When Boolaroo cafe Hippy Java didn't open its doors on the final weekend in August, its regulars weren't concerned.
They knew the team was in Melbourne to cheer on the Newcastle Northstars in the 2026 Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) finals series.
And their attention was on one player in particular: Maliq West, the son of Hippy Java owner Julie "Julz" West and former AIHL player Rick West.
Maliq works at the cafe, too, when his ice hockey commitments in Australia and overseas allow it.
He scored the 10th and final goal for the Northstars in the semifinal against Sydney Ice Dogs at O'Brien Icehouse on August 29, and looked for Julie in the crowd as he celebrated ... smiling as he spotted her.
His team defeated Canberra Brave 2-1 the following day to claim the 2026 Goodall Cup.
"Maliq started playing hockey when he was about four, but has been attending games since before he was even born," Julie said.
"Hockey is more than just a sport, it is a huge part of all of our lives and it is so great to see it become more popular.
"Maliq and his father, Rick West, both number 23, are the fifth father and son to have their names engraved on the cup in its 117-year history, which is pretty cool."
Julie said the "atmosphere and energy was amazing" at O'Brien Icehouse on finals weekend.
"I closed the cafe and all my family and staff went to Melbourne to support Maliq and the Northstars. Newcastle Northstars fans are so passionate," she said.
"You may just see a player on the ice for a game and that's that, but the work and dedication that Maliq puts in goes beyond. When and what we eat depends on his training and game schedule, for him to perform his best.
"Even what we watch or music we listen to supports him.
"He also misses out on being a normal 21-year-old, passing on snow trips with his friends, nights out, camping, so he doesn't miss training or a gym session. He truly is so dedicated, he lives and breathes hockey and wants nothing more than to be the best he can be."
During the Australian season, Maliq works at Hippy Java. During the off-season he heads overseas to train and play.
Julie's daughter, Sunnita, is a graphic designer. She manages the cafe's social media accounts and helps out in the cafe when Maliq is away.
"Ninety per cent of our customers are regulars, they come in and cheer Maliq on or congratulate him and the team during the season," Julie said.
"Winning the AIHL Goodall Cup Championship has created so much joy for everyone ... it fills your soul to feel such joy and warmth from our beautiful Hippy Java community. Even one of our older more quiet ladies, Janice, was jumping for joy, punching the air and smiling from ear to ear.
"Hockey fans are truly so supportive, and the Northstars community is one of the best fan bases out there, always cheering their loudest and travelling to support the team and players.
"It's been lovely to see Maliq get the recognition he deserves and get to shine. He works so hard and he deserves it all."
Hippy Java, with its cosy reading nook and extensive book collection, is now in its fourth year. Julie reckons it has "found its groove".
"It's no secret that small businesses have their struggles right now, but the Hippy Java community and our little slice of peace has really grown," she said.
"We are welcoming new customers every day and getting to catch up with our regulars on the daily. We have our food and drinks down to an art and our quality really is reflected in the care we put into everything.
"We are actually looking at bringing some exciting new additions to the beverage menu to welcome the warmer months ... think Euro summer. Keep an eye out!
"Our regulars are such an integral part of Hippy Java. They are one of the pillars that make us who we are. This winter has been especially cosy with lots of people finding solace in our book nook with our second-hand selection or bringing their own favourites.
"With Christmas coming up, we will also have new titles in for our customers to shop. This time of year is always really exciting for new releases. Sunni has worked at a bookstore since 2018 and curates our collection, she's on top of what is popular and upcoming."
Hippy Java is open Monday to Friday, 6am to 1.30pm, and Saturday, 7am to 12.30pm.
Wine, beer, food, and the beach. Sounds like a winning combination to me.
And entry is free.
Caves Coastal Beer, Food & Wine Festival returns to Caves Beach on Saturday, September 26, bringing with it more than 40 Central Coast and Hunter Valley breweries, distilleries, wineries, food vendors and makers.
There will also be face painting, live entertainment and fun activities for the kids, and dogs are welcome. Luna Park Sydney is an event partner and is bringing towering stilt walkers, fortune tellers, jugglers and roaming performers to the event.
Now in its third year, the festival is expected to attract between 2500 and 3000 people.
Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows general manager Layon Portes said the festival has become a much-anticipated event on the local calendar, with this year's event set to be the biggest yet.
"We've got a really fun line-up this year, and there's going to be plenty for people to discover. Whether you're coming with friends, bringing the family along or just want to spend a Saturday trying some great food and drinks, it's shaping up to be a fantastic day," he said.
"What I love most about the festival is that it's a festival for the locals, first and foremost. We're lucky enough to have this incredible beachfront location, so being able to bring great food, drinks and entertainment right onto the sand at Caves Beach is something we're really proud of."
Beckels Vineyard's Rebecca Bower said the festival was a highlight of the year for her business.
"It's always exciting to see the venue come alive during the festival and have so many people stopping by to discover what local businesses like ours have to offer. It's a great way to meet new customers, connect with familiar faces and be part of something the whole community can enjoy," she said.
The 2026 Caves Coastal Beer & Wine Festival is on Saturday, September 26, from 11am to 5pm at Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows, 27 Mawson Close, Caves Beach.
EXP. restaurant at Pokolbin is hosting guest chef Aaron Ward from Bathers Pavilion and Dylan Abdoo of Newcastle Greens for two intimate collaboration dinners on November 8 and 9. The two sittings, part of this year's EXP Guest Chef Series, are limited to 28 diners each.
The Monday dinner includes a pre-dinner Q&A and live produce showcase with Aaron and Dylan and is open to EXP.'s Apprentice Initiative participants. Hunter Culinary Association is subsidising the ticket cost for this event for up to nine apprentices (email your interest to [email protected]).
EXP's spring menu has launched and looks amazing, featuring chicken and duck from the award-winning Redgate Farm at Seaham (which chef Frank Fawkner is a fan of, and says is now run by the daughters of the late Charlie Scott, a fourth-generation farmer).
East Pavilion at Shoal Bay Country Club opens on Thursday, September 24, and bookings are now being taken. The menu is contemporary Asian in flavour ... think scallop and prawn toast with Singaporean chilli sauce and sesame; Indonesian turmeric seafood curry; and pork belly with a sticky mandarin glaze. The restaurant will seat 220 diners and is open Monday to Friday from 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am.
