Newcastle's youngest Deputy Lord Mayor has passed the baton of civic leadership to the first Greens councillor to hold the role in almost a decade during a ceremony at City Hall today.
Ward Four Liberal Councillor Callum Pull officially handed over the title, and the Deputy Lord Mayor's chains, to Councillor Charlotte McCabe after completing a year-long stint in the role.
Councillor Callum Pull officially passes on the Deputy Lord Mayor chains to Councillor Charlotte McCabe as part of a handover ceremony at City Hall today.The transition marks the first changeover for this council term as part of a unanimously supported amendment moved by former Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen in October 2024, to share the position between four Councillors over four years.
Cr Pull became Newcastle's youngest Deputy Lord Mayor when he was elected to the role at age 23 in October last year and is the second Liberal to hold the title following Councillor Brad Luke's service from 2012-2014.
He said it had been an "incredible honour" to serve as the Deputy Lord Mayor.
"Throughout my 12 months as Deputy Lord Mayor I've been focused on initiatives that genuinely improve outcomes for the people I represent," Cr Pull said.
"From championing an independent review of Council's processes to the Minmi Road duplication as part of our record $145 million capital works program, I've focused every day on driving positive change.
"The sharing of this role recognises the diverse political makeup of the Council our city elected.
"It has been heartening to see that the majority of Councillors have been able to work across party lines and find compromise, because the political reality of the chamber is that compromise is essential and is the key to success.
"It has been one of the most eventful first 12 months of a Council term I've seen but through it all the city has continued to progress and that's something I'm incredibly proud of and I hope will continue throughout the rest of the term."
Cr McCabe is the first Greens Deputy Lord Mayor to serve in nearly a decade, following the term of former Councillor Michael Osbourne, which finished in 2016.
She said she was honoured to take on the role of Deputy Lord Mayor.
"I think this strengthens the Council through bringing different skills and experience to the role. It also allows us to demonstrate that the diverse political perspectives of our electorate are included and acknowledged in a collaborative, inclusive governing body," Cr McCabe said.
"As a second term Councillor it's been incredible to see the tangible results taking place across the city after we've gone through the careful processes of consultation and refining plans, through to final adoption in the chamber.
"I'm looking forward to working closely with the Lord Mayor, Councillors and staff as we continue to deliver our strategic plans and respond to the needs of our community."
From L-R: Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe and Cr Declan Clausen will share the role of Deputy Lord Mayor over the council term.Four councillors were nominated to serve a one-year tenure over the four-year period of this elected Council's term. Cr McCabe will be followed by Labor Councillors Declan Clausen and Deahnna Richardson in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
