The council signed over the two sponsorships, worth almost $350,000 in total, on Thursday.

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the council was committed to supporting events so important to the city.

"These three-year sponsorship agreements will provide event organisers with certainty of the city's assistance for these important community events," she said.

"City of Newcastle is proud to have been a founding sponsor of the Newcastle Writers Festival, which since its inception in 2013, has grown into a three-day literary event renowned in the cultural community.

"The City of Newcastle will continue its support of the region's Anzac Day events, which provide community members with a chance to show their respect for the men and women who bravely fought for our freedom and continue to serve our country today."

The agreement locks in $40,000 from the council for the Writers Festival until 2023, with three quarters of the contribution as value in-kind.

That portion includes allowing events to be held in the library and City Hall, and is contingent on the festival keeping at least 40 per cent of its events free to the public.

Event organiser Rosemarie Milsom, who was recognised at Thursday's University of Newcastle Alumni Awards, said she was overjoyed at locking in long-term support.

"I believe this sponsorship, which will secure the venues that are key to our event, is recognition of our contribution to the cultural dynamic of the city," she said.

Separately, the City of Newcastle Returned Services League sub-branch will receive $75,000 to support the Nobbys dawn service, the Anzac Day march and a civic park united remembrance service from 2020.

Sub-branch President Ken Fayle said the 2019 dawn service had been the best attended in Australia.

"By providing alternative commemoration services, it gives everybody within the community the opportunity to attend an Anzac Day event," he said.