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After a sixteen year career in local council, ward 3 councillor and former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has stepped down, marking the end of an era that saw the city undergo major transformation. Nelmes announced her resignation, citing a desire to focus on the next phase of her professional career.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead our wonderful city for the past ten years,” she said in her farewell statement. “I’m extremely proud of the transformational progress we have made.”
Her departure follows her defeat in the 2024 local government elections to independent candidate Dr. Ross Kerridge, ending her long-standing leadership and ushering in a new political chapter for Newcastle.
Born as Nuatali Josephine Scobie, she was immersed in politics from a young age, following in the footsteps of her father, long-time Labor councillor Paul Scobie. She joined the Labor Party at the age of 20, marking the beginning of her political career. In 2008, she was elected to Newcastle City Council, succeeding her father, and quickly made a name for herself in local governance.
A business graduate from the University of Newcastle with a double major in Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management and Marketing, Nelmes also built extensive experience in small business and recruitment before taking on leadership roles in council.
In 2012, she contested the Lord Mayoral election but was defeated by independent candidate and developer Jeff McCloy. However, McCloy’s resignation in 2014 amid a corruption investigation led to a by-election, where Nelmes secured victory, becoming Newcastle’s youngest Lord Mayor.
During her decade-long tenure, Nelmes played a key role in reshaping Newcastle through significant infrastructure projects and policy changes. She secured over $1 billion in public infrastructure investment, transforming key areas of the city. Among her most notable projects were the completion of stage one of the Newcastle Ocean Baths and the South Newcastle Beach Bathers Way upgrade.
Under her leadership, Newcastle became the first local government in Australia to transition to 100% renewable energy, a milestone that put the city at the forefront of sustainability. This included replacing 13,400 streetlights with LED technology and expanding the city’s electric vehicle charging network.
The city’s revitalisation extended to cultural and recreational spaces. The transformation of Hunter Street Mall into a mixed-use precinct helped attract new businesses and residents, boosting the local economy. She championed the redevelopment of Civic Theatre, enhancing Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural hub.
Nelmes also prioritised active transport, overseeing the expansion of Newcastle’s cycling and walking infrastructure. Projects such as the City Centre Cycleway and Fernleigh Track extensions provided safer commuting options, encouraging a shift away from car dependence.
Coastal erosion at Stockton Beach was another major focus of her administration, with Nelmes securing government support to deliver over 130,000 cubic meters of sand to protect the shoreline.
Recreational spaces across Newcastle were also upgraded, including the National Park basketball courts and Kotara Sportsground.
She played a major role in securing funding for the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion, a long-awaited project that finally moved forward under her leadership. The expansion aimed to cement Newcastle as a major destination for arts and culture, increasing exhibition space and providing opportunities for local artists.
Nelmes was also instrumental in advocating for the reactivation of Newcastle’s working harbour. Her efforts saw investment in new maritime infrastructure, supporting tourism ventures such as cruise ship arrivals and ferry services. This initiative strengthened Newcastle’s identity as a port city and boosted economic activity along the waterfront.
Another significant achievement was her role in securing funding for the expansion of Newcastle Airport. She was a vocal supporter of making Newcastle a gateway for international travel, advocating for the extension of the runway and improved terminal facilities. These upgrades positioned the airport as a key transport hub, increasing tourism and business opportunities for the Hunter region.
In addition to infrastructure and sustainability projects, Nelmes advocated for increased investment in social housing, supporting initiatives aimed at tackling homelessness in Newcastle. She worked with community organisations to develop housing solutions and pushed for state and federal funding to address housing shortages.
Beyond infrastructure, Nelmes served on various boards, including the Newcastle Airport, Hunter Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Northern Settlement Services, Local Government NSW, and the Hunter Writers Centre, highlighting her commitment to community service and development.
Despite her achievements, Nelmes’ tenure was not without controversy. In 2017, she faced allegations of “bullying and harassment” from a fellow councillor, though no formal action was taken. That same year, she came under scrutiny for corporate credit card expenses exceeding $30,000 over two years, with claims including five-star hotel stays and food expenses. An external review found some of her claims had breached council policies.
One particular expense that gained public attention was the purchase of Mint Slice biscuits on a council credit card, which led to her being mockingly dubbed the “Mint Slice Mayor.” While the expense itself was minor, it became symbolic of broader concerns over council spending and accountability. The term was widely used by her critics and resurfaced throughout her tenure.
One of the most contentious issues during her leadership was the introduction of the Newcastle 500 Supercars event in 2017. While the event brought economic benefits, it faced strong opposition from local residents and businesses. By 2023, a city survey found that 59% of residents opposed extending the event’s contract, and the council ultimately declined to vote on its continuation.
Nelmes’ final months in office were marked by a competitive election against Dr. Ross Kerridge, a well-known perioperative medicine specialist. Kerridge secured over 35% of the vote, surpassing Nelmes by more than 3,000 votes.
Following her loss, Nelmes thanked the community and reflected on her decade of leadership. “I hope this era of change in Newcastle will be remembered as a period of great transformation,” she said.
Although she was re-elected to council for a fifth term in September 2024, she ultimately announced her resignation from council in February 2025, concluding a 16-year career in local government.
Her resignation has triggered a countback election for her Ward 3 seat. The NSW Electoral Commission will now contact all unelected Ward 3 candidates to confirm their interest in filling the vacancy. If only one candidate accepts, they will be appointed; otherwise, a countback election will determine the replacement.
Newcastle City Council CEO Jeremy Bath acknowledged Nelmes’ contributions, highlighting her efforts in economic development and urban transformation. Lord Mayor Dr. Ross Kerridge and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull also paid tribute to her service, with Pull noting, “Politics aside, it is undeniable that Nuatali Nelmes made an impact as Lord Mayor.” Kerridge praised her “energetic leadership” and wished her well in her future endeavors, while Newcastle Councillor and former Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen thanked her for her leadership and commitment to the city, saying, “You’ve made an extraordinary contribution, and we wish you the very best in the next stages of your professional career.”
Written by: Newy Staff
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