Santa photos and entertainment tonight canceled due to extreme heat.

Media Statement - Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge

24 Oct 2025

Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge has recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that requires ongoing treatment.

He will be taking a leave of absence from his duties as Lord Mayor starting Monday, 27 October until early 2026.

During this period, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Charlotte McCabe will assume the responsibilities of Lord Mayor to ensure continuity of leadership and service to the community.

City of Newcastle extends its full support to Lord Mayor Kerridge and wishes him strength and a full recovery.

City of Newcastle acknowledges that we operate on the grounds of the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples.
We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing relationship with the land, and that they are the proud survivors of more than two hundred years of dispossession.
CN reiterates its commitment to address disadvantages and attain justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this community.