A historic period of growth and investment in Newcastle Airport has seen outgoing Chair of the Board, Jude Munro AO, recognised with a Key to the City.
City of Newcastle bestowed the civic honour at a special presentation last night, recognising the pivotal role Ms Munro's leadership has played in strengthening the city's connectivity, sustainability credentials and national reputation.
Newcastle Councillor Callum Pull, Newcastle Airport Chair and Key to the City recipient Jude Munro AO and Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson after the presentation ceremony at Newcastle City Hall.
Newcastle Councillor Callum Pull, who jointly nominated Ms Munro for the honour alongside Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson, said the recognition reflected the scale and significance of Ms Munro's contribution to the city and region.
"Jude Munro's leadership has helped position Newcastle for the future, economically, environmentally and socially," Cr Pull said.
"Through her stewardship of Newcastle Airport, she has championed sustainable growth, strengthened regional connectivity and ensured the airport continues to deliver long-term value for the Hunter.
"This honour recognises not only what has been achieved, but the lasting legacy being built for our community.
"Today is more than an opportunity to acknowledge Jude's achievements and legacy - this is our chance to say thank you to a committed ambassador for our region who has dedicated her time and effort to building our Airport, our city and our region."
Mayor of Port Stephens Leah Anderson said Jude's impact extended well beyond airport operations, contributing to broader regional prosperity and collaboration.
"Newcastle Airport is a shared regional asset, and Jude's leadership has ensured it delivers benefits across Newcastle, Port Stephens and the wider Hunter," Cr Anderson said.
"Her commitment to strong governance, sustainability and strategic investment has helped create opportunities for jobs, tourism, trade and innovation, reinforcing the airport's role as a gateway to NSW and the world."
Ms Munro has served as Chair of the Newcastle Airport Board since June 2023, following eight years as a Director.
During her tenure, the airport experienced a period of significant transformation, including delivery of major terminal expansions, the international terminal, and substantial progress on the Astra Aerolab precinct, a nationally significant aerospace, defence and innovation hub adjacent to the airport and Royal Australian Air Force Base Williamtown.
Under Ms Munro's leadership, Newcastle Airport became the first airport in Australia to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+ Transition, placing it among the top 12 per cent of airports globally and reinforcing Newcastle's reputation as a leader in sustainable infrastructure.
Accepting the Key to the City, Ms Munro said she was deeply honoured by the recognition.
"Newcastle is a city with extraordinary ambition, resilience and community spirit, and it has been a privilege to contribute to its future," Ms Munro said.
"The achievements at Newcastle Airport reflect the work of a dedicated Board, executive team, staff and partners, all focused on outcomes that matter for the Hunter connectivity, sustainability and economic opportunity.
"I'm proud to have played a part in shaping an airport and precinct built for the future."
Ms Munro's broader career spans senior public sector leadership and board roles across multiple sectors. She has served on 20 boards, including as Chair of Queensland Urban Utilities, the Victorian Planning Authority and the Victorian Pride Centre, and is currently Chair of Uniting Vic Tas and a Director of Create Advisory.
She was previously awarded a Key to the City of Brisbane and recognised as a National Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration and a Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.
City of Newcastle's Keys to the City ambassador program was established in 2017 to highlight individuals and organisations making a significant contribution to Newcastle. Ms Munro joins a select group of recipients recognised for their enduring impact on the city and its community.
