Ross Kerridge Announces ‘Our Newcastle’ Team

The “Our Newcastle” team was introduced this morning in Wallsend, with candidates emphasising their commitment to honesty, integrity, transparency, and collaboration with the community. Led by Dr Ross Kerridge, who is also a candidate for Lord Mayor, the team aims to uphold these values in their approach to local government.

Dr Kerridge expressed confidence in his team, stating, “Our Newcastle is about taking back our city and embracing the values that good local government should espouse. I believe each of our candidates lives and breathes these values and, if elected, will deliver for our city.”

The “Our Newcastle” banner features a diverse group of candidates, each bringing a unique background and expertise to their respective wards:

Ward 1:

1. Dr Ross Kerridge – Running as both Ward 1 candidate and Lord Mayor candidate.
2. Peter Gittins – A former international Head of School and CEO.
3. Emily Coker – A small business owner and retailer.

Ward 2:

1. Leisha Parkinson – A marketing professional and former small business owner.
2. Kimberly Besser – An administrator in higher education.
3. John Beach – A retired long-time public-school principal.

Ward 3:

1. Mark Brooker – Owner and publisher of “The Local” and a community advocate.
2. Dr Michelle Brown – A postdoctoral researcher at HMRI and co-administrator of the “Save our Oval’s” Facebook Group.
3. Dr Alyssa Lochrin – A clinical researcher at HMRI.

Ward 4:

1. Tahlia Kelso – A library manager.
2. Julie Davies – A retired mental health nurse.
3. Wayne Rogers – An entertainer, local business operator, and head of the Wallsend Town Business Association.

Pictured at the announcement were lead candidates Mark Brooker (Ward 3), Tahlia Kelso (Ward 4), Peter Gittins (Ward 1), and Leisha Parkinson (Ward 2).

The “Our Newcastle” team plans to engage with residents across all wards, focusing on community needs and the values they believe are essential for good governance.