Newcastle Afoot, the walking tour business is excited to announce the launch of a new School Education Program providing immersive student walking tours based on the themes of Newcastle’s rich history, geography, and visual arts.

The learning experience has been developed with the support of major sponsor Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) who play a key role in delivering revitalisation projects across the city. 

Experiences will include hands-on and even dress-up activities that students complete on their walking tour, in some cases helping them imagine themselves as a convict, or a key person in history. With the sponsorship, Newcastle Afoot have been able to recruit an Excursions Program Coordinator to consult with schools to ensure students can meet important syllabus outcomes.

“We're proud to create fun and informative primary and high school excursions that help teachers meet student learning outcomes in an engaging and meaningful way.” said Becky Kiil, Director Newcastle Afoot

“This is a great city to explore on foot with its unique history, colourful street art, heritage spaces and stunning waterfront and with the city’s transformation continuing, it’s only getting better.
We’re thrilled to support this fantastic education initiative, and congratulate Newcastle Afoot on developing this innovative program.” Valentina Misevska, Chief Executive, HCCDC

With the new program comes a new meeting place for Newcastle Afoot tours; a colourful storytelling ground mural exploring Newcastle's culture and history has been painted by artist Inari on the former railway platform at The Station in Newcastle East.

"I'm so excited to have had artist Inari, who was one of the artists at The Big Picture Fest 2020, work with us on the gorgeous new educational 'Homebase' mural for Newcastle Afoot's walking tours and school excursions." says Becky.

Becky continues, "Inari's mural represents elements of Newcastle's history and culture, all of which are explored on Newcastle Afoot's walking tours. Inari worked with Worimi man Luke Russell, from Wylaa Buuranliyn, to put together the design. Several artists from her local business Creative Compound helped to install the mural while the community watched."

Newcastle Afoot is celebrating their fifth birthday by adding the excursions program to their regular business of walking tours, corporate events, scavenger hunts and placemaking events.

“We think Newcastle is just as unique as The Rocks in Sydney in its value to learning about Australia, our history, and how we are changing. We envision this city becoming the preferred excursion location for schools from our region and beyond” concluded Becky.

Top Photos (L to R) - Luke Russell from Wylaa Buuranliyn, Becky Kiil from Newcastle Afoot, Inari, and her artist team from Creative Compound at the new mural at The Station. (Photographer: Lee Illfield)

For more information visit Newcastle Afoot.