After undergoing medical treatment over the past few months, Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge will return to office this week.
The popular councillor temporarily stepped down from the role in October when he was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer (B-cell Lymphoma).
In his absence, Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe assumed the responsibilities to ensure continuity of leadership and service to the community.
Now, following discussions with his specialist, Cr Kerridge indicated he would be officially “back in the fold” from Monday 19 January.
“The last three months was a journey of challenges and learning,” he stated on social media.
“And, I’ve been totally humbled by the support that I’ve received from so many people in the community, as well as my family.
“I am grateful for the amazing healthcare I have received.
“My treatment is continuing and, at this stage, I need to manage my workload, particularly to avoid fatigue.
“I’ve always been someone who has tended towards over-work and taking on too many things, so this will be a challenge for me.”
Cr Kerridge admitted he was keen to stay on in the top job.
“It’s a privilege and honour to be Lord Mayor,” he said.
“But, this is not about me. It is about Newcastle.
“This is an exciting time for our great city.
“For many years in Newcastle, we had high unemployment, economic stagnation and we were not seen as a place with a big future.
“Today, that’s changing.
“Probably for the first time since the 1950s, there are lots of people and businesses wanting to come to Newcastle to build their lives or start new enterprises.
“In the past we learned to accept second best.
“We used to say ‘never let a chance go by’ because it was the only thing that we were offered.
“Well, I say ‘bollocks’ to that.
“I want to be part of a ‘new’ Newcastle that takes control of our future.
“We need the best for our city and shouldn’t allow others to make decisions for us.”
Cr Kerridge said it was important everyone worked together moving forward.
“There are big challenges ahead,” he explained.
“However, we need to talk about them and work on our own solutions.
“It isn’t something that can be ‘delivered’ for us by bureaucrats or by politicians.
“It requires the public, and community groups, to work together actively.
“A major part of my role as Lord Mayor is supporting and advocating for community groups, and providing a voice for the community to government, the bureaucracy, business organisations and others.
“There have been times in the past when politicians and government have ignored Newcastle because it was seen as politically stable and predictable.
“It’s up to everybody in the community to ensure that it is never taken for granted.
“When I was elected as an independent to the position of Lord Mayor, it showed that Novocastrians cared about our city’s future… and we were not prepared to be patronised and taken for granted by governments, party factions or anyone else.
“I’ll always make that clear.
“As Lord Mayor, I will work to forge a council that makes Newcastle an even better city to live in, that focusses on providing the important services for all the community, has pride in our past and confidence in our future together.”
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