New Café and Community Hub Opens at Blackbutt Reserve

6 June 2025

newy.com.au – Blackbutt Reserve in Newcastle has received a fresh boost with the official opening of a $3.2 million community facility and café, marking the final milestone in a decade-long vision to revitalise the beloved natural area. The new centre, located within the Carnley Avenue section of the reserve, includes spaces for environmental education, community meetings, and social events, along with the new Blackbutt Café by Durks.

An accessible path now links the nearby lawn area with the play zones, animal exhibits, and the new facility, improving access for the thousands who visit each year. More than 150,000 people explore Blackbutt annually, drawn to its walking trails, wildlife displays, and bushland surrounds. City of Newcastle’s Marnie Kikken said the development was a key step in delivering a long-term plan shaped by public input.

The project received over $800,000 in funding through the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program. Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, who officially opened the facility, said the new space would serve as a vital hub for both locals and visitors, offering everything from community events to coffee and catered functions.

Also featured is a new bookable meeting room, available for schools, community groups and workshops. The café includes undercover dining and picnic-ready takeaway options. The facility pays tribute to years of service by volunteers who ran a small kiosk on-site, which helped establish Blackbutt as a regular weekend destination.

To celebrate the opening, a community fun day is scheduled for 21 June from 10am to 1pm, with live music, wildlife experiences, and family activities. The upgrade is part of a broader commitment by the City of Newcastle to enhance public spaces while respecting the area’s environmental values.