Lord Mayor

Resignation of Dr Ross Kerridge

Dr Kerridge has advised City of Newcastle of his decision to prioritise his health and family as he continues to experience side effects from recent cancer treatment.

Dr Kerridge has faced significant health challenges in recent months, and CN acknowledges his commitment in returning early from treatment to resume civic duties. CN recognises his dedication to the City while also supporting his decision to step down in the interests of his health and well being.

City of Newcastle extends its best wishes to Dr Kerridge and his family for his continued recovery.

Deputy Lord Mayor

Section S231(3) of the Local Government Act states that in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Lord Mayor, the Deputy Lord Mayor will exercise these functions. On this basis, Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe will again take on the functions of the Lord Mayor until such time as a by-election is held. This election is likely to occur in mid-April. 

Deputy Lord Mayor, Cr Charlotte McCabe, can be contacted via the Lord Mayor's Office. 

Deputy Lord Mayor, Cr Charlotte McCabeBy-election 

The resignation of Dr Kerridge will trigger a by-election for the position of Lord Mayor.

City of Newcastle is now working through the required processes for the timeline and arrangements for the by‑election

Updates will be published on City of Newcastle’s website as they become available. 

Role of the Mayor (s226)

  • to be the leader of the council and a leader in the local community
  • to advance community cohesion and promote civic awareness
  • to be the principal member and spokesperson of the governing body, including representing the views of the council as to its local priorities
  • to exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy-making functions of the governing body of the council between meetings of the council
  • to preside at meetings of the council
  • to ensure that meetings of the council are conducted efficiently, effectively and in accordance with this Act
  • to ensure the timely development and adoption of the strategic plans, programs and policies of the council
  • to promote the effective and consistent implementation of the strategic plans, programs and policies of the council
  • to promote partnerships between the council and key stakeholders
  • to advise, consult with and provide strategic direction to the general manager in relation to the implementation of the strategic plans and policies of the council
  • in conjunction with the general manager, to ensure adequate opportunities and mechanisms for engagement between the council and the local community
  • to carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office
  • to represent the council on regional organisations and at inter-governmental forums at regional, State and Commonwealth level
  • in consultation with the councillors, to lead performance appraisals of the general manager
  • to exercise any other functions of the council that the council determines.

Publication of the Lord Mayor's Diary

City of Newcastle is committed to openness and transparency through its Open and Transparent Governance Strategy.

As part of this commitment, we will publish a summary of the Lord Mayor's diary on the website on a quarterly basis, including:

  • Details of the organisation
  • Group or category of person(s) attending the meeting
  • The date and purpose of meetings.

The summary will not include:

  • Individuals names
  • Internal meetings with staff or councillors
  • Meetings of a personal nature.

View the Lord Mayor's Diary

Contact Details

For operational matters, please visit our Report an Issue or Request Assistance service catalogue to submit your request for action using the relevant form. You will receive an automatic acknowledgement with reference number.  

For event invitations, please complete an Event Invitation Form.

For meeting requests, please send a Meeting Request and the Lord Mayor's Office will get back to you. 

For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]

For all other matters: 

Lord Mayor's Office
City Administration Centre, 
12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West
PO Box 489, Newcastle NSW 2300 

Lord Mayor's Office Enquiry

Contact: 02 4974 2000