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City of Newcastle Councillors will vote this week to boost the City’s annual major events budget from $450,000 to up to $2 million - enabling the City to pitch for major events that will drive economic impact, increase visitation and showcase Newcastle as a world-class destination.

City of Newcastle has already injected more than $2.5 million into the local economy during the first two months of 2025.

Five events have so far been delivered with support from City of Newcastle in 2025 including the popular debut of the Howlin' Country music festival last weekend.

Almost 13,000 people, including more than 8000 visitors from outside of Newcastle, flocked to Foreshore Park for the first country music event, delivering a $1.6 million economic boost to the city.

City of Newcastle Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said major events support significant visitation, investment and liveability outcomes and added “City of Newcastle is committed to attracting, retaining and delivering events that provide immediate and ongoing benefits for the community and economy.

"This includes millions of dollars in direct expenditure alongside a range of associated benefits, from increased destination awareness and repeat tourism, to flow-on supply chain expenditure, skills development, capacity building, knowledge sharing and support for local jobs."

The strong start to 2025 follows on from a successful 2024, which saw 26 City of Newcastle-supported events deliver an $18 million economic boost, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, 53,000 day visitors, and 73,000 accommodation (bed) nights.

Since 2022, more than half a million people have also injected around $65 million into the Newcastle economy thanks to a partnership between City of Newcastle and Venues NSW, which secured top tier live music and sporting events including Elton John, Paul McCartney and the 2024 Women's State of Origin match at McDonald Jones Stadium.

This will be boosted further by the upcoming Wallabies, Wallaroos and Matildas matches, as well as the Women's State of Origin and NRLW Magic Round, which are all expected to attract tens of thousands of people to the city.

Jones said City of Newcastle has delivered on its ambition to become a premier tourism and events destination, which is a key pillar of City of Newcastle's Destination Management Plan.

"However, with increasing competition between Australian cities, regions and states to host major events, we are seeking an endorsement by the Council up to $2 million of investment annually through City of Newcastle's Strategic Event Partnership Program," Jones shared.

Events supported by City of Newcastle to date this year include:

• Beach 5s = $235,000 economic benefit 
• Girls Day Out – Women in Sport = $24,000 economic benefit
• Island Triathlon Festival = $252,000 economic benefit
• Shaw and Partners Iron Series = $412,000 economic benefit
• Howlin' Country = $1.6 million economic benefit

Image. Paul McCartney at McDonald Jones Stadium in 2023. Credit: City of Newcastle

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