Lord Mayor
Gavin Morris has been elected as Lord Mayor of Newcastle, effective 5 May 2026.
Cr Gavin Morris comes from humble beginnings. Raised in Woodberry, went to primary school at Our Lady of Lourdes Tarro. He learned to swim in Beresfield pool, did radio school at night at 2HD in Sandgate while attending high school at Maitland Marist Brothers.
In 1985 a politician, Senator Peter Baume visited his school and was so impressed with Gavin’s thoughts on the future of the city, BHP at the time and environment that he introduced him to John McGahen, General Manager of 2NX. After meeting Gavin, Jack immediately offered him a job at the radio station in 1986. From that moment, Gavin always knew that one day, he too would become a politician and help change people's lives, for the better.
For the past four decades, Cr Morris has served both his local community and places further afield, through a number of broadcasting roles including NBN News and ABC Newcastle. It was in these roles that he provided on-the-ground information for isolated and weather-stricken communities throughout some of the state’s most severe weather events including the 2022 Lismore floods.
A passionate Novocastrian, Cr Morris is now committed to restoring the pride to Newcastle and reconnecting Council with the community it serves.
He is an advocate for meaningful consultation, transparent priorities, and decisions made with genuine accountability.
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
Contact: 02 4974 2000
