As one of Newcastle’s most trusted family-focused media platforms, Newy with Kids has been featured across major news outlets including ABC Newcastle, ABC Australia, NBN Television Newcastle, the Newcastle Herald and Newcastle Weekly.
These media appearances reflect our strong community presence and our long-standing commitment to helping local families discover the best things to see and do across the region.
Newy with Kids is a locally owned and independent digital media brand dedicated to showcasing the best family-friendly events, activities, playgrounds and things to do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley.
Established in 2012 by local mum Reena Bilen, the site now reaches more than 60,000 monthly visitors and 100,000 – 150,000 monthly pageviews, making it one of the region’s most trusted sources for family fun.
Families use Newy with Kids to find playground reviews, school holiday guides, local adventures, day trips, seasonal round-ups, itineraries, community events and family-friendly businesses.
Alongside the website, Newy with Kids publishes a widely read weekly newsletter and shares daily updates across Facebook and Instagram.
Loved by parents, endorsed by local businesses and recognised by major media, Newy with Kids helps families plan fun, meaningful experiences across the region.
As Seen In
Media Highlights
ABC Newcastle
Newy with Kids has been interviewed on ABC Newcastle Radio to discuss local family-friendly events, school holiday activities and seasonal ideas for families across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
- Newy Scavenger Hunt – Interview on ABC Newcastle Breakfast – Reena Bilen spoke about the Newy Scavenger Hunt and fun ways families can explore their neighbourhood. Listen here
- Who Are You? – Profile Interview With Reena Bilen – As part of ABC Newcastle Breakfast’s “Who Are You?” series, Reena spoke with Jenny Marchant about her personal story, her move to Newcastle, her career background and the inspiration behind creating Newy with Kids. This segment explores the people who shape the Hunter region and highlights the origins of Newy with Kids as a trusted local family resource. Listen here
ABC Australia
- How to talk to toddlers and young children about racism – Reena was featured in an ABC Australia news article exploring how parents can discuss race and diversity with babies, toddlers and young children. The story highlighted practical ways families can introduce these ideas through everyday play and reading. This national feature positioned Reena and Newy with Kids as trusted voices on parenting and early childhood topics. Read here
NBN Television Newcastle
- NBN News featured the Newy with Kids Scavenger Hunt series in a lifestyle segment highlighting family-friendly outdoor activities across Newcastle. The segment showcased how the hunts encourage families to explore local landmarks and discover hidden stories within the city. Watch segment
Newcastle Herald
- Scavenger hunts at old Newcastle and Civic train stations – The Newcastle Herald published a feature on the Newy with Kids scavenger hunts delivered in collaboration with Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation. Read here
- Hunting for something to do? Here’s a clue – The Newcastle Herald published a feature about the Newy with Kids scavenger hunts. Read here
- The Mummy Project: Linking parents to community – The Newcastle Herald published a feature on The Mummy Project (former name of Newy with Kids). The piece highlighted how the site began as a personal project and became a valuable resource for local parents. Read here
Newcastle Weekly
- Popular Website Heads in New Direction – Newcastle Weekly published a full-length feature on Reena and the Newy with Kids journey, tracing the website’s beginnings as a personal project during early motherhood to its growth into a well-known family resource for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter. Read here
- Scavengers hunt for the best of Newy – Newcastle Weekly published a feature about the Newy with Kids scavenger hunts. Read here
In Touch Magazine
- Hunting for the best of Newy – InTouch Magazine featured Reena Bilen in an article highlighting five self-directed scavenger hunts designed for families exploring Newcastle. The piece showcased how these hunts encourage children and adults to discover the city’s landmarks, learn fun facts and see familiar places with fresh eyes. Read here
Types of Media Coverage
Television
- Channel 9 News feature segment
Radio
- ABC Newcastle interviews covering parenting topics, school holiday planning, events and local family activities
- Rhema 99.5FM Monthly What’s On Feature
Print and Online News
- Newcastle Herald editorial mentions and quotes
- Newcastle Weekly lifestyle features
- In Touch Magazine
- ABC News
- Additional mentions in council publications and community outlets
Awards
- Kidspot Voices of 2015 – Chosen as a finalist in Kidspot’s Voices of 2015 program. This included invitations to Kidspot blogging events, publication of sponsored content on Kidspot, and attendance at the Voices of 2015 Gala Awards Night. The program recognised influential Australian parenting and lifestyle creators.
- Reena was also selected to participate in the #FordThinking challenge in Kidspot Voices of 2015. Reena was provided with the loan of a Ford Kuga MkII Titanium for six weeks and commissioned to write sponsored content. Read our Ford Australia about Newcastle Museum, Anzac Memorial Walk and Caves Beach.
Community and Council Collaborations
Newy with Kids works closely with councils, community organisations, event organisers and tourism bodies to support family-friendly initiatives. Collaborations have included:
- City of Newcastle
- Lake Macquarie City Council
- Maitland City Council
- Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation
- Local attractions, festivals and regional tourism campaigns
These partnerships help highlight the best events, experiences and outdoor spaces for families across the region.
Why Local Media Trust Newy with Kids
- Over 12 years of local knowledge
- Independent and community-focused
- More than 60,000 monthly readers
- Highly engaged and loyal audience
- Trusted by parents, grandparents and carers
- Strong relationships with councils, organisations and local businesses
Media Enquiries
For media interviews, commentary or support with stories about family activities, parenting, local events or community life in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Hunter, please get in touch with Reena Bilen , Chief Fun Finder of Newy with Kids.
For advertising and partnership opportunities, please visit our Advertising page.