Newly-elected City of Newcastle Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge, has chalked up a memorable first week, after being confirmed in the city’s top job on Thursday and then welcoming a new grandchild to the world on Friday.
As a Senior Staff Specialist Anaesthetist at John Hunter Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, Dr Kerridge has dedicated his life to public health and community care.
He says he decided to stand for Lord Mayor of Newcastle “to bring much needed change and integrity back to our city”.
He recently resigned as a member of the Labor party to run as an independent ahead of the 14 September election.
Dr Kerridge has confirmed his last working day as an anaesthetist will be 14 October.
Five new Councillors and seven returning Councillors will form City of Newcastle’s 13-person Council.
Returning councillors include Charlotte McCabe (Ward 1), Declan Clausen (Ward 1), Jennie Barrie (Ward 2), Nuatali Nelmes (Ward 3), Elizabeth Adamczyk (Ward 4), Deahnna Richardson (Ward 4) and Callum Pull (Ward 4).
They will be joined by new Councillors Peter Gittins (Ward 1), Joel Pringle (Ward 2), Paige Johnson (Ward 2), Sinead Francis-Coan (Ward 3) and Mark Brooker (Ward 3).