Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and fellow councillors have led the plaudits for Nuatali Nelmes on the eve of her latest honour.
City of Newcastle’s (CN) second-ever female Lord Mayor will be presented the prestigious Emeritus Mayor Award this weekend to acknowledge her outstanding service to local government and enduring legacy of leadership, innovation and advocacy.
The accolade is reserved for retired councillors who’ve served consecutive terms as mayors and demonstrated exemplary professionalism.
She’ll be formally recognised by Local Government NSW at a ceremony at Blackbutt Reserve on Sunday 26 October, officiated by president Phyllis Miller OAM.
Cr Kerridge said Ms Nelmes’ dedication to excellence was evident throughout her 16 years with CN.
“Nuatali joins a distinguished lineage of Lord Mayors whose long-serving contributions have shaped our city’s identity including Joy Cummings, John Tate, John McNaughton and even going back to Frank Purdue and Douglas McDougall,” he explained.
“Like Emeritus mayors Joy Cummings and John Tate, it is fitting that Ms Nelmes is recognised for her dedication and service to Newcastle.
“She takes her place among mayors across the state and nation who have made a valuable contribution to public service.”
Cr Declan Clausen, who served alongside Ms Nelmes as Deputy Lord Mayor for seven years, stated her guidance transformed both the council and the community.
“Nuatali’s leadership was grounded in collaboration and shared purpose,” he said.
“As Labor colleagues, we worked closely to build a more sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking Newcastle.
“She led with conviction and courage, empowering those around her and proving that progressive values can deliver real, lasting results.”
Current Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said it had been a privilege to collaborate with Ms Nelmes during their time on council.
“Nuatali’s extensive service to Newcastle, spanning six years as a councillor and a decade as the Lord Mayor, is deserving of this high honour,” she added.
“She piloted a progressive council that invested in bold, ambitious projects that have set the city as a leader through our public spaces, art gallery, climate policy and strategic plans.
“I extend my congratulations to Nuatali.”
Under Ms Nelmes’ direction, CN became the first council in NSW to transition to 100% renewable energy in 2020, reducing its carbon footprint by 77%.
She oversaw the delivery of the first 5MW solar farm and led the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, too.
During her almost 10 years as Lord Mayor, she also saw Newcastle rise to NSW’s leading council for development approval times.
As an advocate for gender equality, Ms Nelmes led CN’s first female-majority council and rebalanced the city’s leadership team to reflect gender equity.
She established the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women with the University of Newcastle and the Women Empowered Scholarship with Hunter TAFE, too, supporting women pursuing education and careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Beyond Newcastle, she served on boards and committees as well, including ICLEI Oceania, the Global Covenant of Mayors and as treasurer of LGNSW.
Her role as a director of Newcastle Airport helped it grow its value to almost $450 million and secured global partnerships advancing sustainability and NetZero initiatives, including Australia’s endorsement of the CHAMP agreement at COP28.
Now the Property Council Hunter and Central Coast’s regional director, Ms Nelmes said she was deeply honoured to receive the Emeritus Mayor Award.
“This recognition reflects the collective effort of our community, council team, and partners who shared a vision for a more sustainable, inclusive and vibrant Newcastle,” she declared.
“Together, we delivered transformative projects in infrastructure, culture and housing that will benefit generations to come.
“I am proud of what we achieved and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Newcastle.”
For more news stories:
- SBS anchor Janice Petersen shares wisdom with UoN students
- University of Newcastle honours alumni excellence
- Airport expansion a game-changer for Hunter and beyond, says Nelmes
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