stand-up, personal stories, photos and film into an unforgettable night that moves between laughter, emotion and genuine happiness. Book now; visit www.oztix .com.au.

▲ Three estranged sisters reunite in Newcastle's record-breaking summer to care for their dying mother. Amid a broken air-con, bad instrument-playing, and old resentments, they confront family cracks and rediscover their bond. Book now; visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

PAINT AND SIP SING ALONG AT EAST CESSNOCK BOWLING CLUB THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER ▲ Enjoy 60s, 70s and 80s bangers, live vocals from Lotti Rem, singalong moments and cheeky games while you paint stepby-step. No experience needed and all art gear supplied, you'll leave with a finished canvas and a sore voice. Book now, visit www.paintjuicy.com.au.

H i v e Yo u t h T h e a t r e ’ s Production of:

ABBA FOREVER THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE ABBA SHOW

NOV 26-29 War ners Bay Theatre Tickets: www.hiveyouth.com.au

OVER 7000 SHOWS IN 120 COUNTRIES ENDORSED BY ABBA THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TRIBUTE SHOW OF ALL TIME

FRIDAY 4 DEC CIVIC THEATRE 7.30PM CIVICTHEATRENEWCASTLE.COM.AU

SCAN FOR TICKETS

BJÖRNAGAIN.COM.AU FACEBOOK.COM/BJORNAGAINAUSTRALIA INSTAGRAM.COM/BJORNAGAINAUSTRALIA

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14 NOV

27 NOV

Source: Civic Theatre

THE CHURCH WITH THE GEORGE ELLIS ORCHESTRA AT CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER ▲ The Church return with their most ambitious show yet: A Psychedelic Symphony with the George Ellis Orchestra. Backed by a 30-piece orchestra, reimagining beloved classics like Under the Milky Way, Metropolis and Reptile in luxe orchestral form. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

Credit: Destination NSW

Source: Allettare Dezigns

LIQUID THERAPY: SUNSET BEACH BUG AT ALLETTARE DEZIGNS FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER ▲ Chase the sunset with Liquid Therapy at Allettare Designs. Paint a vintage VW bug parked by a glowing beach sunset. All supplies included, with easy step-by-step guidance perfect for beginners. Bring your favourite drink and nibbles for a relaxed night where the beach meets the brush.

Book now, visit www.eventbrite.com.au.

CRYSTALS CREATIVES & MYSTICS FAIR

KIM WILDE’S CLOSER TOUR

AT WALLSEND DIGGERS & MEZZ BAR SATURDAY 14 – SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER ◆ Step into the ultimate indoor, all-weather,

AT CIVIC THEATRE FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER ◆ Pop icon Kim Wilde returns to Australia

family-friendly event bringing together NSW's best makers, readers and healers.

Browse crystals and handmade treasures, sit for a reading, join a workshop, or catch a Soul Talk. With kids' activities, henna, and over $1000 in lucky door prizes, there's something for everyone to discover. Find out more: visit the Facebook event page.

for The Closer Tour, bringing the hits that defined a generation. From Kids in America to You Keep Me Hangin' On, fans can expect a night packed with charttopping classics and the electrifying live performance that has kept audiences coming back for decades. Book now, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

Kids Art Studio For ages 3–17 years, with real skills and creative confidence.

After-school | Week-Day Mornings | School Holidays Hive Art Studio | Charlestown

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ANGELA TIATIA Angela Tiatia, The dark current (still), 2023, single-channel high definition video, sound. Image courtesy the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney © the artist

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Civic Theatre presents

GRIMM SHAKE & STIR THEATRE CO

16-17 Sept

Explore What’s On Civic Theatre presents a curated selection of compelling live performances coming to Newcastle in Spring.

The shows you need to see.

Civic Theatre presents

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL SOFT TREAD ENTERPRISES

23 Sept

Civic Theatre & New Annual presents

WOLF

BY CIRCA CIRCA

2-3 Oct

More Highlights SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWCASE 5 September

UpStage at the Playhouse

SHE, HER & I CATS IN THE CUPBOARD

12-21 Nov

DISNEY’S FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL THE VERY POPULAR THEATRE COMPANY

10-25 October

16

Book Today civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

WHAT’S ON AT NEWCASTLE’S CIVIC THEATRE? READ ONLINE Credit: Joel Devereux GRIMM

Happily ever after? Never. These bedtime stories come with a darker edge.

and enigmatic political figures, former Prime Minister Paul Keating.

A masterclass in wit, observation and performance, Biggins, co-creator and star of The Wharf Revue, brings Keating’s unmistakable voice and formidable presence vividly to life.

Part political portrait, part theatrical satire, the award-winning production revisits the convictions, complexities and contradictions of a leader who helped reshape modern Australia.

Exploring Keating’s landmark reforms, enduring passions and unshakeable belief in the nation’s potential, The Gospel According to Paul – The Second Coming shines a spotlight on a politician who viewed economics as an art form, challenged Australia to reckon with its history and championed a bold vision for its future.

Smart, sharp and deeply entertaining, this celebrated comedy offers an insightful and engaging reflection on one of the defining figures of Australian public life.

Shake & Stir Theatre Co.’s latest theatrical triumph, GRIMM, plunges audiences into a richly imagined world where familiar fairytales are stripped back to their darker origins. Beneath the enchantment lies something far more unsettling, as beloved characters including Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood step from the shadows and reveal the raw, untamed truths at the heart of their stories.

Journey through eerie landscapes and WHAT | The Gospel According to Paul haunting realms as folklore’s hidden depths WHEN | 23 September come vividly to life. This bold reimagining of the VENUE | Civic Theatre Brothers Grimm tales unearths the macabre, the mysterious and the magnificent in equal measure. Credit: Andy Phillipson Wolf by Circa From the creative force behind the acclaimed stage productions Frankenstein, Jane Eyre and The Mousetrap, Shake & Stir delivers a spellbinding theatrical experience that is both visually spectacular and emotionally charged.

Lavish, daring and utterly immersive, GRIMM is a night of theatre that lingers long after the curtain falls.

WHAT | GRIMM WHEN | 16–17 September VENUE | Civic Theatre Credit: Brett Boardman Jonathan Biggins

Jonathan Biggins returns to one of Australia’s most celebrated political satires.

Following acclaimed seasons across the country, The Gospel According to Paul – The Second Coming makes a triumphant return, with Jonathan Biggins once again stepping into the shoes of one of Australia’s most influential

A breathtaking collision of contemporary acrobatics, movement and instinct.

Presented by Civic Theatre and New Annual, Wolf by Circa is a thrilling contemporary circus work that explores the tension between order and instinct, individuality and belonging. Created by acclaimed director Yaron Lifschitz and performed by ten of Circa’s extraordinary artists, the production channels a fierce physical energy that is as exhilarating as it is captivating.

Against a pulsating soundscape by DJ Ori Lichtik and framed by Libby McDonnell’s striking, form-fitting costumes, performers climb, tumble, balance and soar with remarkable precision and power. Every movement feels urgent, driven by a raw vitality that pushes the limits of strength, trust and human connection.

For Lifschitz, the wolf embodies our untamed nature: rebellious, fearless and free. Across two

contrasting acts, Wolf traces a transformation from disruption and chaos to collective purpose, as a pack emerges through a series of breathtaking choreographed sequences that showcase Circa’s trademark blend of artistry and athleticism.

Visceral, provocative and visually arresting, Wolf grips audiences from beginning to end, leaving them in awe of the extraordinary possibilities of the human body.

WHAT | Wolf by Circa WHEN | 2–3 October VENUE | Civic Theatre Source: Civic Theatre She, Her & I

A moving portrait of family, grief and reconciliation set against the backdrop of a sweltering Newcastle summer.

Nora left Newcastle at eighteen to pursue a career in family law. Clara departed a few years later, swept away by love. Lou never left, her decision to abandon university remaining a source of quiet confusion and unspoken judgement. Years and distance have left the three sisters estranged, their lives unfolding along very different paths.

When they reunite in their childhood home to care for their dying mother during Newcastle’s hottest summer on record, old wounds quickly resurface. Amid the oppressive heat, a broken air conditioner, frayed tempers, questionable musical ambitions and long-standing habits become catalysts for conflict, exposing the fractures that have shaped their relationships for years.

Following their acclaimed 2025 production of This Restless House, Cats in the Cupboard Productions return with She, Her and I, a deeply affecting new work that balances humour and heartbreak with remarkable authenticity. Rooted in the Newcastle landscape and inspired by the restorative power of the ocean, this compelling local story captures the messy, complicated and enduring nature of family love.

She, Her and I forms part of the 2026 season of UpStage at the Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle’s initiative supporting local artists, playwrights and producers to bring new and reimagined work to the stage. Opening Night includes a post-show Q&A with the Cats in the Cupboard team.

WHAT | She, Her & I WHEN | 12–21 November VENUE | Playhouse, Civic Theatre 17

Credit: Jason JJ Jamieson

READ ONLINE

Let it Glow!

Frozen Lights Up Newcastle WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE THE VERY POPULAR THEATRE COMPANY One of the biggest entertainment phenomena in Disney history is about to take centre stage in Newcastle.

Frozen became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, launching a global phenomenon that has generated billions at the box office and produced one of the most recognisable Disney songs ever recorded.

Now, that global phenomenon is making its way to Newcastle, with Disney’s Frozen 18

The Broadway Musical coming to the Civic Theatre for a strictly limited season from 10 to 25 October, opening on the final weekend of the September/October school holidays.

With its spectacular sets, lavish costumes, magical special effects, live orchestra and a cast of 30 performers, this is Frozen on a scale that promises to be very different from settling in to watch the beloved animated film at home.

The Broadway musical, which opened at New York’s St James Theatre in 2018, expanded the original story with an entirely new score, additional songs and a much greater emphasis on the emotional journey of its central

characters. The production received three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Jennifer Lee and Best Original Score for Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

For Executive Producer Daniel Stoddart, there is much more to this stage production than simply bringing the Disney classic to life.

“This isn’t a small-scale children’s show. It is a major musical theatre production designed to give families the same scale, spectacle and theatrical experience they would expect from some of the biggest productions on our stages,” said Daniel. F

“It is certainly the most ambitious production The Very Popular Theatre Company has produced to date, featuring the biggest and most technically complex set we’ve ever created, alongside an extraordinary cast, live music and all the theatrical bells and whistles you’d expect from a production of this scale.”

It is also a production built around a story that, beneath all the Disney sparkle, is surprisingly human.

At its heart are two sisters… Elsa has been born with a power she cannot control.

Anna has grown up desperately wanting to reconnect with the sister who has been shut away from her. Around them is a world of fear, expectation, love, loss and, ultimately, acceptance.

Director Madison Thew-Keyworth is determined that those emotional layers should not be lost beneath the spectacle.

“I’m keen to delve deeper into the story, the emotion, and to not just rely on the wonder and magic of Disney, which can sometimes become two-dimensional,” she says.

“For me, Frozen is a very special story about two people and the sacrifices they make to serve their love for each other. No matter who you are, there is something to relate to about this fundamental story; it becomes personal for everyone.

“The themes of the show are love in all its many forms and what makes a family. Family are the people who love and protect you and who you choose.”

It is a perspective that may surprise audiences who remember Frozen primarily as a tale of princesses, talking snowmen and an earworm of a power ballad.

And there is plenty of that too. Musical Director Dan Wilson knows exactly how powerful the nostalgia factor will be.

“If you love the movie, seeing Frozen on stage is a whole new ballgame,” he says.

“You get all your favourites, including Let It Go, For the First Time in Forever, Love Is an Open Door, and In Summer, but there are some brilliant new songs thrown in.”

Those songs include Dangerous to Dream, Monster and Colder By The Minute, while I Can’t Lose You gives Anna and Elsa a new musical moment that explores their relationship in a way the film could not.

The Newcastle production features a 14-piece orchestra, with the musicians collectively playing more than 30 instruments.

“Live music makes a huge difference,” Dan says. “It feels more exciting and real when you hear the sound of the orchestra

filling the theatre. It definitely adds to the wow factor.”

For a musical director who has spent decades working at the highest levels of Australian musical theatre, including productions of Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, and & Juliet, the score of Frozen represents a particularly satisfying challenge.

“The music literally never quits. It’s like the heartbeat of the whole story, with themes echoing every twist and turn. The opening number kicks off exactly like the movie with Frozen Heart, but then it dances through a cosmic musical journey, weaving all the familiar themes to tell Anna and Elsa’s childhood story.

“Ten whole minutes of pure, unfiltered musical magic - bring tissues!”

If the music provides the heartbeat, the physical world of the production provides its soul, with set designer Harry Gill working on Frozen since late February.

“The process begins with where it’s set, what’s the time period, what did the world look and feel like,” he explains. “Plus, then there’s the fairytale element.”

The design is built around a fundamental contrast between the human world and the natural world.

“Both can be beautiful and dangerous.”

The result is ambitious. The physical set itself is enormous, complemented by a giant LED screen, projection technology and images projected beyond the stage and into the theatre.

“The scale will blow people away,” Harry says. “The theatre will be transformed and the audience transported to a fairytale world. It’s completely immersive.”

The production’s primary visual motif is the snowflake, specifically, tessellated snowflakes which became the starting point for the wider design.

Credit: Peter Stoop

“We’ve also had to navigate how to make the world feel enormous with big vast spaces and landscapes while still allowing for tighter spaces for more intimate, human moments.”

For Harry, there is an added sense of personal significance.

“Frozen was the last Disney movie I saw at the cinema as a child, and I’ve always really loved it.

I never imagined I would have the opportunity to design an original production, and it’s wonderful that it’s an Australian creation.” F

Credit: Peter Stoop

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That creative freedom extends to the mysterious Hidden Folk, the supernatural figures that are meant to embody the Northern Lights.

“In most productions they are presented as rocky and mossy. In ours we see them as ‘of the sky’. It’s quite original and will be different to what people typically see.”

Madison says the creative team has researched Norwegian folklore, the Sámi people and the Northern Lights to establish a world grounded in nature before adding the unmistakable Disney sparkle.

“We create a reality to the world and then build the Disney sparkle over the top, so that it’s underpinned in nature, landscapes and the real world.”

The effect, she promises, will be magical precisely because it has a sense of reality beneath it.

The impressive creative team behind this magical world is rounded out by Choreographer Lochlan Erard, Lighting by Melbourne-based award winner Zac Krause, and Costume Design

by Lainey Donnelly.

Bringing all of this spectacle to life are two performers who know a thing or two about commanding the Civic Theatre stage.

Newcastle favourite and two-time CONDA Award winner Zoe Walker takes on the role of Elsa, while Central Coast performer, NIDA graduate and CONDA Award winner Felicity Beale plays Anna.

Madison describes Felicity as “bright, bubbly and vivacious”, while Zoe brings something different to Elsa.

Credit: Peter Stoop

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“There’s an honesty about her that will enable Isabelle Kelty sharing Young Anna, and Layla Klinkenberg and Makenzie Warren sharing her to make the character her own,” Madison Young Elsa. says. “She’ll bring a bit of herself to the role, and For Madison, working with children has I really love that.” become another unexpected source of the That is particularly important in Elsa’s production’s magic. defining moment.

“It’s wonderful to be working with children “I can’t wait for her Let It Go moment,” and to be able to view the world through their Madison says. “Sometimes the character of lens. It’s good for our adult performers to be Elsa is played in a way that can be unlikable exposed to that and then share that wonder with too much martyrdom, but Zoe has a really with the audience.” thoughtful quality that will shine through. Our The principal cast also includes Nicholas audience will believe in the sacrifices she’s Langthorne as Kristoff and Tom Kelly as Hans, making.” while a large ensemble of local and interstate Dan is equally enthusiastic about the two performers helps create the production's leads. grandeur and scale.

“Zoe Walker as Elsa is nothing short of For Madison, that shared experience a revelation, especially when she belts out between performers and audience is what Monster, a brand-new song that will leave you makes live theatre so special. She remembers speechless. And Felicity Beale’s Anna? Her seeing The Secret Garden on stage when she rendition of For the First Time in Forever is was just four years old and being completely gonna melt hearts.” captivated.

Then there is Luke Aspinall as Olaf. e Source: Peter S “That magical experience “Luke just has the perfect to o Imag p of feeling the emotions voice for Olaf and a great together, the laughter, playfulness,” Madison says. the crying, that’s “He is the Disney magic. all part of live He can disappear and performance, exist largely through and it changes the puppet, and that every night,” takes real skill.” she says.

The production Beneath also features young the snowflakes, performers as projections, Anna and Elsa, with costumes, Mylah Sams and puppetry and soaring music is something much more enduring: a story about sisters, family, fear and courage, and about discovering that love does not always look the way we expect it to.

As Dan Wilson puts it: “It’s a story about what true love really means and that sometimes it’s not a person or a grand gesture, but everyday kindness and appreciating what’s right in front of you.”

And perhaps that is why Frozen continues to resonate across generations.

The film may have introduced audiences to Arendelle.

But this October, Newcastle audiences have the chance to step inside it.

WHAT | Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical, presented by The Very Popular Theatre Company WHERE | Civic Theatre Newcastle WHEN | 10–25 October 2026 TICKETS | www.frozennewcastle.com.au P

Credit: Denise Truscello Source: DRW Entertainment

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Air Supply Bring 50 Years of Hits to Newcastle WORDS DI VON ESSEN | MANAGING EDITOR Air Supply are bringing 50 years of hits to Newcastle, as part of a run of Australian dates marking their golden anniversary.

The soft rock legends behind Lost In Love and All Out Of Love will play the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Saturday 12 December, as the duo celebrates 50 years since Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock

first crossed paths in the chorus of a 1975 touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The pair hit it off instantly, discovering they shared similar names, birthdays in the same week, and memories of watching The Beatles live in 1964, and were soon performing together with nothing but a guitar and two voices.

The Newcastle show follows five sold-out Australian concerts last year, with the duo keen to reach fans who missed out the first time

around. "We love coming back to Australia to where it all started," said Hitchcock.

Their demo, featuring Love and Other Bruises, was rejected by every label except CBS, but the song still cracked the Australian Top 10 and won them a support slot on Rod Stewart's Australian, US and Canadian tour. Lost In Love then caught the ear of Arista Records executive Clive Davis, becoming the world's fastest-selling single and helping the band match The Beatles' run of seven consecutive Top 5 hits. Their catalogue has since sold more than 40 million copies worldwide, and in 2010 Russell received a BMI Million-Air Certificate for three million radio performances of All Out Of Love.

The touring milestones have piled up too: Air Supply were the first Western act to tour China, in 1995, and drew a record 175,000 people to a single concert in Cuba in 2005. Still playing roughly 130 shows a year, they marked their 5,500th live performance in late 2024.

"It means the world to us to celebrate our 50th Anniversary by performing in our homeland of Australia," said Hitchcock.

"Nothing will make us prouder than coming back to the place where it all began," added Russell.

Tickets are on sale now at www.davidroywilliams.com, with fans urged to book early given last year's sold-out run.

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Credit: Snap Factory

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Welcome to the Crazy Life as Loca Vida Hits the Spiegeltent Stage WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE STRUT & FRET There is something about stepping through the velvet curtains of a Spiegeltent that changes the rules.

The outside world seems to disappear.

The lights dim, the mirrors catch the glow, the stage is suddenly close enough to touch, and the audience finds itself not simply watching a show but becoming part of the atmosphere.

This September, that atmosphere is about to get a whole lot wilder.

Loca Vida, the newest cabaret-circus spectacular from internationally acclaimed Australian company Strut & Fret, arrives at The Spiegeltent in Civic Park from 4 September to 4 October, bringing a hand-picked international cast, jaw-dropping circus, high22

energy choreography, comedy, music, and more than a little old-school showbiz glamour.

For Melanie Hawkins, who is both a performer and one of the show's five choreographers, the Spiegeltent is central to what makes the experience so different.

“It's somehow intimate and grand at the same time,” she says.

Unlike a traditional theatre, where hundreds or even thousands of people face the stage, Loca Vida is performed in the round, with the audience surrounding the action.

“You've got 500 people in the audience, all in a circle with mirrors so everyone is looking at each other,” Hawkins explains.

“Not only does this intimate environment enable performers to connect with their audience, but it creates a kind of collective energy. Audience members see not only the

show in front of them but also the reactions of the audience members around them.”

It is a very different proposition to musical theatre, a world Hawkins knows intimately. Her credits include the original Australian cast of Wicked, Saturday Night Fever, Strictly Ballroom, The Rocky Horror Show, Hugh Jackman's Broadway to Oz and the world premiere of King Kong Live on Stage.

But in 2019, Strut & Fret founder Scott Maidment approached her and, as she puts it, she “ran away to the circus”.

Four Strut & Fret productions later, she remains firmly hooked.

The difference is not simply that there is more circus involved. Artists have a much greater creative role in shaping the work itself.

For Loca Vida, Hawkins is one of five choreographers, alongside Los Angeles-based F

technical component and a set that transforms Kevin Maher, Barcelona's Fidel Buika, and during the performance.

Australian choreographers Stephen Tannos and “The whole stage moves,” she says. “It's a Yvette Lee. real spectacle.”

It's an unusually dance-heavy production Hawkins agrees, teasing “some very cool for Strut & Fret, with choreography developed additions to the set” that audiences will have to across continents. discover for themselves.

“It's the first time we've had five “About halfway through the show, the design choreographers on a show,” says Strut & Fret changes and it just takes everything to another Senior Creative Producer Jess Copas. level,” she says. “It's the biggest and most Maher, whose international credits include technical set we've ever done.” choreography and creative direction for That combination of spectacle and intimacy Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Justin makes Loca Vida a natural fit for the Spiegeltent Bieber and Ricky Martin, worked with Hawkins and for Newcastle's New Annual festival. in Los Angeles, where she learned the show's The production is one of the headline choreography before returning to Australia as shows of the sixth edition of New Annual, the Dance Captain to teach the rest of the cast.

City of Newcastle's flagship arts festival, which The result is a production that is relentlessly runs from September 25 to October 4 and energetic and distinctly ensemble-driven. transforms beaches, ocean baths, parks and “Most of the cast are on stage most of the other civic spaces into stages for performance. time,” says Hawkins. “It's a real ensemble show.”

“Part of the magic of New Annual is the And there is a lot happening. way in which it takes art to the audiences, “Circus, cabaret, singing, aerial and lots of reinventing the city's civic and coastal spaces comedy,” she says. “This show is very funny.” into platforms for performance,” says Festival Beneath the spectacle is a story inspired Director Tory Loudon. by vintage Hollywood, following performers For audiences, Loca Vida offers a different who emerge onto a rooftop in pursuit of their kind of night out: part circus, part cabaret, part dreams. The title Loca Vida translates roughly as concert and part theatrical party, all wrapped “crazy life” and aptly describes the lives of artists inside one of Newcastle's most chasing those dreams. atmospheric temporary venues.

“There is a slight narrative thread And if Hawkins is right, beneath the surface as you follow once the show begins these young performers along there won't be much the journey of their crazy life,” opportunity to catch Hawkins says. your breath.

The cast is genuinely international, bringing together performers from Australia, Cuba, Spain and the USA, with backgrounds spanning circus, burlesque, musical theatre and dance.

Among them are Cuban acrobatic duo Eben-Ezer, formed Cred it : Snap Factor y by graduates of Cuba's prestigious National Circus School.

Their act is one of the moments Copas is most excited for Newcastle audiences to see.

The pair hold a Guinness World Record for a remarkable feat in which Nardelys Jiménez performs a ballet full-pointe sequence on Rey David's head.

It sounds like the kind of moment that should be accompanied by thunderous applause.

Instead, Copas says, the entire tent falls silent.

“It's a moment of calm and focus in the show amongst the rest of the chaos,” she says. “The whole tent is simply in awe.”

Copas describes Loca Vida as the biggest Credit: Snap Factory production Strut & Fret has created, with a huge

Credit: Charlie Bliss

“Once the train leaves the station, there are no stops,” she says. “It's like a bull out of the gate.”

Exactly what that means, she adds, will only become clear once audiences see the show.

Perhaps that is the best way to approach Loca Vida: leave expectations at the door, step through the velvet curtains and surrender to the crazy life.

Loca Vida runs at The Spiegeltent, Civic Park, Newcastle, from September 4 to October 4, 2026. It is part of the 2026 New Annual festival, running September 25 to October 4. Tickets are on sale now at Spiegeltent Newcastle. P

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John Stephan | Credit PACC

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Spring Into the Spotlight: What's On at PACC Plenty is happening at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) as Spring settles in, with a new exhibition opening, big-voiced tribute shows, family cinema, and a jampacked run of live music that stretches well into November.

IN THE GALLERY From Saturday 3 October, the PACC Art Gallery welcomes a much-loved local name.

The Art of Noticing is a survey exhibition dedicated to Pokolbin artist Chris Fussell, a cofounder of Crowtrap Studio, whose practice has been rooted in observation, place and people for more than half a century. Born in 1947 and working as an artist since the late 1960s, Fussell has explored painting, drawing and sculpture across a lifetime spent in the Hunter Valley.

Visitors can expect real range. His fascination with the Australian landscape comes to life in large-scale acrylic paintings inspired by his travels, alongside plein air works created digitally on a tablet. Portraiture offers a more intimate view, with self-portraits spanning decades and a touching collection of small portraits drawn on a phone and memo pads while he waited at Allandale Hospital.

The showstoppers, though, are likely to be two monumental black cockatoo sculptures, each about three metres high. Created in memory of Fussell's late wife, Frances, and her love of the birds, they explore love, remembrance and loss, and they connect to his wider public art practice, including the much-loved Kookaburra in Kurri Kurri. Together, the works paint a picture of an artist who looks closely and invites us to do the same.

The exhibition opens with a celebration on Saturday 3 and runs until Saturday 21 November. Entry is free. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm and

Saturday from 10am to 1.30pm, as well as one hour before theatre performances.

ON STAGE AND SCREEN September brings a double dose of nostalgia when the Robertson Brothers return on 25 September with Everly Brothers & Friends and Roy Orbison, celebrating the music of two legendary acts. Expect a theatre full of songs that generations have grown up singing along to.

The school holidays are covered too, with Chicken Run hitting the big screen on 28 September for an easy, fun-filled family outing.

And as October draws to a close, PACC gets spooky with a special Halloween screening of Hocus Pocus on 31 October, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together.

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS Live entertainment takes centre stage in October, starting on Sunday 11 October at 5pm with The 60 Four. Fresh from their appearance on The Voice Australia and from performing around the world, the group bring a Las Vegas-style show to the PACC stage,

mixing powerhouse vocals, slick choreography and plenty of glamour. Expect timeless hits from Frankie Valli, The Beatles, Johnny O'Keefe, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond and more. Whether you grew up with these songs or simply love a good singalong, it is a night made for joining in. Tickets are $69.90 for adults, $64.90 for concessions and $59.90 for PACC Members, and the show runs for 2 hours 10 minutes, including an intermission.

Country classics follow on Saturday 24 October at 3pm with Rhinestone Cowboy: A Salute to John Denver & Glen Campbell.

Performer John Stephan, known simply as "The Voice", brings the songs of two American greats to life, including Annie's Song, Gentle On My Mind, Rocky Mountain High and Wichita Lineman. It is an afternoon concert of two hours, including a 20-minute interval, making it a lovely option for a relaxed weekend outing. Tickets are $79.95 for adults, $74.95 for concessions and PACC Members, $71.95 each for groups of 10 or more, and $49.95 for children.

The month closes on 31 October with California Legends by Wild Things Run, a tribute to the sounds of the sun-soaked 1970s West Coast.

LOOKING AHEAD The music keeps rolling into November, with The Bee Gees Show: One Night Only arriving at PACC on 13 November. Book early for this one.

From big nights out to relaxed afternoons, there is something for every taste and age.

And there is more to come. The PACC team is currently putting the finishing touches on a huge 2027 season, spanning live performance and music, big-ticket family entertainment and art exhibitions.

To book tickets or find out more, visit www.mypacc.com.au or call the Box Office on (02) 4993 4266. Keep an eye on PACC for the latest announcements and your first look at what's coming in 2027.

Wild Things Run Source PACC

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Anthony Callea Credit: David Hooley

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Anthony Callea Brings The Connection Tour to Newcastle WORDS DI VON ESSEN | MANAGING EDITOR One of Australia's most celebrated voices is coming to Newcastle. ARIA Award-winning vocalist Anthony Callea has announced The Connection Tour, an intimate and vocally powerful concert series touring the country this October and November, with a stop at the Civic Theatre on Sunday, 1 November.

After two decades of arena tours, TV specials and big-band productions, Callea is taking his songs somewhere more personal. Backed by a rich acoustic band featuring his longtime musicians, he'll strip his catalogue back to its purest form, trading spectacle for closeness.

"I've done the big shows, the big bands and all the bells and whistles, and don't get me wrong, I love that," Callea says.

"But right now, I'm craving something a little more intimate. Just my talented musicians, beautiful arrangements, stories, a few laughs and hopefully some pretty decent singing. There's freedom in stripping everything back and simply connecting with an audience, which really is what this tour is all about."

It isn't one particular song he's most looking forward to revisiting, but the journey through all of them. "Some take me straight back to the beginning of my career, while others are connected to very personal moments and people in my life," he says.

"I think when you share the story behind a song, suddenly it isn't just my song anymore; your audience starts connecting it to their own lives, their own relationships and their own memories. That's where that beautiful and organic connection happens."

Callea's career has rarely slowed since his debut single, The Prayer, became the fastestselling single in Australian chart history. He's since had three albums debut at number one on the ARIA charts, placing him alongside John Farnham, Kylie Minogue, Jimmy Barnes, Keith Urban, Guy Sebastian and Delta Goodrem as one of the only Australian artists in history to achieve that feat, while also being handpicked to perform for Queen Elizabeth II F

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and the legendary Pavarotti, and touring with Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Diana Ross.

It's a career built on big stages, which makes the shift to a room like the Civic Theatre all the more deliberate. "There's nothing quite like the adrenaline of those moments," he says of performing alongside the artists he grew up idolising. "But an intimate theatre like the Civic gives you something a stadium or arena simply

Anthony Callea Credit: BCS Imaging

can't: that closeness. It becomes less about performing at an audience and more about sharing the night with them."

That honesty carries through to his most recent record, FORTY LOVE, released in October 2022 to mark his 40th birthday. It was his first fully independent album, one he coproduced and co-wrote across 11 original tracks, debuting at number five on the ARIA chart and number one on the AIR chart.

"Turning 40 naturally makes you reflect on who you are, where you've been and what actually matters to you," he says.

"Having that creative control allowed me to be incredibly honest, not just as an artist, but as a man. I could write about love, relationships, vulnerability and life experiences without filtering any of it through what somebody else thought an 'Anthony Callea' record should sound like."

For Newcastle, that means a night that exists only once. "The songs have been reimagined, there are stories I haven't shared before, and with an intimate audience there's always spontaneity; you never quite know where the night will take you," Callea says.

"Newcastle will get its own version of The Connection Tour, and once that night is over, you can't recreate it. The Civic is such a beautiful theatre for a show like this, so I really

want Newcastle to feel like they're part of the night rather than just watching it."

Callea has spent much of his career giving back to emerging performers too, including a stint as voice coach on Ultimate School Musical: Fame, mentoring high school students preparing a full musical. Asked what he wished someone had told him when he was starting out, his answer is simple.

"Stop trying to be what you think the industry or certain people want you to be. The thing that will ultimately set you apart is the thing that is uniquely yours. Your voice, your personality, your imperfections, that's where the interesting stuff lives."

Between albums, TV appearances, a memoir, and now this tour, live performance still means the most to him.

"There's nothing that replicates that exchange of energy between you and an audience," he says.

"You can make an album, write a book or appear on television and hope it connects with people, but on stage, you actually get to feel that connection happening in real time. For me, nothing quite compares to that."

Anthony Callea performs The Connection Tour at Newcastle's Civic Theatre on Sunday, 1 November. Tickets are on sale at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au. P

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Newcastle in a New Light New Annual Returns for a Sixth Year of Art, Music and Ideas

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For ten days this spring, Newcastle will once again become its own stage. New Annual, the City of Newcastle's flagship arts festival, returns from 25 September to 4 October with its biggest program yet: 402 artists, 40 events and seven new commissions spread across beaches, ocean baths, laneways, parks and some of the city's most-loved landmarks.

Now in its sixth year, the festival has built a reputation for turning everyday Newcastle spaces into something unexpected. Festival Director Tory Loudon says that instinct, to root every work in a real place, is at the heart of how the program comes together each year.

"When programming, I think about what the story is we are trying to tell and why audiences would want to come," she says.

"I really believe you have to fight for audiences, and they need to feel that the story or experience is relevant to them. It's also about taking art to places where people gather or putting art in unexpected places."

That philosophy plays out across the 2026 program. The much-loved SOAK: Live at the Baths returns to Newcastle Ocean Baths for four free sunset concerts, curated by Urthboy (Tim Levison) and featuring Hermitude and Claire O'Brien, 92Wrld and Kobie Dee, and Karen Lee Andrews.

Upstairs at the Oriental Hotel, Petite Suite unlocks the pub's history through seven intimate theatrical encounters staged in seven hotel rooms. Neither show, Loudon points out, could exist anywhere else.

"SOAK at Newcastle Ocean Baths could only happen at that spot. The artists respond to the site, and this is the same with Petite Suite at the Oriental Hotel," she says. "I would say it is about being grounded in a place."

That grounding extends to who is making the work, too. More than 70 per cent of this year's program features local artists, a figure Loudon says reflects just how much creative talent calls Newcastle home.

"It reflects how many amazing artists live and work in Newcastle, and the rest is about collaborations," she says. "It's a dream to have so many talented and creative people to showcase."

Among the seven new commissions is Izabela Pluta's Cavitation, a largescale installation at the Canoe Pool that ig ht th Ar responds to the tides, of t Pa sy e t r rty Ngairre \ Cou weather and changing light. Floating buoys track the movement of water, drawing on the site's history as home to a world map, while Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub's dancers perform live around the work each morning at 8am.

"Izabela Pluta's new commission by the Lock Up as part of New Annual is about the movement of water at the Canoe Pool and watching floating buoys that reflect the movement of people and migration as well as the tides," Loudon says. "We have asked the Courtesy of the artist Curtain Call - Strut Your Stuff. Kids Workshop Catapult dancers to come and dance around ar

WORDS DI VON ESSEN | MANAGING EDITOR IMAGES SOURCE NEW ANNUAL

the installation every day, again a beautiful reflection on the joys of movement, slowing down, taking in the detail and looking at things closely."

It's that sense of identity, distinct from any other festival on the calendar, that Loudon sees as non-negotiable. "For me, a festival needs to reflect its place, its people and its character. That is what makes it unique."

Last year's festival drew more than 50,000 attendees and contributed close to $3.5 million to the local economy, but Loudon says the numbers only tell part of the story. What matters more to her is how people feel.

"For me it's about the public sentiment. I love hearing comments about people feeling proud of the city's abundance of creativity and talent or feeling more connected to other people. That is what we also measure through surveys, and some of the comments make me cry… when someone finds a new artist they love or rekindles their own creativity. We offer lots of hands-on experiences and workshops, so I really encourage people to get involved. It is for everyone."

For first-timers, or anyone still deciding whether to come along, Loudon has one clear recommendation: “Head to the water!”

"If you have never been to the Newcastle Ocean Baths, then you are in for a treat if you come to SOAK, the free music at sunset, or come and join in the mass ceremonial floating experience, Wansolmoana Lunar Assembly, to be held under a full moon. It will be a special tribute to the ocean and the power of collective gatherings."

Tickets for New Annual 2026 are on sale now. For the full program, visit www.newannual.com.

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SOAK Live at the Baths 2025 Credit: Ange Maloney

Credit: York&Hellier Photography

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Fierce, Fabulous and Newcastle-Bound!

WORDS DI VON ESSEN | MANAGING EDITOR numbers: the opening blast of It's Raining Men, IMAGES SOURCE CHOOKAS ENTERTAINMENT Go West, We Belong, and a finale medley that gets the whole audience on its feet.

Newcastle is about to be a lot more fabulous!

Jesse Leese leads the cast in the demanding This December, Chookas Entertainment, the dual role of Felicia/Adam, one of three friends at local powerhouse behind sold-out hits like Kinky the heart of the story.

Boots, Legally Blonde and Chicago the Musical, "To Adam, life is all about having fun," Leese is bringing Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The explains. "He doesn't take life, or himself, too Musical to the Civic Theatre for five shows only, seriously... he hides behind his quick wit, and from 17 to 20 December. omnipresent irony. Leaving behind a bubble of Adapted from the Oscar-winning 1994 comfortable, privileged city life is what cracks Australian film, Priscilla follows three friends - two that armour open. drag queens and a transgender woman - as they "His emotional world is not contained within journey across the Outback in a battered old the lines of the script, so I'm enjoying finding bus to perform a cabaret show in Alice Springs. new layers to his comedic moments, and It's a raucous comedy and a genuinely moving moments where he allows himself to be a bit story about friendship, love, acceptance and the more genuine." courage to be unapologetically yourself.

The role is as physically demanding as it is The soundtrack is stacked with 80s and 90s emotionally rich. Leese, a veteran of Chookas disco anthems, including Hot Stuff, It's Raining productions including Kinky Boots and Ride Men, I Will Survive, and I Love the Nightlife. For the Cyclone, says he's finally confident dancing Musical Director Luke Baker, that soundtrack is in heels. His bigger challenge is a nod to the the engine of the whole show. show's roots in drag performance: lip-syncing "It's all about the energy," he says. "The "Sempre Libera", the Italian operatic piece from balance between the jukebox musical style the iconic scene atop the bus. and the technical precision of a theatrical performance is what truly captivates the audience."

A ten-piece live orchestra will bring the score to life across all five performances, adding, he says, "an extra burst of energy to both the performers and the audience."

Baker is also mindful of the show's deeper themes. "It's a product of its time, and many elements need to be carefully presented to the audience," says Baker, who is himself a member of the LGBTQI community, alongside many cast members and allies.

He's determined to bring integrity and sensitivity to the work, with inclusivity, respect and equality front of mind. Among his favourite

"It is very important to me that I get it right.

I'm a perfectionist. My next challenge after that will be trying not to fall off the top of the bus while doing it!"

Bringing it all together is a creative team led by producer Jody Miller and director Maddie Watts, with Tahnae Luke as assistant director, choreographer Emily Delchau and assistant choreographer Caitlin Maher, and lighting and sound design by JH Productions.

"It takes a team of people who are passionate about live performance to make it happen," says Baker, a long-time Chookas collaborator.

"The love and care we put into our art are evident in our team. I want audiences to leave knowing how much we love theatre, and that they'll tell their friends to come back and experience a Chookas Show!"

For Leese, the show's message goes well beyond the glitter. "It's about finding a way to love being alive," he says.

"A way to accept yourself and others radically, even when the world seems to turn against you."

He hopes Newcastle audiences leave "feeling connected - as they all belong to this crazy little thing called proudly being themselves."

A word of warning for anyone planning a family outing: this is not a G-rated night out.

The production carries adult language and themes, along with confetti cannons, smoke and haze, and is recommended for ages 13 and up.

Running time is approximately two hours and thirty-five minutes, including interval.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical plays five performances at the Civic Theatre Newcastle from its evening opener on Thursday 17 December until the matinee performance on Sunday 20 December at 1pm. Tickets start from $69 and are on sale now through the Civic Theatre Newcastle box office, online, or by phone on 02 4929 1977.

Grab your heels, your feather boa, and your friends: the bus is leaving in December, and Newcastle is invited along for the ride!

Credit: York&Hellier Photography

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Taste . Explore . Unwind Elegant Wines. Home of Experiences

WINE TASTINGS . WINE BY THE GLASS . LIGHT FOOD OPTIONS . PICNICS DUMPLINGS & WINE PAIRINGS . SWEET & SPARKLING CALL +61 431 33 55 85 WEB latitude32wines.com EMAIL info@latitude32wines.com OPEN 7 Days 10AM–5PM VIST US 771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320 30

Credit: Elfes Images

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More Than a Cellar Door Latitude 32 Rewriting the Wine Experience The Hunter Valley has never been short on cellar doors. But Latitude 32 Wines understands today's visitors want more than a tasting bench and six wines poured in a row.

They want a story, an experience, a reason to linger. That's exactly what the Pokolbin winery has set out to build.

"We asked ourselves, what would make us stay for another glass," says owner Emma White, who runs Latitude 32 alongside partner David White.

"For us, that's great wine, amazing experiences, beautiful scenery and spending quality time with the people you're with. We wanted wine to be part of an unforgettable day out, not just a tasting at a bench."

That philosophy is behind Latitude 32's now-famous Wine & Dumplings Pairing, an unlikely combination that has become one of the Hunter's most talked-about food and wine matches, and the new Chocolate & Wine Experience, an interactive fondue where each

ingredient echoes flavours found in wine, from citrus and berries to spice and cocoa.

For dessert lovers, the new Sweet & Sparkling Experience pairs four indulgent desserts with four contrasting sparkling wines, while a self-guided vineyard walk uses QR technology to explore the property's story from ground to glass. Breakfasts among the vines, curated tastings, private picnics and seasonal events round out the offering, all in a dog- and family-friendly setting.

Adding fresh energy is new Head Winemaker Amy Blackburn, who joins Latitude 32 from some of Australia's leading wineries.

"Her passion for alternative varietals and the emerging low and no-alcohol category opens up exciting opportunities, but she's equally respectful of the classics that made this region famous," says Emma.

Combined with estate-grown vineyards and award-winning wines, including one of Australia's leading Semillons, Latitude 32 is proving a cellar door can be a place to learn, laugh and linger. As Emma puts it, "If someone gets back in the car and says, 'That was the highlight of our day in the Hunter’, that's success for us."

Visit Latitude 32 and experience it for yourself at 771 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin. For more information, visit latitude32wines.com.

SERVICES PROVIDED

OPEN Tues to Fri 9:30am–4pm, Sat 9:30am–2pm 195 Union St, The Junction • PH 0426 282 813

www.williamsthejewellers.com.au

· Specialising in engagement, · Pearl/bead restringing wedding and eternity rings · Precious stone setting · Large selection of chains · Watches and clock repairs bracelets and bangles · Insurance quotations · Certified diamonds and valuations · Jewellery repairs · Custom designs and · Same day jewellery engraving manufacturing jeweller 31

Credit: Destination NSW Supplied: Jem Cresswell

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Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta Ready to Fill the Sky Again The Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley Fiesta is back for its thirteenth year, taking over Pokolbin skies this October Long Weekend, 3-5 October.

This year's Balloons & Bubbles theme promises a fleet of 20 to 30 hot air balloons ascending together at sunrise, filling the valley with colour each morning.

"The bubbles theme really adds to the magic of the morning and provides an element of fun," says Balloon Aloft owner and champion pilot, Matthew Scaife.

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“Passengers will be equipped with bubble blowers for the flight, sending a whimsical cascade of bubbles shimmering against the dawn sky as they drift above the vines.”

"There really is nothing quite like flying amongst 20 to 30 balloons at sunrise over the beautiful vineyards, and the photographic opportunities are endless," he adds.

It's a rare vantage point on the Hunter, one that turns an early start into a highlight of any visit, whether you're the one on board or simply

watching the fleet lift off from a vineyard lawn below.

Once back on solid ground, the celebration continues with a bubbly breakfast at Peterson House Winery, where guests can enjoy the winery's sparkling wines alongside live music from local artist Pat McMahon. It's the perfect way to toast a morning spent above the clouds.

"Tickets sell out each year, so we recommend booking your spot on one of the balloons as soon as possible to avoid disappointment," Scaife says.

Established in 1980, Balloon Aloft is Australia's most experienced and awarded hot air ballooning company, named both Adventure and Accessible Tourism Operator of the Year at the 2024 NSW and Australian Tourism Awards. Familyowned and operated, it remains the only operator in the state offering accessible flights to people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, a mission that makes the magic of ballooning genuinely open to all.

Whether you're strapped in with bubbles drifting past or watching from below with a coffee in hand, the Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta remains one of the most photogenic mornings the region puts on all year. Bookings are open now at www.balloonaloft.com.

163 Swan Street, Morpeth, NSW, 2321

SPRING HAS ARRIVED Available in store & online

princessbazaar.com.au

same day shipping / call for sizing advice (02) 4933 0455 33

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The Queen of the Hunter Rides Again Molly Morgan Wines WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE MOLLY MORGAN WINES There are plenty of reasons to visit the Hunter Valley. The wine, of course. The scenery, the food, the long lunches and the pleasure of slowing down for a while.

But sometimes it is the story behind a place that makes the experience linger.

At Molly Morgan Wines in Lovedale, history is quite literally part of the tasting.

Look across the 12 acres of vines towards the Brokenback Range, and you are standing in a landscape that carries the name of a woman whose extraordinary story is woven into the history of the Hunter Valley.

Molly Morgan was a convict, farmer, businesswoman, publican and landowner whose determination and resourcefulness saw her rise from extraordinarily difficult beginnings to become one of the most prominent landholders on the Hunter River.

It is a story that resonates strongly with the couple who now own the property, Diane and Adam Loong.

Born Mary Jones in Shropshire in 1762, Molly was convicted of stealing hempen yarn and sentenced to seven years’ transportation.

After gaining her ticket-of-leave, she escaped 34

the colony and returned to England, only to be transported to Australia again in 1804.

In 1819, she was among a small group sent to establish a settlement at Wallis Plains, now Maitland, and was the only woman in the group to receive land in her own right.

Molly farmed the land, established a profitable wine shanty near the Hunter River, acquired substantial landholdings and built the Angel Inn. She became one of the Hunter River’s largest landholders, with Wallis Plains popularly known as Molly Morgan’s and the road towards Singleton as Molly Morgan’s Line of Road.

It is a colourful and distinctly Australian story and one that Diane and Adam Loong were keen to discover before they had even completed the purchase of their own little piece of Molly Morgan country.

“We studied up on Molly Morgan,” says Adam.

“We knew nothing about her before we bought the property.”

What they discovered made an immediate impression.

“She was a strong leader, an icon of Australia and this region and is known as the ‘Queen of the Hunter’. We admire her. We think her strength and resilience, the kindness she was known for, are all important stories to honour and pass on.”

Changing the property's name was never an option.

“The property backs onto Molly Morgan Ridge, so when it was established in 1963 by the Roberts family, it was natural to call it Molly Morgan Wines,” says Diane. “We would never dream of changing it.”

Diane and Adam's own story began far from the vineyards.

Adam was originally from Sydney and was serving as an F18 pilot with the RAAF when he met Diane in Perth. When he was posted to Williamtown, the couple relocated to Newcastle in 1997, where they have since built their lives and their businesses.

Diane's career has been in human resources, while Adam's background has been in the high-performance environment of military aviation. Diane established the HR consultancy Skildare, named after County Kildare in Ireland, where she was born, and after leaving the RAAF in 2012, Adam established Skildare Defence alongside the existing business. They remain involved in those businesses today.

In 2023, with their two children approaching adulthood, they thought they were heading towards empty-nest status. They began looking for a small Hunter Valley weekender where family and friends could escape to the country. F

“We were looking for no more than two acres. We weren’t in any hurry, and then one day we drove past Molly Morgan Wines, which was up for sale, and just sat there looking. It was stunning.”

There were vineyards, three villas, 62 acres and a four-bedroom homestead - considerably more than the weekender they had envisaged.

“It wasn’t part of our plan to buy or run a vineyard. Wine was just something we enjoyed; we knew absolutely nothing about viticulture!”

They could see potential in the accommodation and, after plenty of discussion, decided to take what Diane describes as a calculated risk.

“What can go wrong?” she says. “We can always sell it again if it doesn’t work out. Give it a crack. We’re smart, hard workers.”

They purchased the property just eight weeks before harvest.

“It was a baptism of fire,” says Diane. “We were literally starting from scratch.”

The vineyard was expecting around 16 tonnes of fruit at harvest, but rainbow lorikeets descended on the Shiraz, leaving just half a tonne.

While bird losses of around 20 per cent are common, the usual deterrents, such as gas guns, weren’t practical with accommodation on the property. With surrounding urbanisation also reducing the birds’ natural habitat, Adam researched the problem and was one of the first to invest in 100 per cent netting across the vineyard.

“We effectively lost 100 per cent of our crop instead of the estimated 20 per cent. But that gave us a small batch and the breathing space to learn more about the business.”

They had three businesses to understand: the farm, the accommodation and the wine sales. There was no active cellar door, the brand

was not well known, and they had no hospitality background.

They began surrounding themselves with people who did.

Vineyard Manager Jacob Wiseman had worked on the property for the previous owners and stayed on. A Hunter Valley native with extensive vineyard experience, including time in France, he remains an important link between the property's history and its future.

Chief Winemaker Daniel Binet brought two decades of Hunter Valley winemaking experience, while Marketing and Customer Experience Manager Olivia Groth joined the growing team to begin building the brand.

The rebrand that followed in 2024 was not about abandoning the property's heritage. It was about making that heritage visible.

Molly's name and story became central to the new identity, with her image incorporated into the logo alongside a swirling wine-glass motif.

“We wanted to capture her essence,” says Adam. “We wanted to feature her prominently.”

The story now forms part of the cellar door experience.

The former storage shed was transformed into a relaxed tasting space overlooking the vineyard and Brokenback Range, opening in December 2024. Local cheeses can accompany tastings, and the space is family- and petfriendly.

The intimate, unhurried approach is reflected in the consistent 5-star Google reviews Molly Morgan has earned, with guests regularly praising the warmth of welcome and depth of knowledge shared during wine tastings.

“We have a small boutique offering, an intimate, lovely experience where people can feel at home. We tell the Molly Morgan story, take our time with the tastings; it’s not salesy.

Credit: Bec Essery Photography

We just want people to enjoy the wines and truly connect with them.”

That connection begins in the vineyard itself. Estate-grown, single-vineyard wines showcase Hunter favourites including Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz, alongside Rosé and Sparkling Rosé.

The setting is an important part of the offering.

“You can see all the blocks from the cellar door,” says Adam. “It looks directly across the vineyard and the mountains and is stunningly beautiful.”

Visitors don't need to do anything more complicated than pour a glass, sit down and enjoy it. F

Source: Molly Morgan Wines

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“Visitors can buy a bottle of wine and simply sit and enjoy the view – or stay longer in one of our three one-bedroom villas to really soak up the experience.”

The villas, built during COVID by the previous owners, sit among the vines and offer guests an opportunity to stay immersed in the landscape.

They are peaceful, private and surrounded by wildlife, with kangaroos wandering through and the dams attracting ducks, ibis and waterhens.

Guests regularly mention the wildlife, the tranquility and spectacular sunrises and sunsets in their reviews.

What began as the couple's idea for a simple Hunter Valley weekender has become a destination where people can arrive, taste, stay and slow down.

And there is still plenty more to come.

The owners are deliberately taking their time deciding where Molly Morgan Wines sits in the broader wine landscape. They have recently begun entering competitions, with all current vintage wines receiving medals; the highlight being a Gold Medal for the 2025 Semillon at the NSW Small Winemakers Show.

“Often what wins awards is not the wine that sells the best,” says Adam.

“So, we're treading softly in that direction. It’s a five-year journey to decide where we sit in this space.”

The next major chapter is already taking shape, with the team having spent a season improving soil health and growing cover crops before preparing a new two-acre block for Fiano, an Italian variety they believe will perform well in the Hunter.

They also plan to explore food options and possibly build further on the property in the years to come.

“Right now, we just want to invite everyone here to try our wines, to enjoy our spectacular views, listen to the story of Molly Morgan, relax and take their time,” says Diane.

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It’s worth discovering this hidden corner of Lovedale where you can witness for yourself what is widely regarded as one of the finest vantage points in the Hunter Valley and let your afternoon take care of itself.

Molly Morgan, who built her own place in the Hunter through resilience and enterprise, still has her name on a vineyard in Lovedale and continues to inspire another generation of pioneers - one bottle, one guest and one new chapter at a time.

For more information, visit www.mollymorgan.com. P Credit: Kat Van Egmond Photography

Source: Lucia Roche Estate

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Lucia Roche Estate: A New Table at the Heart of Pokolbin There's a new place to pull up a chair in Pokolbin. Lucia Roche Estate opened its doors on 17 September, bringing stone-fired pizza, Mediterranean-inspired share plates, estate wines and cocktails to Roche Estate on Broke Road.

The idea is simple: food that lands in the middle of the table and gets passed around. Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Jack Zideluns, whose career has taken him through Merivale, Society, Hamilton Island, the Boathouse Group and London's Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay, where he rose to Junior Sous Chef. It's his Italian family, and his Nonna's recipes, that shape the menu here.

"Some of my best memories of food are sitting around a table with family, with plenty of dishes in the middle and everyone helping themselves," says Jack.

"The food is considered, but it isn't precious. We have access to great produce here in the Hunter, a stone-fired oven at the heart of the kitchen and some incredible wine on our doorstep, so there's plenty to work with."

Expect a stone-fired oven at the heart of the kitchen and seasonal Hunter produce on the plate. Think burrata with romesco sauce and freshly baked pizza bread, a Prosciutto Rucola pizza with fig, rocket, parmesan and San Marzano tomato, or Pesto Mafalde Corte with basil, pistachio and stracciatella.

The drinks list runs from local estate wines to the venue's own Lucia Lager and cocktails like the Amalfi Sour. Overseeing it all is Venue Manager and Licensee John Samway, a WSET Level 3-qualified wine professional with plenty of Hunter cellar door experience.

"We want Lucia to be somewhere people can gather and settle in; there's no rush to order or to leave. It should feel special enough that you want to make a plan to come here, but relaxed enough that you can spend a few hours over good food and wine," he says.

Operations Manager Sam Harman, a qualified chef with more than 20 years in hospitality, keeps the whole show running smoothly.

Whether it's a quick bite, a long lunch or a relaxed dinner, Lucia is made for locals and visitors alike.

LUCIA ROCHE ESTATE WHERE: Pavilion E, Roche Estate, Broke Rd & McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 OPEN: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11.30am to 9.30pm; Friday and Saturday 11.30am to late. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

BOOK: luciarocheestate.com.au INSTAGRAM: @luciaroche.estate 37

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Kindred Spirits by Mela Cooke Credit: Ben Trollope

The Hunter Valley Art Trail Spring in the Hunter Valley means more than budburst in the vineyards this year. From 12 to 27 September, the Wollombi Valley turns into an open-air gallery for the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival, a biennial event and one of NSW's longest-running and largest-scale regional arts festivals since it began in 2002. Vineyards, village greens and indoor spaces across the valley fill with sculptures from established and emerging artists, giving visitors a reason to swap the cellar door queue for a walking trail between paddocks and public art. It's the perfect excuse to follow the wider art trail threading through wine country year-round.

Just up the road at Broke, Winmark Gallery and Sculpture Park pairs a cellar door pour of estate Chardonnay with a landscaped sculpture walk through the property's grounds. Wander past David Ball's towering Biosis before stepping into the gallery itself, where paintings hang alongside the sculpture collection under the same roof as the tasting bar.

It's one of the few places in the region where art, wine and landscape genuinely share the same view.

In the heart of Cessnock, Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, known locally as PACC, brings a civic energy to the trail. Alongside its theatre, live music and film program, PACC's gallery runs a rotating calendar of exhibitions from local and touring artists, open most weekdays and Saturday mornings, with a retail space stocked with artisan pieces worth browsing on the way out.

At Pokolbin, Watershed Gallery offers a quieter, more intimate stop.

Owners Ron and Lyn Hammond opened the gallery in 2019, bringing decades of combined design and gallery experience to a changing lineup of career artists working across painting, ceramics, photography and sculpture, with a guest cottage on the property for those keen to linger.

Open Friday to Sunday, it rewards visitors happy to slow down, wander the room and look closely at every piece on the walls.

Four venues, four different ways to experience art in wine country, and this September, one very good reason to start at Wollombi before working through the rest of the trail at your own pace.

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There’s always something new on our walls.

Discover changing exhibitions at PACC Gallery. *Please scan the code for open times.

Free Entry

Performance Arts Culture Cessnock Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm | Sat 10am - 1.30pm* 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock 2325 pacc@cessnock.nsw.gov.au

Credit: Justin Aveling Photography

performanceartsculturecessnock

02 4993 4266

mypacc.com.au pacc_gallery

Credit: Justin Aveling Photography

SHOWCASING CONTEMPORARY ART Watershed Gallery is the culmination of our vision to create a vibrant contemporary art space in the beautiful Hunter Valley vineyard region for the display and retail of a diverse range of works by career artists.

We believe we have delivered on that vision and we invite visitors to come and view original works by an exceptional group of artists both local and national.

621 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin Friday–Sunday, 10:30AM–3PM PH 0418 699 256 E art@watershedgallery.com.au W www.watershedgallery.com.au

Contemporary Sculpture in an Historic Setting

WINMARK A RT GA LLERY Discover the heart of artistic expression at Winmark’s Art Gallery & Sculpture Park, showcasing more than 60 local, national and international artists. Curated by Karin Adcock, the collection brings together thought-provoking sculptures, inspiring artworks, and a deep celebration of creativity. Located beside the Cellar Door, the gallery connects art, nature and wine in a truly unique setting. Explore our boutique gift store for bespoke pieces, and enjoy the experience seven days a week.

T: 02 9997 5373 | winmarkwines.com.au 39

Discover a new way to play, dine and unwind.

Meet Avani Cypress Lakes Resort; with new experiences for guests and the local community to enjoy.

Avani Cypress Lakes Resort

15 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 Including: Cypress Lakes Bistro & Bar NEW Chakraya Restaurant Fusion Restaurant

AVA N I H O T E L S. CO M

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Medititation Hill at Avani Cypress Lakes Resort Source: Avani Cypress Lakes Resort

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Hunter Valley Set to Become Home to Australia's Biggest Wellness Retreat The Hunter Valley is about to become home to Australia's largest integrated resort wellness precinct, with Avani Cypress Lakes Resort set to launch in a staged rollout from October 2026. The new resort brings together two familiar names on the Pokolbin landscape, the long-running Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and the neighbouring Elysia Wellness Retreat, folding them into a single 138-hectare property under the Avani banner.

Surrounded by the vineyards and cellar doors that put this part of the region on the map, it's a location that already had a head start when it comes to slow, restorative travel. It will be the largest Avani-branded resort anywhere in Australasia once complete, and the first place in the country to carry the group's AvaniWell wellness concept, which previously debuted at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort in Thailand back in 2024.

The resort will offer 204 rooms and suites across two distinct accommodation experiences, giving guests a choice between the resort's golf and lifestyle side and its dedicated wellness offering. Wellness is where the scale really shows. AvaniWell will include 70 wellness suites and 26 treatment rooms, along with ten Pilates reformers, infrared saunas, outdoor cold-plunge pools and a magnesium pool. Rather than being reserved purely for overnight guests, the wellness centre and its day-spa programmes will also be open to day visitors and locals, with flexible packages designed for people dropping in for a single treatment as easily as booking a multi-day retreat.

Golf remains part of the picture too, with the resort keeping its 18hole course for guests who want their wellness time balanced with a few hours on the fairway, and pickleball has been added to the mix with three dedicated courts to match the sport's rising popularity across the country. There's an outdoor cinema, a pool bar with its own DJ booth, and hot-air balloon experiences on the way for those wanting the classic Hunter Valley sunrise view from above. Families are catered for through AvaniKids, a program built around movement, creativity and time outdoors rather than screens. On the dining front, guests will have two concept-led restaurants to choose from, plus all-day dining and a pool bar, with Chakraya set to bring Sri Lankan cuisine and culinary traditions to the resort's food offering, a genuinely different addition to the regional dining scene. For business and events, the property will hold 24 meeting and event spaces, positioning it as a serious option for conferences and celebrations alike, not just leisure stays.

Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, said the Hunter Valley was well placed to become the country's leading wellness capital.

"The Hunter Valley has all the hallmarks to establish itself as Australia's home of wellness," he said, adding that modern wellness is "personal, flexible and increasingly" woven into everyday travel rather than treated as a separate, occasional indulgence.

The launch will happen in phases rather than all at once. The first of the new facilities are expected to open from October 2026, while the precinct is scheduled for full completion in the third quarter of 2027.

That staged approach means locals and early guests can watch the expansive resort continue to bring freshness over the best part of a year.

Avani Cypress Lakes adds to the brand's fast-growing local footprint, following the openings of Avani Mooloolaba Beach in May 2026 and Avani Queenstown in September 2026, making Cypress Lakes the third Avani property in Australasia and by far the largest of the three.

For the Hunter Valley, the timing lines up neatly with a broader shift in how the region is positioning itself, moving beyond its reputation as a weekend wine destination and leaning into wellness, slow travel and longer stays.

For anyone who has visited Cypress Lakes over the years for a round of golf or a spa day at Elysia, the scale of what's coming will be hard to miss. Rather than replacing what was there, the new precinct builds on both properties' existing strengths and stitches them into something considerably bigger, a resort designed to hold its own against wellness destinations anywhere in the country. With bookings opening from October, now is the time to book in your stay with special opening offers including up to $150 resort credit when you book direct before the end of October.

Sri Lankan inspired dining at Chakraya from October Source: Avani Cypress Lakes Resort

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From Yes to Forever After Celebrate your love story in the heart of the Hunter Valley, where unforgettable moments become cherished memories. At Château Élan, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to create the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, because your forever deserves a setting as beautiful as your love.

(02) 4998 2605 | WEDDINGS@THEVINTAGE.COM.AU 42

WWW.CHATEAUELAN.COM.AU

Credit: Readyaimmedia

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Where the Rivers Meet the Vines

Discovering Denman WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE DENMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Named after early settler William Ogilvie, the street has retained much of the character of a bygone era, while new businesses are bringing fresh energy into the town centre.

The story of Denman reaches back well before European settlement, with the area traditionally home to the Wonnarua people, whose connection to the rivers, valleys and surrounding landscape stretches back thousands of years.

European settlement began in the early 1800s, with Lieutenant William Ogilvie establishing the Merton property in 1825 on the banks of the Hunter River. The original settlement was later relocated across the river, with the village gazetted in 1853 and renamed Denman in honour of Lord Denman, who later became GovernorGeneral of Australia.

n

There are towns you pass through on the way somewhere else. And then there are towns that quietly convince you to stop.

Denman, nestled in the heart of the Upper Hunter Valley, has long been one of those places. It’s a welcoming country town where vineyards meet olive groves, where heritage buildings line the main street, and where community remains at the heart of daily life.

Located on the Golden Highway, around two hours from Newcastle and approximately three hours from Sydney, Denman has traditionally been a stopping point for travellers heading further west or towards the coast.

But increasingly, visitors are discovering there is more reason to linger.

With its historic Ogilvie Street, boutique cellar doors, local produce, fascinating heritage attractions and a calendar full of community events, Denman is a town with stories fe So to tell and a growing reputation rif urc dG i e: P v as a must-visit destination. ukar Da a Estate | Credit : “We’ve always been a tourism town,” says Denman Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Collins.

“People have always driven through Denman, and stopped briefly, but we want them to stay longer, explore and experience what we have here.”

At the centre of Denman’s charm is Ogilvie Street, a traditional country main street where heritage-era buildings house independent Two Rivers Wines | Credit: MJK Media businesses, cafés, shops and pubs.

By the early 1900s, Ogilvie Street was a bustling centre servicing the surrounding farming community - a role it continues to play today.

Visitors to the town can browse local stores, enjoy a coffee, visit the bakery or settle in for a meal at one of the town’s pubs or clubs. For food and wine lovers, Denman is perfectly positioned among some of the Upper Hunter’s most interesting producers and offers a chance to experience a more intimate side of Hunter Valley wine country.

At Small Forest, Japanese-born winemaker Atsuko Radcliffe has created a truly distinctive destination. As the first female winemaker in Japan, Atsuko brings almost four decades of winemaking experience to her Denman cellar door, where visitors can taste her wines alongside sake and Japanese-inspired offerings.

The cellar door also doubles as a rotating art gallery, showcasing different artists throughout the year, while a historic cemetery within the vineyard adds another fascinating layer to the experience.

At Two Rivers Wines, visitors can enjoy the picturesque setting on the banks of the Hunter River, with the cellar door surrounded by gardens, outdoor lawn games for the kids and unique sandstone sculptures created by artist Ben Dearnley. Established in 1988, Two Rivers also offers a four-bedroom guest cottage for the ideal getaway.

Hollydene Estate offers another beautiful stop, with its cellar door overlooking the vines, and Vines Restaurant with a paddock-to-plate philosophy, lawns for the kids to play on and breathtaking views across Wollemi National Park.

Another local favourite is Pukara Estate, where olive trees stretch across the landscape surrounding the tasting room on Denman Road.

Visitors can sample locally produced olive oils and gourmet products, enjoy coffee and cake, and experience the flavours of one of the region’s most successful agricultural stories. F

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And then there are the horses. Denman sits among some of Australia’s most significant thoroughbred country, with world-renowned operations including Coolmore and Godolphin adding another fascinating dimension to the region’s identity.

While Denman looks towards the future, it is equally committed to preserving the stories that came before.

Source: Denman Chamber of Commerce The Chop Shop Butchery

The Denman & District Heritage Village is one of the town’s hidden treasures - a volunteer-run museum showcasing the history, ingenuity and everyday lives of generations of Upper Hunter residents.

Much of the collection was donated by local collector Jeff Wolfgang. The result is a remarkable journey through Australia’s past, from agriculture and transport to industry, domestic life, toys and technology.

Among the collection are rare and historically significant pieces, including one of Australia’s earliest sheep shearing machines and one of the oldest combustion engines in Australia.

“It’s a must-see,” says Amanda. “It shows where we’ve come from and the history that has built Denman. It’s worth visiting Denman just to see the museum, but when you add in our boutique wineries, national parks and country pubs it’s the ideal destination with something for every member of the family.”

The town is on the cusp of significant growth, with new housing developments, infrastructure projects and expanded visitor accommodation planned for the coming years.

A new tourist park is set to provide additional accommodation options for travellers, with cabins, powered and unpowered sites, camping areas, a playground and green space designed to encourage visitors to stay longer.

Several new residential developments are also in the pipeline, creating opportunities for new residents to become part of the Denman community.

The growth is also being driven by major projects in the wider region, including the proposed $10 billion data centre development just five kilometres from town, which is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs and ongoing employment opportunities.

For Amanda, the key is ensuring growth enhances rather than changes the character that makes Denman special.

“People are looking for a tree change,” she says. “They want that village feeling, and Denman offers that strong sense of community.

It’s very important to us that we retain what makes our place special.”

For a small town, Denman has a big appetite for celebration.

The Denman Wine & Food Affair has become the town’s signature event, attracting more than 11,000 visitors and transforming Ogilvie Street into a showcase of local produce, wine, food, music and entertainment.

“The Denman Wine & Food Affair returns on Saturday 1 May 2027 and brings together the very best of our region in one place. It’s a chance for visitors to experience Denman at its most dynamic.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Charity Horse Ride on Saturday 12 September 2026 F

open 7 days FROM CASUAL CATCH-UPS TO DREAM WEDDINGS

Located at the gateway to the stunning Hunter Valley, The Valley Brewhouse offers a relaxed, welcoming space for everyone.

Enjoy a delicious meal from our bistro before settling into our spacious beer garden — the perfect spot to unwind with friends, family, or your four-legged mate. With open lawn areas and a kids playground, it’s ideal for long afternoons and easy catch-ups.

Planning something special? Our beautiful private venue KILNHAUS also doubles as the perfect setting for weddings and celebrations.

wine country drive, nulkaba nsw 44

02 4058 4155

info@tvbh.com.au

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the year, including the weekly Parkrun at 8am every Saturday (with the trail wrapping around and through the vineyards) and the annual Carols at the Vines on Friday 4 December 2026. This is a community event celebrating Christmas amongst the vines with entertainment for the kids, food, local schools performing Christmas carols and, of course, a visit from Santa!

For those wanting to explore beyond the town centre, the Denman Apex Lookout offers sweeping views across the valley, while nearby national parks provide sh m |S opportunities for bushwalking, ou om rce of C camping and reconnecting with r : Den e man Chamb nature.

With its rich history, exceptional produce, boutique wine experiences and unmistakable country charm, Denman is fast becoming one of the Upper Hunter’s hidden gems. It’s a town proud of its past, confident in its future and ready to welcome a new generation of visitors and residents, and it’s a place where community still matters.

Next time you’re exploring the Hunter, venture a little further. You may discover that Denman is a place where a quick stop becomes a memorable escape. P

‘Treasure’ and invites filmmakers of all ages to explore what’s truly precious to them.

The annual Christmas Markets take place on Thursday 3 December 2026, bringing Ogilvie Street alive with festive artisan stalls, local food and entertainment.

Two Rivers Wines also hosts a number of events throughout

e Fr

Small Forest Wines | Source: Denman Chamber of Commerce

er ce

is a family-friendly event taking riders on a scenic 20-kilometre journey through local vineyards before returning to the pony club grounds for entertainment, refreshments and an auction supporting the vital work of the rescue helicopter service.

Film lovers can head to Two Rivers Wines on 10 October 2026 for the Blue Heeler Film Festival, celebrating rural storytelling and independent filmmakers. This year’s theme is

the pride of the hunter

Country charm with endless possibilities @discoverdenman | discoverdenamn@gmail.com 45

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the bottle has a chance to warm in the sun. Walk into almost any Hunter Valley cellar door this time of year, and you'll find rosé often poured first in the tasting flight, not tacked on as an afterthought. Winemakers talk about it the way they talk about picking day: instinctive, a little urgent, guided by acid and fruit rather than a formula.

That instinct shows in the diversity on offer. Spend a Saturday moving between a handful of local cellar doors, and you'll taste rosé that ranges from bone dry and savoury, built for a plate of local cheese and charcuterie, through to softer, more fragrant styles that suit little more than good company and an afternoon with nowhere else to be. Some producers are leaning into skin contact and barrel work to give their rosé more texture and staying power, treating it less like a seasonal side project and more like a serious expression of place.

Spring is when this all makes the most sense.

Hunter Valley Gardens is at its most spectacular, blooms stretching across the beds as the mornings warm, and there is no better companion after an afternoon wandering through them than a chilled glass of pink. Restaurants across the region are building menus around it too, matching rosé against dishes that lean into what's growing and grazing locally right now: Spring lamb, fresh greens, soft cheeses from nearby producers, and the first of the season's stone fruit. It is a wine that asks very little of you and gives back generously, which might be the real secret to why it suits this part of the world so well. Pack a bottle in a hamper, and it becomes a picnic on a cellar door lawn; pour it into the right glass, and it holds its own at a long, lazy Sunday lunch.

For visitors planning a Spring trip, rosé is also a useful compass. Following it through the region takes you to verandas and lawns rather than tasting rooms alone, to long lunches rather than rushed pours, and to the kind of unhurried afternoon that the Hunter Valley does better than almost anywhere else. So next time you're mapping out a day of cellar doors, let the pink wine lead the way. Start at a garden, wander to a lawn, finish at a table with a view, and order rosé at every stop. It rewards exactly that kind of loose, generous planning, which is really the whole point of a Hunter Valley Spring.

Tickled Pink Rosés for Every Season Ask any Hunter Valley winemaker what their most popular and best selling wine is, and there's a good chance a glass of rosé will land in your hand before you've even asked. Not because it's trendy, but because it offers a refreshing, versatile middle ground between heavy red wines and light white wines, paired with a strong aesthetic appeal - a symbol of carefree, stylish outdoor gatherings.

There's something honest about the way Hunter Valley rosé fits this season. Unlike a wine built to impress on a shelf, rosé here is made to be poured generously, shared across a long table, and finished before $26 | Shop Now

Peterson House

Pink Blush Rosé

Peterson House's most popular sparkling wine. A light, fruity style that everyone loves.

TASTING Vibrant natural acidity is complemented by a softly sweet finish, while the red wine component adds depth, texture and a rounded, creamy mouthfeel that lingers elegantly on the palate.

FOOD MATCH Both an ideal aperitif and an accompaniment to a sweet and light dessert.

CELLARING Drink now!

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$30 | Shop Now

Talits Estate

Rosé 2026

In the spirit of été [summer], this dry Provençal-style rosé is cold-soaked and gently pressed from 100% estate fruit. Ten per cent barrel-fermented in old French oak lends subtle texture to a wine built on freshness and restraint.

TASTING Pale and delicate, dry in the Provençal style, with soft floral tones, bright red berry and a crisp, elegant finish framed by the gentlest of tannins.

FOOD MATCH A perfect accompaniment to salade niçoise, grilled fish and a charcuterie board.

CELLARING Enjoy now, à savourer dans l’instant. [to be savoured in the moment].

$35 | Shop Now

Latitude 32 Wines

2026 Rosé

Our 2026 Summer Rosé is fresh, vibrant and just off-dry, with juicy red berry fruit and a beautifully refreshing finish.

Made from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Shiraz, it’s bright, easydrinking and made for warm afternoons, long lunches and summer entertaining.

TASTING This is summer in a glass. Juicy strawberry, raspberry and bright red fruits, with just enough sweetness to make you go back for another sip. Fresh, vibrant and dangerously easy to drink.

FOOD MATCH Summer afternoons, good friends and whatever’s easy to grab, the food’s optional, the Rosé isn’t.

CELLARING Please. Summer is here, drink the Rosé! This one was made for now, not for gathering dust in the cellar. $30 | Shop Now

DeCapel Wines

2023 Little Dairy Rosé

Our Little Dairy Rosé, named after the original brick dairy at DeCapel Wines, is a rare blend of our single-vineyard Semillon combined with Merlot and Pinot Noir.

TASTING The delicate skin contact of these premium Hunter Valley varieties creates a delicious wine with a delightful pink hue and a palate of ripe strawberries and stone fruit with a crisp, dry finish.

FOOD MATCH Perfect with seafood, soft tangy cheeses, light pasta dishes and grilled chicken, or simply on its own at any time.

CELLARING Rosé is crafted to be consumed young while its fruit profiles, crispness and delicate floral aromas are at their peak.

$32 | Shop Now

1813

Rosė No.8

Rosé No.8 has arrived — 1813's eighth harvest, a Bronze awardwinner at the 2026 Hunter Valley Wine Show. Limited release, estate-grown, made for long lunches and golden-hour glasses on the verandah. Finite by nature. Available online and at the cellar door.

TASTING Pale and luminous, this Rosé reveals delicate red berry and floral notes, finishing bright and refined. Crafted from estate-grown Shiraz from our award-winning Tinonee Vineyard Estate in Hunter Valley’s Broke Fordwich region, it offers a dry, finely textured palate with quiet complexity and poise.

FOOD MATCH The perfect accompaniment to char-grilled prawns and a summer salad.

CELLARING Best enjoyed within 1–2 years of release.

$40 | Shop Now

Talits Estate

Sparkling Rosé 2026

Estate fruit, cold-soaked and gently pressed, with ten per cent barrel-fermented in old French oak. Pale salmon in the glass, dry and delicate, lifted by a bright, lively bead — a sparkling built for celebration, not quiet contemplation.

TASTING Pale salmon, dry and lively, with a fine persistent bead. Soft florals and bright red berry lead to a crisp, elegant finish.

FOOD MATCH A perfect accompaniment to charcuterie, strawberries and long summer afternoons.

CELLARING Enjoy now — la fête n'attend pas [celebration doesn't wait].

$33 | Shop Now

Iron Gate Estate

2026 Rosé

This Rosé is a very pale pink in colour, with delicate aromas of raspberry, musk, rose and Turkish delight. The palate is long and flavoursome, displaying vibrant red berry fruit, watermelon and musk stick flavours, finishing perfectly dry and refreshing.

TASTING A versatile and elegant wine that is ideal as an aperitif. Equally enjoyable on its own or with a meal.

FOOD MATCH Pairs beautifully with shellfish, light chilli-infused dishes and your favourite cheeses.

CELLARING Best enjoyed within 3 years.

$30 | Shop Now

Peter Drayton Wines

2026 Wildstreak Rosé

IronBark Hill Vineyard is home to Peter Drayton Wines, a sprawling 40-hectare vineyard, with 18 hectares under vine. The property features a Cellar Door, Winery and Brewhouse, plus a Restaurant, Wedding Chapel, Function Centre, and Accommodation.

TASTING The PD Hunter Valley Rosé opens with vibrant aromas of fresh summer berries and nuances of pink grapefruit. The palate is brimming with a delicate balance of red berry sweetness and refreshing acidity.

FOOD MATCH Fresh spring salads with light seafood and barbecued meats. An ideal accompaniment to delicious charcuterie boards.

CELLARING Enjoy fresh over the next 18 to 24 months.

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119 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin 2325 (02) 4993 3700

. Only Cellar Door in NSW to taste current Grange . Back vintage Penfolds collection for sale

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Brolgas, Mark Joyce | Credit: Ben Trollope

Art Grown Wild

The Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival Returns

READ ONLINE WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE WOLLOMBI SCULPTURE FESTIVAL Some places invite you to slow down the moment you arrive. The winding drive into Wollombi is one of them. Framed by rolling hills, towering eucalypts and beautifully preserved sandstone buildings, this historic village has long been a place where people gather.

Wollombi means "Meeting Place of the Waters"- a name that has described this remarkable valley for thousands of years. Long before it welcomed travellers seeking country hospitality, heritage and creativity, it was an important meeting place for the Awabakal people to the east, the Wonnarua people to the northwest and the Darkinjung people to the south.

This September, that enduring connection to place comes alive once again as the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival transforms Wollombi and neighbouring Laguna into a living gallery of contemporary sculpture, heritage spaces and natural landscapes. Running from 12 until

27 September, the biennial festival invites visitors to wander through heritage streets, discover contemporary sculptures and experience a celebration of art, landscape and community unlike anywhere else in regional Australia.

Formerly known as Sculpture in the Vineyards, the festival has evolved considerably since it was established in 2002. Today, it is recognised as the largest-scale and longest-running sculpture festival in regional New South Wales, attracting many of Australia's leading sculptors alongside exciting emerging artists. This year, more than 180 sculptures by 140 Australian and international artists will be exhibited across outdoor sites, heritage buildings and six indoor galleries throughout Wollombi and Laguna.

From monumental works set among the trees to intimate pieces displayed within historic buildings, the exhibition creates a dialogue between contemporary sculpture and the natural environment. Each work is carefully placed to complement its surroundings, encouraging visitors to experience both the art and the landscape in new ways. F 49

For Festival Executive Director Sheena Duncan, the festival is about far more than exhibiting remarkable artworks.

"It's the relationship between creativity, landscape and community that makes this festival so special," she says.

"People come for the sculpture, but they discover so much more about the Wollombi Valley while they're here.

"There's something quite unique about this valley. It's still a bit of a hidden secret where creativity, history and community all come together."

After more than three decades working in senior leadership roles with organisations including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, NIDA and the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, Duncan accepted the challenge of leading the volunteer-run festival last year. Having owned a property in the valley for many years, she was already captivated by Wollombi's unique character.

"The Wollombi community is amazing," Duncan says.

“It's reinventing itself and has undergone a real revitalisation over the past few years. It's charming, welcoming and incredibly creative" Visitors familiar with previous festivals will notice a subtle but important change this year. With the event now centred more strongly around the villages themselves, the experience has become even more walkable, encouraging people to wander through historic streets, explore galleries tucked inside heritage buildings and discover sculptures nestled throughout the landscape before venturing on to nearby Laguna.

"Everything is much more connected this year," Duncan says.

"People can spend an entire day wandering through the village, discovering sculpture around every corner before continuing on to Laguna. It's a lovely, walkable experience."

The trail also extends to Undercliff Wines, where visitors can continue their sculpture journey while enjoying the hospitality of one of the valley's much-loved wineries. It is a reminder that while the festival has evolved beyond its original vineyard focus, the connection between art, wine, landscape and regional experiences remains an important part of its appeal.

The shift coincides with a broader revitalisation of Wollombi itself.

Over recent years, new investment has breathed fresh life into the village, most notably at the Wollombi General Store, which celebrates its 175th anniversary this year. Home to the Artisan Collective, the beautifully restored building has become a vibrant creative hub where visitors can browse locally made artworks, meet resident artists and participate in workshops throughout the year. As one of this year's exhibition venues, it perfectly reflects the festival's emphasis on creativity rooted in community.

Rather than encouraging visitors to simply spend a few hours exploring the sculpture trail, the 2026 festival has expanded its program to encourage people to slow down and stay a little longer.

Artist talks, guided tours, workshops, children's activities, live music and new midweek events provide opportunities to connect with both 50

Kindred Spirits, Mela Cooke | Credit: Ben Trollope

the artists and the valley itself. Duncan says the aim is to create a richer visitor experience that extends well beyond viewing sculpture.

"We really want people to linger longer," Duncan says.

"Come during the week, meet the artists, do a workshop, enjoy the performances and experience everything the valley has to offer. There are wonderful cafés, beautiful accommodation and so many creative experiences that people often don't expect to find here."

One of the program's highlights is The Far Side of Spain – Where the Waters Meet, a special performance inside the historic St Michael's Church. Presented by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Allegra Giagu and internationally recognised bandoneon player Owen Salomé, the performance combines music, storytelling and history to uncover surprising links between nineteenth-century Spain, New Norcia in Western Australia and Wollombi itself. Like the festival, it explores the powerful relationship between place, memory and creativity.

Of course, sculpture remains at the heart of the event.

This year's exhibition brings together many of Australia's most respected sculptors alongside outstanding emerging talent. Selecting the final exhibition is no small task. Head Curator Wendy Black and her curatorial team reviewed more than 330 submissions before choosing the final 140 artists, creating an exhibition that balances established names with exciting new voices in contemporary sculpture. Visitors will discover works by celebrated artists including James Rogers, winner of the 2025 Aqualand First Prize at Sculpture by the Sea Sydney, together with previous Governor's Prize recipients and artists whose works appear in major public and private collections across Australia.

The festival's reputation continues to grow thanks to the calibre of its judging panel and prize program. This year's judges, British sculptor Isabel Langtry, respected art critic John McDonald and curator Jane Watters, bring decades of experience across public art, museum collections and contemporary sculpture.

The festival is also honoured to have Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, as its Patron.

Among the 12 non-acquisitive awards is the coveted Governor's Prize, which provides the winning sculptor with a 12-month exhibition at Government House. Previous recipients include renowned Australian sculptors Ron Robertson-Swann OAM and Michael Snape. F

In 2026, organisers have increased the total prize pool to more than $80,000, making it the most substantial prize offering of any regional sculpture festival in New South Wales.

For Duncan, that investment recognises the extraordinary commitment artists make to exhibit.

"People see the finished sculptures, but they don't always see what it takes to get them here," Duncan says.

"Some works weigh two tonnes. They have to be transported by truck, lifted into place by cranes and carefully installed. Some artists spend more than a thousand dollars on diesel before they've even arrived."

Those behind-the-scenes efforts are immense. Installation begins days before the festival opens as volunteers, artists and specialist contractors carefully position sculptures throughout the valley. Heritage buildings are transformed into galleries, outdoor sites are prepared, and every work is carefully placed to complement its surroundings.

"Creating sculpture has become increasingly expensive," she says. "I've developed a deep appreciation for what artists go through, particularly emerging artists. We do everything we can to support them because simply getting here is a huge commitment."

For many artists, however, exhibiting at Wollombi is about more than a prize or a sale. It is an opportunity to place their work within a landscape that becomes part of the artwork itself.

The festival is an extraordinary community achievement. More than 100 volunteers donate their time to welcome visitors, staff galleries, assist artists and help deliver every aspect of the event.

"The festival simply couldn't happen without our volunteers," Duncan says. "The community embraces it because everyone understands what it brings to the valley. There's an enormous sense of pride."

While contemporary sculpture provides the inspiration, it's the setting that leaves a lasting impression. Around every corner there's another

discovery, a sculpture framed by sandstone architecture, an artwork quietly nestled beneath ancient trees, a gallery hidden inside a heritage building or a conversation with the artist who created it.

All works are available to purchase, allowing visitors to take home not only an original artwork but a lasting connection to the valley where they discovered it.

Less than two hours from Sydney and around 90 minutes from Newcastle, the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival offers far more than an art exhibition. It is an invitation to slow down, wander, ask questions, meet artists and experience a remarkable community whose creativity is deeply connected to its landscape and history.

For 16 days every second Spring, Wollombi becomes exactly what its name has always promised - a meeting place. A place where contemporary art sits comfortably within an ancient landscape, where creativity flourishes through community, and where visitors are invited not simply to look at sculpture, but to experience the stories, people and place that bring it to life.

For more information, visit www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.aPu.

Humpback Whale, Jonathan Pryer | Credit: Nick Glover

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Your Guide to Discovering Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Morpeth and the Hunter Valley

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