Newcastle’s First Council Meeting Under Mayor Ross Kerridge: A New Era Begins

The City of Newcastle marked a new milestone as Dr Ross Kerridge, the newly elected independent mayor from the Our Newcastle group, presided over his first council meeting. This meeting signified a new chapter in the city’s governance following the departure of long-time mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who was voted in as a councillor. Nelmes attended the meeting remotely due to family commitments, participating via audio link.

“It is an extraordinary privilege that we have in this city and in this country to participate in democratic elections,” said Dr Kerridge during the meeting.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, was notable not only for being the first with Dr Kerridge as mayor but also for the appointment of Newcastle’s youngest Deputy Lord Mayor, Callum Pull, aged 23. Callum Pull, who is only the second Liberal to hold the post, expressed his gratitude, saying, ‘This recognises the confidence and support that Newcastle Council has for young people in our city. We are a council who listens and trusts young people.’ He also said that the position of Deputy Lord Mayor is not just ceremonial, mentioning, ‘Deputy Lord Mayors Brad Luke and Declan Clausen have, since 2012, shown that this is the second most senior civic role someone can occupy. They have used the office of Deputy Lord Mayor to champion our city, and I will continue this in my time in the role.’

As requested by Dr Kerridge, the Deputy Lord Mayor position will rotate every 12 months during the current council term. Councillors Charlotte McCabe, Declan Clausen, and Deahnna Richardson will also take on the role of Deputy Lord Mayor on a rotational basis over the next four years.

Initially, councillors were grouped by wards at the request of Dr Ross Kerridge, who believed this arrangement would better serve the people of Newcastle by erasing political boundaries within the chamber and fostering a more collaborative atmosphere. however there was a motion during the meeting to revert to a seating layout organised by political affiliations. This change occurred after a brief recess, during which councillors agreed to switch the nameplates back, resulting in a reshuffling of seating.

Ward 1

• Councillor Declan Clausen (ALP)
• Councillor Charlotte McCabe (GRN)
• Councillor Peter Gittins (IND)

Ward 2

• Councillor Paige Johnson (ALP)
• Councillor Jenny Barrie (LIB)
• Councillor Joel Pringle (GRN)

Ward 3

• Councillor Nuatali Nelmes (ALP)
• Councillor Mark Brooker (IND)
• Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan (GRN)

Ward 4

• Councillor Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk (ALP)
• Councillor Callum Pull (LIB)
• Councillor Deahnna Richardson (ALP)

Key resolutions passed during the meeting included the appointment of council representatives on external committees, including those related to Newcastle Airport, and the expansion of Newcastle’s footpath network to deliver at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths over the council term.

The nomination of the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive Officer as City of Newcastle’s representatives on Newcastle Airport entities was also discussed, Councillor Declan Clausen argued that the Newcastle Airport board role was significant and regulated by ASIC, emphasising the importance of fair compensation. He noted that each director should have the right to choose whether to receive the $50,000 Director’s Fees or donate it to a charitable fund. Ultimately, the matter was laid on the table for further consideration, with the decision on donating the Director’s Fees being postponed for the time being. A further review is scheduled following a briefing on 24 October.

The council adopted the Instruments of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer, the Lord Mayor, and the Development Applications Committee. It was confirmed that tenders exceeding $1 million would still require a decision by council resolution, ensuring transparency and oversight for significant financial decisions.

The meeting also saw a renewed commitment to Newcastle’s playground renewal program, with an expansion at Stevenson Park, Mayfield West, planned during this term. Additionally, the council supported a plan to extend the footpath network, with a goal of delivering up to 30 kilometres of new footpaths if feasible, aiming to enhance accessibility and connectivity across the city.

During the discussion on the expansion of Newcastle’s footpath network, Councillor Joel Pringle proposed a procedural motion to delay the decision. He argued that more information was needed, including a detailed report and a briefing at Newcastle Airport, to better understand the impact and funding requirements for the project. Despite this motion, the council ultimately voted in favour of proceeding with the plan to deliver at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths over the council term, with an extended goal of up to 30 kilometres if feasible.

Dr Kerridge presented a Lord Mayoral minute in which he congratulated all councillors, both newly elected and returning, for their commitment to the community. He also invited first-term councillors to share a few words with the chamber. Reflecting on his personal journey, Dr Kerridge said, “In my career, I’ve faced many challenges, particularly in my role as an anaesthetist. One lesson I carry with me is to stay level-headed even when others may falter. It’s crucial that we serve our community with resilience and empathy.” He continued, “We all have responsibilities, and I promise to always give my best in carrying out these duties for the people of Newcastle.”

Dr Kerridge’s address reflected optimism for Newcastle’s future, acknowledging the efforts of his predecessor and highlighting the importance of collaboration. He expressed confidence in the council’s ability to listen to the community and work towards the city’s best interests, emphasising the need for unity and a community-centred approach moving forward.

The meeting, which began at 6:23 pm, following a technical issue, was livestreamed for public viewing and can be seen below. Auntie Cheryl Suie Smith and Uncle Ray Smith, proud elders of the Newcastle First Nations community, were present to provide a Welcome to Country, honouring the cultural heritage of the land on which the meeting took place.

She expressed support for the newly elected councillors and emphasised the importance of building on the progress achieved during her tenure as Lord Mayor.

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