Swell Magazine

Swell Magazine Swell magazine celebrates the unique stories of people and businesses connected to Newcastle and surrounds.
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We're passionate about our community and about slowing down, devouring our pages and coming back to our stories time and time again.

Zoe Pohlmann is the Creative Director of , a boutique building design firm based in Nelson Bay, while her partner Tyson ...
05/09/2024

Zoe Pohlmann is the Creative Director of , a boutique building design firm based in Nelson Bay, while her partner Tyson McDuff owns .design.construct. When the pair decided to combine their expertise and embark on their biggest project to date - their own dream home and work studio - it’s no surprise that the result is nothing short of spectacular. We caught up with Zoe to find out more, and you can now read all about it on our website.

https://swellmag.com.au/designing-the-dream/

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The Awabakal Wildflower Walk only happens once a year, and it takes you deep into the secret world of plants. To a train...
03/09/2024

The Awabakal Wildflower Walk only happens once a year, and it takes you deep into the secret world of plants. To a trained eye like Maree McMcarthy, the coastal heathland in the Awabakal Nature Reserve is alive with activity. The idyllic area hugging the coastline south of Dudley Beach is one of Newcastle’s best-kept secrets, and Maree is on a mission to share it with as many people as she can.

With Spring arriving, be inspired to explore our beautiful coastlines and be sure to stop and smell the wildflowers.

Read the story here: https://swellmag.com.au/stop-and-smell-the-wildflowers/

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🪡 It was a love of fashion, though not necessarily the fashion industry, that drove Emma Hartley to open vintage and pre...
01/09/2024

🪡 It was a love of fashion, though not necessarily the fashion industry, that drove Emma Hartley to open vintage and pre-loved clothing store . With sustainability at the centre of the business, Emma spoke to Swell about creating a circular clothing economy and educating consumers about purchasing more ethically. You can now read the full story, as featured in issue 15, online now!

https://swellmag.com.au/full-circle/

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We've had a busy week packing, stamping, lifting, driving and walking the Spring issue of Swell to our local stockists a...
29/08/2024

We've had a busy week packing, stamping, lifting, driving and walking the Spring issue of Swell to our local stockists and valued subscribers 😮‍💨 We have some more deliveries to do and a few new stockists coming on board - but here's a list of where you can find Swell RIGHT NOW. Best served with a side of fresh air and sunshine 😎🌞🌊

It was an ‘adult gap year’ that sparked Libby Helinski’s love of all things Nordic. After spending a year living in Swed...
28/08/2024

It was an ‘adult gap year’ that sparked Libby Helinski’s love of all things Nordic. After spending a year living in Sweden, in a small town right on the Arctic Circle, she returned home to Newcastle brimming with ideas – and Pappa Sven was born. In our latest online story, we're taking you back to issue 10. You can now read all about the history of this gorgeous Newcastle store, online now.

https://swellmag.com.au/a-nordic-true-north/

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NEW STOCKIST! 🚨 You can now pick up issue 21 at the beautiful Hey Jude, Love Pete store in Newcastle's east end. Full to...
28/08/2024

NEW STOCKIST! 🚨 You can now pick up issue 21 at the beautiful Hey Jude, Love Pete store in Newcastle's east end. Full to the brim with colour, comfort and quirk, you'll enjoy having a browse at this beautiful boutique. Visit them at 63 Hunter Street!

Issue 21 now at Blackbird Corner ❤️🍅
28/08/2024

Issue 21 now at Blackbird Corner ❤️🍅

Ta-da! The latest Swell Magazine is now gracing our shelves! Such a beautiful publication! By Newy folk, too! Amazing! See you soon!

👨‍🍳 It’s undisputed that one of the best things about the weather warming up is a long lunch with mates, but no one want...
27/08/2024

👨‍🍳 It’s undisputed that one of the best things about the weather warming up is a long lunch with mates, but no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove when it’s thirty degrees outside. Enter Josh Seaward of Forty Feathers - Private chef catering. Josh takes the guess work out of entertaining so all you have to do is sit back, sip that iced cold mojito and enjoy. We shared Josh's story in issue 19 of Swell, and you can now read it online too!

https://swellmag.com.au/a-long-lunch/

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🎨 For .demarchi.art, life is a beautiful messy blur of paint and parenting. When Prudence isn’t playing mum, she’s creat...
26/08/2024

🎨 For .demarchi.art, life is a beautiful messy blur of paint and parenting. When Prudence isn’t playing mum, she’s creating magic in her studio, whipping up colourful works of art to brightened up the lives of her growing legion of fans. Back in issue 15 we had a lovely chat with Prudence about her art practice, and also got to take a little look inside her beautiful home. The full article is now online!

https://swellmag.com.au/even-brush-strokes/

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For most of us, moving house at some point or another is kind of inevitable. According to some very official statistics,...
23/08/2024

For most of us, moving house at some point or another is kind of inevitable. According to some very official statistics, moving just happens to be one of the most stressful events of your life.

This is why we’ve put together some very official tips to make the whole process a little easier. New to our online stories is this piece by Laura – daughter of a military family and regular mover of houses (from house to house that is, she’s not that strong).

https://swellmag.com.au/how-to-move-house-without-dying-a-little-inside/

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It takes a special kind of person to feel so passionate about supporting small businesses and their community that they’...
21/08/2024

It takes a special kind of person to feel so passionate about supporting small businesses and their community that they’d drop what they’re doing, quit their day jobs and dedicate every last minute of their spare time to doing just that. Welcome to the stage – Lauren and Lewis Kearney, founders of the Homegrown Markets.

It was such a pleasure to feature Lauren and Lewis back in issue 13, and you can now read the full story online.

https://swellmag.com.au/magic-market/

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🛍️ Products sourced from

🍅 ISSUE 21 is headed your way next week! What do you think of the cover? We had a lot of fun designing and photographing...
20/08/2024

🍅 ISSUE 21 is headed your way next week! What do you think of the cover? We had a lot of fun designing and photographing this one ourselves and love how it turned out. If you're not already subscribed, now's your chance to start a new subscription before a brand new issue hits the shelves. You can also pre-order a single copy if you prefer. Can't wait to show you all that's inside this new edition.

https://swellmag.com.au/shop/

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever purchased via text message? For Sam and Shelley Johnson, it was their house – a ti...
19/08/2024

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever purchased via text message? For Sam and Shelley Johnson, it was their house – a tiny three-bedroom 1960s weatherboard on one of the most picturesque streets in Floraville. Fast forward five years and the little home they bought via text has had a pretty major glow-up, with an architecturally-designed extension transforming it into a spacious family home with a killer view.

You can now read all about this gorgeous house transformation with our online version of the story!

https://swellmag.com.au/our-flora-home/

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🪴 Styling by Lauren

What does a piece of art tell you about its creator? The art in question here is jewellery, and its creator is art teach...
16/08/2024

What does a piece of art tell you about its creator? The art in question here is jewellery, and its creator is art teacher turned jewellery designer, self-taught business woman and lover of the lyrical line – Michelle Smith, creator behind . We had the pleasure of featuring Michelle and Via Smith in issue 17 of Swell, which you can now read online!

https://swellmag.com.au/an-artists-craft/

✏️ Story by Emma Lalic
📸 Photos by

The team behind , one of Newcastle's most highly rated restaurants have done it again, with the late 2023 opening of a g...
14/08/2024

The team behind , one of Newcastle's most highly rated restaurants have done it again, with the late 2023 opening of a gorgeous wine bar, next door. For issue 20, Swell sat down with co-owner, Eduardo Molina, to learn more - and you can now read the full story online!

https://swellmag.com.au/float-your-foodie-boat/

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In our latest Swell online story, Melinda takes us inside the sibling group chat. No matter what kind of relationship yo...
13/08/2024

In our latest Swell online story, Melinda takes us inside the sibling group chat. No matter what kind of relationship you have with your siblings, there’s comfort in knowing they’re just an emoji away. From sharing what we ate for breakfast, letting each other know when our favourite chocolate is on sale, or gossiping about something someone else in the family has done - the sibling group chat is a sacred place. Read it online now!

https://swellmag.com.au/game-of-phones/

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It’s no secret that here at Swell we’re big fans of  lockers. Let’s face it - we’re also big fans of basically everythin...
12/08/2024

It’s no secret that here at Swell we’re big fans of lockers. Let’s face it - we’re also big fans of basically everything they do. We first caught up with founders Becca and Jess back in issue 6 of Swell, so we were well overdue for a catch up on all things lockers, life and running an international business. Read our Q & A with Becca from Mustard now!

https://swellmag.com.au/making-mustard/

PS. Don't miss out on your chance to win your own Lowdown locker. There's lots of ways to enter, including a whopping 30 entries for completing our 3 minute survey!

https://swellmag.com.au/mustard-made-x-swell-magazine-locker-giveaway/

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Name a better combo - we'll wait. Love this shot of issue 20 snapped by . We love seeing where you're reading Swell so p...
11/08/2024

Name a better combo - we'll wait. Love this shot of issue 20 snapped by . We love seeing where you're reading Swell so please tag us in your pics! 🍷 🌊 🌇

What’s the most interesting thing about how you spend your spare time? Do you knit hats for your cat, sculpt bonsai or r...
09/08/2024

What’s the most interesting thing about how you spend your spare time? Do you knit hats for your cat, sculpt bonsai or read tarot cards? 🧶 🐱 Whatever you do, you can bet there’s a way to monetise that interest. 💰

You could open an online store, launch an e-course or become a blogger in your niche! But do you have to? Hobbies might be your fast track to having a side hustle, but it’s also okay if your backyard beehive, home-brewed beer, or wobbly pottery doesn’t pay the bills. 🐝 🍺 🍶

Back in issue 5, Melinda's story told us that we don't always have to put our hobbies up for sale. You can read it online now.

https://swellmag.com.au/dont-put-your-hobbies-up-for-sale/

🥕 Is it possible to eat well, reduce waste, be kind to the environment, spend less money AND save time on grocery shoppi...
08/08/2024

🥕 Is it possible to eat well, reduce waste, be kind to the environment, spend less money AND save time on grocery shopping? It seems like a LOT to manage, but in short, the answer is yes.

Back in issue 9, Hannah shared her food philosophy and how becoming a mum has made her a more mindful cook - and you can now read it and be inspired to be a more conscious cook too, via our website.

https://swellmag.com.au/cooking-with-a-conscience/

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🧵 For pi_williams_art, life is joyfully bursting at the seams. For this unique Central Coast artist with three young son...
07/08/2024

🧵 For pi_williams_art, life is joyfully bursting at the seams. For this unique Central Coast artist with three young sons and an increasing demand for her stunning textile artworks, each day is a busy bundle of wool, fabric, nature adventures and kids.

You can now read our feature with Pi on our website.

https://swellmag.com.au/a-punch-of-colour/

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💛 GIVEAWAY 💛 To say that we're big fans of  lockers would be a huge understatement, and we're so excited to be giving yo...
07/08/2024

💛 GIVEAWAY 💛 To say that we're big fans of lockers would be a huge understatement, and we're so excited to be giving you the chance to win your very own Lowdown locker, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Mustard team.

The Lowdown is your new favourite small tv unit, record player console or office storage. She's perfectly proportioned to make the most of that little alcove in your living space, but works just as well next to a bed or in the hall, she's seriously versatile! The lucky winner will be able to choose a Lowdown in the colour of their choice, and have it shipped directly to their home.

💛 HOW TO ENTER:

This comp will run in sweepstakes style, meaning you can gain entries in a number of different ways. Head to the link below for all the details and to enter now -

👉 https://swellmag.com.au/mustard-made-x-swell-magazine-locker-giveaway/

💛 Ts & Cs:

Competition is open to Australian residents only. Winner will be drawn at random via the Sweep Widget platform. Competition is open from 10am Wednesday 7th August 2024 (AEST) until 10am Wednesday 21 August 2024 (AEST). Comp is not affiliated with Instagram or Facebook.

It was a dreary mid-week afternoon at work when  received the phone call she’d been dreaming of. Like all good stories, ...
06/08/2024

It was a dreary mid-week afternoon at work when received the phone call she’d been dreaming of. Like all good stories, it involved a racing heart and running in the rain. However, unlike in the movies, upon reaching her car, taking the call and finding out she had just secured a book deal, Amy didn’t know what to feel.

We had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Amy for issue 18 of Swell, and you can now read the full feature online too.

https://swellmag.com.au/a-labour-of-literary-love/

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😮 It's almost that time again - a brand new issue of Swell is now in the hands of our trusty printers and one step close...
05/08/2024

😮 It's almost that time again - a brand new issue of Swell is now in the hands of our trusty printers and one step closer to being yours. We know we say this every time, but there's truly something for everyone in issue 21. From authentic local Italian in the Newcastle 'burbs, to a paediatric nurse taking the fear out of childhood illnesses, a love letter to all things Australian coffee and an icy cold plunge into the ice bath trend - we hope you'll find so much joy within these fresh pages. 🍅

Pre-order or subscribe now to get your copy of Swell, issue 21.

https://swellmag.com.au/product/21/

⚛️ National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and is held annually in August. Fea...
02/08/2024

⚛️ National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and is held annually in August. Featuring more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres, it’s one of Australia’s largest festivals. We've put together a round up of what’s happening for National Science Weel in Newcastle and surrounds, including an incredible talk at Civic Theatre Newcastle with renowned orangutan conservationist, Dr Biruté Galdikas. 🍌

https://swellmag.com.au/celebrate-national-science-week-in-newcastle-and-surrounds/

Remember when you were a kid, and you played every chance you could? Then you grew up, life got serious and next thing y...
31/07/2024

Remember when you were a kid, and you played every chance you could? Then you grew up, life got serious and next thing you know, it’s all just work and bills and boring things. Well, this is why we’re taking a look at adult play and finding out just what roller skating has to do with it all.

Get silly, have some fun for the sake of having fun and read our latest online story now.

https://swellmag.com.au/the-pursuit-of-playfulness/

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⚓ Sitting on top of Nobbys-Whibayganba Headland, is Nobbys Lighthouse, one of the most iconic landmarks in Newcastle - b...
30/07/2024

⚓ Sitting on top of Nobbys-Whibayganba Headland, is Nobbys Lighthouse, one of the most iconic landmarks in Newcastle - but it’s not just ships it’s guiding in. These days the lighthouse is home to Hunter Writers' Centre initiative, Lighthouse Arts Newcastle, and its artist-in-residence program.

We spoke to Katherine McLean, Hunter Writers Centre and Lighthouse Arts director, to find out more.

https://swellmag.com.au/a-beacon-of-creativity/

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🗜️ 📏 When her grandfather’s leather tools serendipitously came into her possession, Millie Harvey was determined not to ...
29/07/2024

🗜️ 📏 When her grandfather’s leather tools serendipitously came into her possession, Millie Harvey was determined not to let them gather dust. Combining her background in industrial design and interests in slow fashion and simplified living, she created Tamboon Leather Co – a modern brand built on age-old values.

Read all about this local leather goods business, which featured in Swell issue 3, online now.

https://swellmag.com.au/a-modern-legacy/

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And still so many more stories left to tell! You know that we’re usually all about words, but when it came to sending ou...
28/07/2024

And still so many more stories left to tell! You know that we’re usually all about words, but when it came to sending our 20th issue off to print, we decided to pump out some numbers to see just how far we’ve come.

Now, as a bunch of creatives, this was no mean feat, BUT when we took a moment to sit back and let these numbers sink in, we couldn’t help but feel pretty damn proud.

So, in light of 20 issues of our humble magazine here’s some Swell Stats. ➡️

🐈‍⬛ Our writer  used to hate cats. You might think hate is a strong word to use, but in this setting it’s the best way t...
27/07/2024

🐈‍⬛ Our writer used to hate cats. You might think hate is a strong word to use, but in this setting it’s the best way to describe her strong dislike for the feline species. Being highly allergic was the biggest contributing factor, but she also just found cats to be largely unlikeable. Cold, unfriendly, snobby even.

That was, until her husband brought one home (and yes they're still married). Over the past year or so, since a certain fellow named Jojo entered their lives, her cold heart has softened and she now finds herself feeling…things…at the sight of other random cats in the neighbourhood.

But how did she get here? In our latest online story, Hannah shares the surprising things she's learned about cats and how despite her allergies, she's well on her way to 'crazy cat lady' status.

https://swellmag.com.au/observations-from-a-former-cat-hater

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About Swell Magazine

Swell Magazine is a quarterly printed publication that has been carefully curated and thoughtfully designed in order to showcase the best that Newcastle, and its surrounds has to offer. Locally produced, Swell Magazine aims to inspire people that live and work in the area by uncovering hidden gems and encouraging them to explore something new, while also enticing tourists to visit and providing them with all they need to know while in town.

In today’s digital age, many people still crave the tactile element that has been lost from online media. With this thought in mind, Swell has been designed to be collected, displayed on coffee tables and stored among your favourite books. Its pages will be enjoyed slowly and readers are encouraged to get lost in the words and images, time and time again.

The magazine’s main focus will be on showcasing Newcastle and Hunter-based businesses, encouraging readers to shop, dine and experience new things locally. It will uncover the stories and people behind some of Newcastle’s most-loved places, as well as the ever-expanding number of new businesses popping up around the city.

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