City of Newcastle is offering a share of $880,000 for innovative projects that promote and activate the city centre, as it supports the return of the popular WinterHeat Festival.
The latest round of Special Business Rates (SBR) funding opens on Monday 11 August and is reserved for the promotion, beautification and economic development of Darby Street and the City Centre.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and WinterHeat organiser Zackari Watt with one of the displays that will feature at this year's festivalWinterHeat was reignited in 2024 thanks to SBR funding, warming the hearts of more than 12,000 people who enjoyed the free outdoor event in Pacific Park, complete with pyrotechnics, fire canons, the silent "WinterBeats" disco and a fun-filled Kids' Zone.
The festival will celebrate its 21st anniversary on 16 August with continued support from City of Newcastle, complete with more fire-themed activities, as well as a dining area with all local vendors, live music and the "Eat the Heat" chilli eating contest.
City of Newcastle's Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said SBR funding is all about bringing business precincts to life.
"The SBR program plays an important role in beautifying and activating the city centre at a time when it's experiencing a major period of transformation," Ms Jones said.
"The funding facilitates economic development by supporting local businesses and provides increased opportunities for arts, culture and community events.
"We work closely with the Business Improvement Association to ensure the SBR helps to boost visitation and enhance safety within the city, while creating a sense of community among businesses."
WinterHeat organiser Zackari Watt said the festival wouldn't exist without SBR funding and the support of the Newcastle Business Improvement Association.
"Our festival truly showcases the best Newcastle has to offer, including local food, music and performances, and it's totally free for the whole family," Mr Watt said.
"We're looking to make WinterHeat an annual event that not only appeals to locals but also attracts visitors from far and wide, who stay overnight and make a bigger impact on the local economy."
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said SBR funding presents locals with the opportunity to come together and develop ideas and events that promote their business precincts.
"SBR funding supported the return of WinterHeat in 2024, and it was a resounding success so we're looking forward to seeing what organisers have added for this year's instalment," Cr Kerridge said.
"We're also proud to support Bernie's Bar, which is hosting a 100 Years of the Star Hotel three-day festival starting on 29 August.
"This will feature the unveiling of a permanent historical marker on King Street, history talks, archive footage, live music, drag performances and a rainbow lighting installation on Devonshire Street."
Earlier this year, City of Newcastle received applications for a pool of $93,000 in SBR funding for projects in Wallsend and Hamilton.
The successful projects in Wallsend were the Full Circle Collective's Wallsend Op Shop Trail and the Curious Legends' Halloween-themed event, Wallsend Frights: A Hallow Evening.
The Newcastle Fringe Festival will take place in Hamilton in 2026 thanks to SBR funding, with the three-week festival launching with a community street party on Saturday 14 March.
Hunter Multicultural Communities also received funding for their project, a 12-month community-led initiative to replant, clean and care for the iconic mosaic planter boxes along Beaumont Street.
Applications for City Centre and Darby Street SBR funding open on 11 August and close 31 August. Anyone interested in applying can attend an online information session on Wednesday 13 August.
