The City of Newcastle has launched a new website capturing everything happening across Newcastle, helping locals and visitors make the most of the city’s entertainment options.    

Inspired by popular ‘What’s On’ websites in Melbourne and Sydney, What’s ON Newcastle is now the official home of all events across the city.

(front) Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and Councillor Carol Duncan with (rear left) Live Music Grant recipients Monique Humphreys and Kodi Twiner (who are organising the Prickly Pear event at The Base Health), Beach Burrito Company – Newcastle Venue Manager Henry Smale, and (rear right) Newcastle Seafood Festival organiser Lynne Hopson with Newcastle Fisherman’s Co-op General Manager Rob Gauta

What’s ON provides an easy to use one-stop-shop for locals and visitors to search for events according to category, date, accessibility, venue, or geographic location.   

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the website is a priority initiative under the city’s Destination Management Plan, creating a more vibrant city that supports the arts and cultural sectors.  

“Newcastle is an events city, and whether it’s live music, theatre, sports or cinema, there’s always something to do, no matter your interests,” Cr Nelmes said.  

“City of Newcastle’s Events Strategy has seen Newcastle continue to grow jobs and expand our visitor economy during the last six years.  

“From 2015-2019, Newcastle’s visitor economy moved ahead in leaps and bounds, with a 62% increase in domestic day-trippers and a 16% increase in international travellers, while the value of the tourism economy expanded significantly to be worth $1.127 billion in the 12 months to March 2019.”  

Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Declan Clausen said the events economy is an important local job creator.  

“Ongoing investment in events and tourism is integral to building a thriving, diverse and robust economy, which is why we set out to develop a comprehensive Destination Management Plan, along with an updated Events Strategy,” Cr Clausen said.  

“These strategic measures are designed to raise awareness of Newcastle and showcase the city’s unique strengths by attracting and developing signature events, as well as growing the business and conferencing events sector.”  

The City of Newcastle has also awarded the second round of the $20,000 Live Music Grants program, providing up to $500 per event to encourage 11 Newcastle venues to host live acts during April.

Thirty live music events funded by the program are taking place between April 9 to 20, which have coincided with other significant events across the city, including the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup,  SailFest Newcastle Regatta, Newcastle Seafood Festival, Women’s Rugby 7s, New Run and Newcastle Food Month. 

Information source: Media release, Apr 11, City of Newcastle