TODAY: Dr Ross Kerridge Retires After 40 Years, Set to Serve Newcastle as Lord Mayor

14 October 2024

In a heartfelt message to friends and colleagues, Dr Ross Kerridge has announced his retirement from clinical work after an illustrious 40-year career in medicine. Reflecting on his journey with nostalgia and gratitude, he highlighted the experiences that shaped him both professionally and personally.

“It all began with an elective in Kenya, where my passion for medicine was truly ignited,” Dr Kerridge shared. His path led him from The Royal Newcastle Hospital to an unforgettable stint in Alice Springs, followed by a period working in England before returning home to Australia. “Each of these experiences shaped me as a doctor and as a person,” he noted.

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Dr Kerridge expressed deep appreciation for the patients he cared for and the colleagues he collaborated with at John Hunter Hospital and beyond. “The laughs we’ve shared, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the lives we’ve touched together… I’ll cherish these memories always,” he wrote.

The announcement was met with an outpouring of support and well-wishes from the community. Colleagues and friends congratulated him on his stellar career and expressed excitement for his new role as Lord Mayor of Newcastle.

“Congratulations on your retirement. Looking forward to all that you can achieve for the people of Newcastle,” one supporter commented. Another added, “You have made an amazing contribution to the medical field, and there are so many people in our community who are thankful to you.”

While some acknowledged the challenges ahead in his political role, there was a shared belief in his ability to make a significant impact. “We know you’ll bring positive change to our city,” a community member noted. Another expressed, “If your past is anything to go by, you’ll do a great job as Lord Mayor.”

Dr Kerridge also paid tribute to his family, thanking his wife Marion for her unwavering support through “every late night, every tough case, and every triumph.” Embracing his new role as a grandfather, he added, “To our kids and now our grandson—still can’t believe I’m a granddad!—your love keeps me going.”

He concluded with a toast to “new adventures, to the incredible community of Newcastle, and to the power of caring for others, no matter what hat we’re wearing.”