A City of Newcastle program, which is designed to develop and promote new tourism products, has helped two local operators create a new First Nations experience for women.
Moon Woman Gathering on Water (Gilayn Galbaan Yalawanyi Bathuga) is a two-hour cruise on the Hunter River at Carrington, under a full moon, that invites women to reconnect with the rhythms of moon, tide and Country through cultural teaching, reflection and guided practice.
Nicole Herring from Nova Cruises, Aunty Theresa Dargin a Warrimay Nyuragil woman, Natalie Kelly from Nova Cruises and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser.Passionate Warrimay Nyuragil woman, Aunty Theresa Dargin, was selected to be part of the 2025/26 Product Mentoring Development Program to learn from the expertise of past participants such as Natalie Kelly from Nova Cruises.
Their collaboration led to the development of Moon Woman Gathering on Water (Gilayn Galbaan Yalawanyi Bathuga), with the first cruise to take place on Friday 17 April.
Aunty Theresa said she's looking forward to providing a culturally grounded experience for visitors and community alike.
"As a Warrimay Nyuragil woman, lore woman and cultural knowledge holder, it is important to me that these experiences are shared respectfully and create opportunities for deeper connection to place and story here in Newcastle," Aunty Theresa said.
"I'm grateful to be part of the Product Development Program and to be working with the team to continue developing meaningful visitor experiences that honour Country and culture.
"I'm also thankful for Natalie and the Nova Cruises team for their openness and collaboration in bringing this initiative forward."
City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said the Product Mentoring Development Program helps local businesses develop and promote bookable experiences.
"We want to increase the appeal of Newcastle as a tourism destination by adding to the number and diversity of available products," Mr Kaiser said.
"Businesses take part in workshops, receive mentoring from previous participants and six months of ongoing business support.
"We're excited to see this new collaboration between Aunty Theresa and Nova Cruises, and what other ideas come out of the program in the future."
Natalie Kelly from Nova Cruises said they love collaborating with other local businesses to create new tourism products.
"When we met with Aunty Therese Dargin the initial idea was helping Spiritual Waterways offer on-water experiences to schools," Ms Kelly said.
"From there we discussed creating a tourism product for Newcastle and Moon Woman Gathering on Water (Gilayn Galbaan Yalawanyi Bathuga) was the result."
"We're very proud to be part of this bespoke Indigenous tourism offering in Newcastle."
