Newcastle Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge has announced he will retire from office, citing ongoing health challenges following cancer treatment.
In a statement released today, Dr Kerridge said that while his treatment is progressing well, the side-effects remain significant and have made it impossible for him to continue fulfilling the demanding responsibilities of the role.
“Although I had hoped to return with renewed energy and work collaboratively with all councillors for the people of Newcastle, it has become clear that I no longer have the capacity required to meet the challenges of the position at this time,” he said.
Dr Kerridge said his decision was influenced by recent reflections on community leadership, comments made by Peter Sleap at the Citizen of the Year awards, tributes at the funeral of Paul Scott last week, and the needs of his own family.
Elected on a platform to challenge what he described as the unhealthy dominance of party politics in local government, Dr Kerridge said he sought to shift council priorities away from major projects toward core services and community-based initiatives across the city. While those policies received strong community support, he acknowledged they were unable to be progressed due to an “insurmountable majority” held by Labor councillors, supported by the Greens.
He said whether that political balance serves Newcastle’s best interests would ultimately be decided by voters at future elections.
Dr Kerridge also called for greater creativity in political thinking, increased diversity of candidates, and stronger independent representation, saying Newcastle and the Hunter deserve more from both state and federal governments.
He thanked City of Newcastle staff for their commitment, praised local health services for their care during his treatment, and expressed gratitude to supporters, the Our Newcastle team, and his family.
Dr Kerridge said he hopes his election encourages more citizens to seek public office in a non-partisan way.
His retirement will trigger the process to appoint a new Lord Mayor in accordance with council procedures.
