Photos from the Hunter Rescue Ball in Newcastle
It is one of the most glamorous nights of the year in Newcastle and a vital fundraiser for a lifesaving rescue service in the region, and this year, it marked 50 years of serving the Hunter.
The Hunter Rescue Ball, which celebrates and raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday evening.
The theme: Black tie with a touch of gold. A plate: $250. The scene: glamour.
Celebrity emcee David Campbell led the proceedings after guests were greeted by the extravagant flair of Bizarre Haus Entertainment performers on stilts, as "living roses", and served by label owner Ashleigh Kedwell in her signature champagne skirt.
The evening was dripping with style.
At the edges of the crowd, as the glitterati mingled into the space, artists Eira Chidgey and Melanie Norman were by the original works they had donated to the event, among a host of other items and goods to be auctioned off during the evening in support of the rescue service.
Funds raised by the event were funnelled back to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in their entirety.
The Newcastle Herald was listed as an event partner.
The details of this report are developing. It may be updated.
It is one of the most glamorous nights of the year in Newcastle and a vital fundraiser for a lifesaving rescue service in the region, and this year, it marked 50 years of serving the Hunter.
The Hunter Rescue Ball, which celebrates and raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday evening.
The theme: Black tie with a touch of gold. A plate: $250. The scene: glamour.
Celebrity emcee David Campbell led the proceedings after guests were greeted by the extravagant flair of Bizarre Haus Entertainment performers on stilts, as "living roses", and served by label owner Ashleigh Kedwell in her signature champagne skirt.
The evening was dripping with style.
At the edges of the crowd, as the glitterati mingled into the space, artists Eira Chidgey and Melanie Norman were by the original works they had donated to the event, among a host of other items and goods to be auctioned off during the evening in support of the rescue service.
Funds raised by the event were funnelled back to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in their entirety.
The Newcastle Herald was listed as an event partner.
The details of this report are developing. It may be updated.
It is one of the most glamorous nights of the year in Newcastle and a vital fundraiser for a lifesaving rescue service in the region, and this year, it marked 50 years of serving the Hunter.
The Hunter Rescue Ball, which celebrates and raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday evening.
The theme: Black tie with a touch of gold. A plate: $250. The scene: glamour.
Celebrity emcee David Campbell led the proceedings after guests were greeted by the extravagant flair of Bizarre Haus Entertainment performers on stilts, as "living roses", and served by label owner Ashleigh Kedwell in her signature champagne skirt.
The evening was dripping with style.
At the edges of the crowd, as the glitterati mingled into the space, artists Eira Chidgey and Melanie Norman were by the original works they had donated to the event, among a host of other items and goods to be auctioned off during the evening in support of the rescue service.
Funds raised by the event were funnelled back to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in their entirety.
The Newcastle Herald was listed as an event partner.
The details of this report are developing. It may be updated.
It is one of the most glamorous nights of the year in Newcastle and a vital fundraiser for a lifesaving rescue service in the region, and this year, it marked 50 years of serving the Hunter.
The Hunter Rescue Ball, which celebrates and raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday evening.
The theme: Black tie with a touch of gold. A plate: $250. The scene: glamour.
Celebrity emcee David Campbell led the proceedings after guests were greeted by the extravagant flair of Bizarre Haus Entertainment performers on stilts, as "living roses", and served by label owner Ashleigh Kedwell in her signature champagne skirt.
The evening was dripping with style.
At the edges of the crowd, as the glitterati mingled into the space, artists Eira Chidgey and Melanie Norman were by the original works they had donated to the event, among a host of other items and goods to be auctioned off during the evening in support of the rescue service.
Funds raised by the event were funnelled back to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in their entirety.
The Newcastle Herald was listed as an event partner.
The details of this report are developing. It may be updated.
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The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
'Exhilarating': Students take the spotlight at Civic Theatre for DioSounds
Musicians played a funky jazz riff as lights spotlighted budding stars belting out Michael Buble's rendition of Feeling Good on the Newcastle Civic Theatre stage. This is only the beginning of the Catholic schools' annual DioSounds performance. Ahead of the June 5 evening show, the Newcastle Herald caught a sneak peek inside the 130-minute musical performance from 13 Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese secondary schools. In its 18th year, DioSounds features more than 450 high school students in small ensembles, choirs and concert bands performing under the theme One Call. One Mission. Phoebe Porter, a year 12 student at All Saints' College Maitland, was sad to be taking to the stage for her last year. "It's been such a journey, from my first DioSounds you see not only yourself grow but others grow as well," she said. "I get to see all the year sevens and how they enjoy it as much as I did in my first year." Ms Porter will be singing in her school's mash-up of Silverchair's The Greatest View, Harry Styles' Music for a Sushi Restaurant and Sister Sledge's We Are Family. "It starts slow and then it builds up, and it's just so much fun, it's a fun one to groove out to with everyone," she said. Ms Porter and her fellow performers Charley Hill and Emma Whiting said it was a great chance to meet musically inclined students from other schools. "It's so good to be with a group of like-minded people who have the same interests as you," Ms Porter said. St Joseph's Catholic College, Aberdeen's Jimmy Dever has been a performer ever since he can remember. "I've been singing since birth," he said. "It's always something that's been so special to me and it's so surreal when you're in the moment." Mr Dever will be singing in his school's mash-up that includes Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing and The Killers' Mr Brightside. "It's so exhilarating to be on stage," he said. Flautist Hazel Keeble from Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie was "pumped" to perform for her second year. "We get a bunch of talented, strong individuals who come together and show off their talent," she said. Her school is staging Australian singer G-Flip's version of Taylor Swift's Cruel Summer and Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4. "I like that I can play more than just classical music, and I love how energetic I can be with the flute," she said. Students will take to the Newcastle stage from 6.30pm on Thursday, June 5. Musicians played a funky jazz riff as lights spotlighted budding stars belting out Michael Buble's rendition of Feeling Good on the Newcastle Civic Theatre stage. This is only the beginning of the Catholic schools' annual DioSounds performance. Ahead of the June 5 evening show, the Newcastle Herald caught a sneak peek inside the 130-minute musical performance from 13 Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese secondary schools. In its 18th year, DioSounds features more than 450 high school students in small ensembles, choirs and concert bands performing under the theme One Call. One Mission. Phoebe Porter, a year 12 student at All Saints' College Maitland, was sad to be taking to the stage for her last year. "It's been such a journey, from my first DioSounds you see not only yourself grow but others grow as well," she said. "I get to see all the year sevens and how they enjoy it as much as I did in my first year." Ms Porter will be singing in her school's mash-up of Silverchair's The Greatest View, Harry Styles' Music for a Sushi Restaurant and Sister Sledge's We Are Family. "It starts slow and then it builds up, and it's just so much fun, it's a fun one to groove out to with everyone," she said. Ms Porter and her fellow performers Charley Hill and Emma Whiting said it was a great chance to meet musically inclined students from other schools. "It's so good to be with a group of like-minded people who have the same interests as you," Ms Porter said. St Joseph's Catholic College, Aberdeen's Jimmy Dever has been a performer ever since he can remember. "I've been singing since birth," he said. "It's always something that's been so special to me and it's so surreal when you're in the moment." Mr Dever will be singing in his school's mash-up that includes Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing and The Killers' Mr Brightside. "It's so exhilarating to be on stage," he said. Flautist Hazel Keeble from Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie was "pumped" to perform for her second year. "We get a bunch of talented, strong individuals who come together and show off their talent," she said. Her school is staging Australian singer G-Flip's version of Taylor Swift's Cruel Summer and Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4. "I like that I can play more than just classical music, and I love how energetic I can be with the flute," she said. Students will take to the Newcastle stage from 6.30pm on Thursday, June 5. Musicians played a funky jazz riff as lights spotlighted budding stars belting out Michael Buble's rendition of Feeling Good on the Newcastle Civic Theatre stage. This is only the beginning of the Catholic schools' annual DioSounds performance. Ahead of the June 5 evening show, the Newcastle Herald caught a sneak peek inside the 130-minute musical performance from 13 Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese secondary schools. In its 18th year, DioSounds features more than 450 high school students in small ensembles, choirs and concert bands performing under the theme One Call. One Mission. Phoebe Porter, a year 12 student at All Saints' College Maitland, was sad to be taking to the stage for her last year. "It's been such a journey, from my first DioSounds you see not only yourself grow but others grow as well," she said. "I get to see all the year sevens and how they enjoy it as much as I did in my first year." Ms Porter will be singing in her school's mash-up of Silverchair's The Greatest View, Harry Styles' Music for a Sushi Restaurant and Sister Sledge's We Are Family. "It starts slow and then it builds up, and it's just so much fun, it's a fun one to groove out to with everyone," she said. Ms Porter and her fellow performers Charley Hill and Emma Whiting said it was a great chance to meet musically inclined students from other schools. "It's so good to be with a group of like-minded people who have the same interests as you," Ms Porter said. St Joseph's Catholic College, Aberdeen's Jimmy Dever has been a performer ever since he can remember. "I've been singing since birth," he said. "It's always something that's been so special to me and it's so surreal when you're in the moment." Mr Dever will be singing in his school's mash-up that includes Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing and The Killers' Mr Brightside. "It's so exhilarating to be on stage," he said. Flautist Hazel Keeble from Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie was "pumped" to perform for her second year. "We get a bunch of talented, strong individuals who come together and show off their talent," she said. Her school is staging Australian singer G-Flip's version of Taylor Swift's Cruel Summer and Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4. "I like that I can play more than just classical music, and I love how energetic I can be with the flute," she said. Students will take to the Newcastle stage from 6.30pm on Thursday, June 5. Musicians played a funky jazz riff as lights spotlighted budding stars belting out Michael Buble's rendition of Feeling Good on the Newcastle Civic Theatre stage. This is only the beginning of the Catholic schools' annual DioSounds performance. Ahead of the June 5 evening show, the Newcastle Herald caught a sneak peek inside the 130-minute musical performance from 13 Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese secondary schools. In its 18th year, DioSounds features more than 450 high school students in small ensembles, choirs and concert bands performing under the theme One Call. One Mission. Phoebe Porter, a year 12 student at All Saints' College Maitland, was sad to be taking to the stage for her last year. "It's been such a journey, from my first DioSounds you see not only yourself grow but others grow as well," she said. "I get to see all the year sevens and how they enjoy it as much as I did in my first year." Ms Porter will be singing in her school's mash-up of Silverchair's The Greatest View, Harry Styles' Music for a Sushi Restaurant and Sister Sledge's We Are Family. "It starts slow and then it builds up, and it's just so much fun, it's a fun one to groove out to with everyone," she said. Ms Porter and her fellow performers Charley Hill and Emma Whiting said it was a great chance to meet musically inclined students from other schools. "It's so good to be with a group of like-minded people who have the same interests as you," Ms Porter said. St Joseph's Catholic College, Aberdeen's Jimmy Dever has been a performer ever since he can remember. "I've been singing since birth," he said. "It's always something that's been so special to me and it's so surreal when you're in the moment." Mr Dever will be singing in his school's mash-up that includes Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing and The Killers' Mr Brightside. "It's so exhilarating to be on stage," he said. Flautist Hazel Keeble from Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie was "pumped" to perform for her second year. "We get a bunch of talented, strong individuals who come together and show off their talent," she said. Her school is staging Australian singer G-Flip's version of Taylor Swift's Cruel Summer and Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4. "I like that I can play more than just classical music, and I love how energetic I can be with the flute," she said. Students will take to the Newcastle stage from 6.30pm on Thursday, June 5.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Have you got what it takes to be the next Australian Idol?
Fancy yourself as a singer? Sick and tired of wasting your voice, singing in the shower, or in the car, or in front of an unappreciative audience of five at your local pub's karaoke night? Now's your chance. Film yourself singing, fill out an online form, upload your video or share a link, and hold your breath. "We know Newcastle is brimming with fresh talent and we'd love to showcase some of it in the next season of the show," a spokesperson fro Eureka Productions told the Newcastle Herald. "We're excited to see what Newcastle has to offer and encourage performers from all genres to apply. "Newcastle auditions begin as virtual. Interested performers are encouraged to fill out an application form at and callbacks will be held over Zoom in July." In a promotional video uploaded to Australian Idol's Facebook page, host Ricki-Lee Coulter says: "Whether you're country or crooner, rapper or rockstar, or anything in-between, Australian Idol wants to hear from you." 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This year's grand finale, won by Marshall Hamburger, reached 1.85 million people across Seven and 7plus, which was a 13 per cent increase on the 2024 grand finale. Across its full 2025 season, Australian Idol reached 11.14 million people. And Hamburger won $100,000 in prize money and an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios. "Our call out and dedicated website at has been created to make it as easy as possible for all Newcastle residents to showcase their talents and chase their Idol dream," the spokesperson said. Fancy yourself as a singer? Sick and tired of wasting your voice, singing in the shower, or in the car, or in front of an unappreciative audience of five at your local pub's karaoke night? Now's your chance. Film yourself singing, fill out an online form, upload your video or share a link, and hold your breath. "We know Newcastle is brimming with fresh talent and we'd love to showcase some of it in the next season of the show," a spokesperson fro Eureka Productions told the Newcastle Herald. "We're excited to see what Newcastle has to offer and encourage performers from all genres to apply. "Newcastle auditions begin as virtual. Interested performers are encouraged to fill out an application form at and callbacks will be held over Zoom in July." In a promotional video uploaded to Australian Idol's Facebook page, host Ricki-Lee Coulter says: "Whether you're country or crooner, rapper or rockstar, or anything in-between, Australian Idol wants to hear from you." A good voice and stage presence isn't enough, though. To be considered, you must be an Australian; a New Zealand citizen living in Australia; or a current permanent resident of Australia. You must not have an existing contract with any other television show or record label. And, importantly, you must be aged between 15 and 35 (as of October 1, 2025) to audition. That has rubbed some wanna-be Idols up the wrong way, if social media comments are anything to go by ("Can we just leave the auditions open for all ages? The oldest contestant in Eurovision this year was 52!" ... "Can't anyone older than 35 sing?" ..."Only 15 - 35 years old?? Ageism right there!! LOL!! I'm 51!!" ... "It's always been for younger people. I think The Voice has a wider age range"). Yes, that's true. The Voice auditions are open to ages 13 and up. If you meet the criteria and are considering auditioning for Australian Idol 2026, the following statistics might be of interest. This year's grand finale, won by Marshall Hamburger, reached 1.85 million people across Seven and 7plus, which was a 13 per cent increase on the 2024 grand finale. Across its full 2025 season, Australian Idol reached 11.14 million people. And Hamburger won $100,000 in prize money and an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios. "Our call out and dedicated website at has been created to make it as easy as possible for all Newcastle residents to showcase their talents and chase their Idol dream," the spokesperson said. Fancy yourself as a singer? Sick and tired of wasting your voice, singing in the shower, or in the car, or in front of an unappreciative audience of five at your local pub's karaoke night? Now's your chance. Film yourself singing, fill out an online form, upload your video or share a link, and hold your breath. "We know Newcastle is brimming with fresh talent and we'd love to showcase some of it in the next season of the show," a spokesperson fro Eureka Productions told the Newcastle Herald. "We're excited to see what Newcastle has to offer and encourage performers from all genres to apply. "Newcastle auditions begin as virtual. Interested performers are encouraged to fill out an application form at and callbacks will be held over Zoom in July." In a promotional video uploaded to Australian Idol's Facebook page, host Ricki-Lee Coulter says: "Whether you're country or crooner, rapper or rockstar, or anything in-between, Australian Idol wants to hear from you." A good voice and stage presence isn't enough, though. To be considered, you must be an Australian; a New Zealand citizen living in Australia; or a current permanent resident of Australia. You must not have an existing contract with any other television show or record label. And, importantly, you must be aged between 15 and 35 (as of October 1, 2025) to audition. That has rubbed some wanna-be Idols up the wrong way, if social media comments are anything to go by ("Can we just leave the auditions open for all ages? The oldest contestant in Eurovision this year was 52!" ... "Can't anyone older than 35 sing?" ..."Only 15 - 35 years old?? Ageism right there!! LOL!! I'm 51!!" ... "It's always been for younger people. I think The Voice has a wider age range"). Yes, that's true. The Voice auditions are open to ages 13 and up. If you meet the criteria and are considering auditioning for Australian Idol 2026, the following statistics might be of interest. This year's grand finale, won by Marshall Hamburger, reached 1.85 million people across Seven and 7plus, which was a 13 per cent increase on the 2024 grand finale. Across its full 2025 season, Australian Idol reached 11.14 million people. And Hamburger won $100,000 in prize money and an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios. "Our call out and dedicated website at has been created to make it as easy as possible for all Newcastle residents to showcase their talents and chase their Idol dream," the spokesperson said. Fancy yourself as a singer? Sick and tired of wasting your voice, singing in the shower, or in the car, or in front of an unappreciative audience of five at your local pub's karaoke night? Now's your chance. Film yourself singing, fill out an online form, upload your video or share a link, and hold your breath. "We know Newcastle is brimming with fresh talent and we'd love to showcase some of it in the next season of the show," a spokesperson fro Eureka Productions told the Newcastle Herald. "We're excited to see what Newcastle has to offer and encourage performers from all genres to apply. "Newcastle auditions begin as virtual. Interested performers are encouraged to fill out an application form at and callbacks will be held over Zoom in July." In a promotional video uploaded to Australian Idol's Facebook page, host Ricki-Lee Coulter says: "Whether you're country or crooner, rapper or rockstar, or anything in-between, Australian Idol wants to hear from you." A good voice and stage presence isn't enough, though. To be considered, you must be an Australian; a New Zealand citizen living in Australia; or a current permanent resident of Australia. You must not have an existing contract with any other television show or record label. And, importantly, you must be aged between 15 and 35 (as of October 1, 2025) to audition. That has rubbed some wanna-be Idols up the wrong way, if social media comments are anything to go by ("Can we just leave the auditions open for all ages? The oldest contestant in Eurovision this year was 52!" ... "Can't anyone older than 35 sing?" ..."Only 15 - 35 years old?? Ageism right there!! LOL!! I'm 51!!" ... "It's always been for younger people. I think The Voice has a wider age range"). Yes, that's true. The Voice auditions are open to ages 13 and up. If you meet the criteria and are considering auditioning for Australian Idol 2026, the following statistics might be of interest. This year's grand finale, won by Marshall Hamburger, reached 1.85 million people across Seven and 7plus, which was a 13 per cent increase on the 2024 grand finale. Across its full 2025 season, Australian Idol reached 11.14 million people. And Hamburger won $100,000 in prize money and an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios. "Our call out and dedicated website at has been created to make it as easy as possible for all Newcastle residents to showcase their talents and chase their Idol dream," the spokesperson said.
ABC News
5 days ago
- ABC News
Sonya's Top Cabaret Festival picks
I saw Davina perform one song at our Live in Cabaret show two years ago and was hooked. With a big voice and soul and sass in spades, she builds a song like no other, ultimately blowing the roof off any venue she performs in. When she starts, you just don't want her to stop. One of the consistent and best parts of the Cabaret Festival is, hands down, Trevor Jones in the Quartet Bar- and it's free! Whether it's after another show or a stand-alone Trevor experience, you won't regret spending a few minutes or hours singing along to your favourite songs and requests. Trevor is super talented, supremely credentialled musically and with a personality that shines brighter even than his talent. This show has really piqued my interest! A good belly laugh goes so well with Cabaret but I'm intrigued by how a Power Point presentation and a backflip gets thrown into that mix! Looking forward to finding out from this show from Demi, who's seemingly wowed them in Edinburgh Unapologetically Judith Owen You had me when you said 50's jazz and blues, but badass ladies sealed the deal! This sounds like a show to savour in a darkened Banquet Room with a good whisky in your hand. David Campbell Good Lovin and More There's a good reason people love David Campbell. Adelaide audiences have a soft spot for him, particularly from his time as a former Director of this Festival. But his slick stage presence, smooth ability to belt out some of your favourite standards and unmatched charisma is a combination that means it's a tick from me! It's Cabaret Week on ABC Radio Adelaide. Don't miss out on the fun!
