City of Newcastle is inviting applications for a share of $880,000 in Special Business Rates (SBR) funding to support projects that promote and activate the city centre, including the return of the WinterHeat Festival.
The latest funding round opens on Monday 11 August and is specifically for initiatives that enhance Darby Street and the broader City Centre through promotion, beautification, and economic development.
WinterHeat returned in 2024 with SBR support, attracting more than 12,000 visitors to Pacific Park for free entertainment, including pyrotechnics, fire canons, the silent “WinterBeats” disco, and a Kids’ Zone. The 21st anniversary of the festival on 16 August will feature additional fire-themed activities, a local dining precinct, live music, and the “Eat the Heat” chilli eating contest.
City of Newcastle Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said the SBR program plays an important role in energising the city centre.
“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 highlighted the role of SBR funding in the festival’s success.
“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 the funding enables the community to develop events that benefit city 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 in 2025, City of Newcastle allocated $93,000 in SBR funding to projects in Wallsend and Hamilton, including the Full Circle Collective’s Wallsend Op Shop Trail, Curious Legends’ Halloween-themed Wallsend Frights: A Hallow Evening, the Newcastle Fringe Festival, and a Hunter Multicultural Communities project to restore Beaumont Street mosaic planter boxes.
Applications for the City Centre and Darby Street SBR funding round open on 11 August and close 31 August 2025.
IMAGE | Lord Mayor and Zac Watt
