Newcastle’s first female-majority council

In a first for Newcastle’s 220-year history, nine women have been elected to Newcastle City Council making up almost three quarters of spots in the new 13 person council.

The NSW Electoral Commission has finalised the count for the local government elections held on December 4.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes was re-elected for a third consecutive term.

Seven new councillors and five returning councillors will join her to form the 13 person council. 

Of the 13 elected representatives, a majority of seven will represent Newcastle Labor, three Liberals, two Greens, and one Independent. 

Returning councillors include Declan Clausen, Carol Duncan, John Church, Dr John Mackenzie, and Peta Winney-Baartz. 

They will be joined by new councillors Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk, Jenny Barrie, Charlotte McCabe, Callum Pull, Deahnna Richardson, Katrina Wark and Margaret Wood.

Cr Nelmes thanked the community for their support in re-electing her for a third term.

“I’m honoured to be officially re-elected to serve Newcastle for another term as Lord Mayor,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“I’d like to thank the community for voting to support our transformational and progressive vision for Newcastle.

“I’m also proud that Novocastrians have voted for gender diversity, not just parity, with a majority and historic female voice represented on Newcastle Council in this new term.” 

Cr Nelmes said her first priority would be to respond to the current Omicron strain on Newcastle and its effects on the community. 

“This city has had a tough two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to face challenges with the new Omicron strain,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“Now more than ever, our community in Newcastle needs the support of a strong local government with a track record of delivering stable and consistent leadership that has innovated to provide solutions to support jobs and protect our community as we look to 2022 and beyond.” 

Newly elected Liberal councillor Jenny Barrie said that Council was a great platform to inspire women of all ages into politics. 

“I’m excited to work with Nuatali and join a hardworking and dedicated team to represent ratepayers and residents across the City of Newcastle,” Cr Barrie said. 

Councillor Carol Duncan who will be returning for her second term said she was excited to see greater female representation.

“Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has been a trailblazer for us all, breaking through an often harsh glass ceiling in Newcastle,” Cr Duncan said. 

“Her leadership by example has paved the way for both the younger generation and women to follow. It’s not an easy path for a young woman but it has been transformational for Newcastle.

“Once we have a generation of kids growing up thinking it’s normal to have a female majority council, state or federal government, we’ll know things are improving.  

“I’m enormously proud to be a member of Newcastle’s first female-majority council and I note that it’s one of the strategic priorities of the United Nations.”

The first Ordinary Council Meeting of the new term will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

_{Information source: Media release, City of Newcastle}

The new councillors in order of election: