Three years on… and the Newcastle Weekly shows no signs of slowing down.

Ever since proud Novocastrian Nicole Somerville turned the publication into a 100% locally-owned, operated and produced periodical, it’s continued to flourish.

So, celebrating our third birthday is a big deal for the hard-working team.

Over the past 12 months alone, we’ve featured the likes of MasterChef Australia alumni Reece Hignell and Steph de Sousa, the remarkable Kirralee Hughes, Carol Duncan OAM, NBN presenter Jane Goldsmith, the 30th anniversary of Silverchair’s seminal album Frogstomp, and a collection of inspirational local women – Stephanie Black, Jan Bynon, Carly Bush, Michelle Faithfull and Maeve Grant – on the cover.

And, let’s not forget our sporting stars from the Newcastle Jets and Knights, including the ever-popular Old Boys, and Paralympian Lauren Parker, who’ve graced the front page, too.

While the magazine itself remains as popular as ever, the growth of NW’s online and social media presence knows no bounds either.

“I’m really proud of the fact that more and more people are relying on us for their source of news, property, lifestyle, entertainment, sport and community stories,” Nicole said.

“They are coming from across the region, LGAs such as Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens and Singleton, and further afield.

“Signing on as a Google Showcase publisher helps as well.

“We’re only the second [media outlet] in the Hunter to make the cut.

“That defines us as a ‘news product’ and partners the Newcastle Weekly with some of the most respected regional and national publications.

“We also have access to Australian Associated Press (AAP) these days to enhance our coverage.

“So, we’re not just a monthly magazine.

“The Newcastle Weekly posts 8-to-12 articles to our website… on a daily basis.

“Best of all, it’s free and without a paywall.

“So, I’d like to thank our loyal and avid readers, as well as those who’ve featured on the cover, for our success over the past few years.

“We wouldn’t be here without them.”

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE NW COVERS

STEPH DE SOUSA

How could we ignore the rise and rise of the popular cooking goddess Steph de Sousa? The colourful Lake Macquarie resident was a hit on MasterChef Australia in 2019, a move that’s paid dividends ever since. The self-confessed “Frugal Foodie” also appeared as one of the headline attractions for the Living Smart Festival in her own backyard in 2024. Bright and bubbly, the mother-of-four possesses all the right ingredients for success.

KNIGHTS OLD BOYS

What do you get when you put Newcastle rugby league legends Danny Buderus, Matt Gidley, Mark Hughes, Stephen Crowe and Kurt Gidley in front of a camera? A terrific front page. The quintet and members of the much-loved Once a Knight Old Boys are more than local sporting greats. They’re also out in the community all-year around, raising money for plenty of Hunter-based charities, including the Mark Hughes Foundation.

JANE GOLDSMITH

For more than two decades, Jane Goldsmith’s been a familiar face in the Hunter, delivering the news with professionalism, warmth and a deep connection to the community she serves. As a journalist and weekend presenter for NBN, she’s no stranger to telling important stories. But, in April, Jane stepped out of her comfort zone and lent her voice to a worthy cause, Melodies for Melanoma, to support the Hunter Melanoma Foundation.

SILVERCHAIR

A Newcastle institution, even in 2025, it would be remiss of the Newcastle Weekly to pass up the 30th anniversary of Silverchair’s seminal debut offering, Frogstomp. In fact, it’s hard to believe it has been three decades since three 15-year-old Newcastle High School students – Daniel Johns, Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou – stormed onto the world stage. But, the release of the smash hit single Tomorrow and accompanying album changed lives.

THE JETS

As a media partner of the Newcastle Jets, the Newcastle Weekly is always happy to throw its support behind our local footballing stars, young and not-so-young. On this occasion, the recently-retired Jason Hoffman took centre stage with a couple of talented up-and-comers Ben van Dorssen and Emma Dundas, who’s since gone on to be a vital cog in the club’s A-League Women’s squad. Expect a big 2025/26 for the Jets.

MYF WARHURST

The delightful Myf Warhurst is as likeable off-screen as she is on it. Funny, self-deprecating and very generous with her time, the Spicks and Specks star jumped at the opportunity to appear on the cover of our February edition, which coincided with her appearance as The Narrator alongside 80’s heartthrob Jason Donovan in The Rocky Horror Show. For good measure, the musical enjoyed a record-breaking season at the Civic Theatre.

For more lifestyle stories:

• D’Vine Festival returns to the Hunter
• Rare finds await at Newcastle’s favourite Book Fair
• Your guide to markets in our region

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