No, not specifically because of the Ulysses Club AGM, although that will bring quite a few people to town.

The big boost has come from Lonely Planet’s decision to list Newcastle as one of the world’s top 10 cities. It has resulted in a 10-15 per cent rise in backpacker visitors alone, according to the local council.  
Newcastle Council tourism and economic development manager Simon McArthur told the ABC that the recommendation had brought thousands more backpackers to the city in search of local experiences they cannot find in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. The mind boggles a wee bit as to what those might be, apart from free punchups outside the pub*, but then what do I know?
McArthur added: “A lot of our backpackers are really, really happy being on our beaches because they’re there with all the locals enjoying it at the same time.”
He said many visitors swap Coogee or Bondi for Newcastle because “it’s not full of backpackers” and offers access to a more relaxed lifestyle. Of course now he and Lonely Planet have stuffed that up, but there you go.
The reason for this blog actually had nothing to do with Newcastle per se, as they say down in that arty-farty haven of backpackers, Sydney. No, it’s intended to apologise to our regular Ulysses readers for the absence of ARR and Cruiser+Trike magazines at the upcoming Ulysses AGM. I won’t go into too many details because, frankly, I would not like to be seen to be disloyal to the club (I am member #675, and was fortunate enough to be able to assist in its formation).
Nevertheless, I just want you to know that we were not invited to participate this year, to employ the “official” phrase. It was not our idea.
I’ll have to see you on the road instead.
Oh, by the way, many Ulyssians will find that their subscription comes due at about the time of the AGM. Please just re-subscribe by mail. We might have lost the opportunity o see you at Newcastle, but we’d hate to lose touch completely!
*This is a joke, okay? No, seriously, just a joke. Please don’t punch me next time you see me in a Newcastle pub, all right?

Peter “The Bear” Thoeming