Peta Winney-Baartz Returns to Newcastle Council Following Countback Election

25 February 2025

Article updated at 2:37pm

newy.com.au – Peta Winney-Baartz has returned to the City of Newcastle Council, following her successful re-election as a Ward 3 Councillor. The NSW Electoral Commission confirmed her election this morning after a countback election, which was necessitated by the resignation of former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

A countback election is a process used to fill a casual vacancy in the office of a councillor when the vacating councillor was elected under the proportional representation method. This method involves re-examining the ballot papers from the original election to determine the candidate who now has the highest preference, ensuring that the voters’ original intentions are respected. This process is distinct from a by-election, where a completely new election is held to fill the vacancy. The City of Newcastle Council opted for the countback method, as permitted under the Local Government Act 1993, to efficiently address the vacancy within 18 months of the last ordinary election.

Cr Winney-Baartz brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served on the Council for seven years (2017–2024), making her the second-longest-serving current Councillor. Throughout her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in shaping Newcastle’s infrastructure, notably chairing both the Infrastructure Committee and the Sports Infrastructure Committee. Her contributions extend to participation in the Joint Regional Planning Panel, the Guraki Committee, the Traffic Committee, and serving as a board member of the Hunter Sports Centre.

Beyond her Council responsibilities, Cr Winney-Baartz has a strong background in early childhood education and continues to support the community as a Board Director for Hunter Homeless Connect and Hunter Rugby. She also serves as a member of the Venues NSW advisory board.

Reflecting on her re-election, Cr Winney-Baartz expressed her enthusiasm for continuing her work with the Newcastle Labor team.

“It is an honour to be re-elected to the City of Newcastle for a third term,” she said. “I look forward to building on the progress we made in the previous term, working closely with stakeholders across our City to enhance infrastructure and create more opportunities for people of all ages to engage in sports and physical activity.”

She will be officially sworn in and deliver her returning address at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting at 6 pm.