Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge will make a cautious return to his civic duties this week, following a challenging period of treatment for cancer. The 69-year-old independent mayor has been on medical leave since mid-October 2025 after a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A Cautious but Determined Return
Cr Kerridge confirmed he would be back at his desk on Monday, expressing cautious optimism about his health prognosis. "My treatment journey hasn't finished yet, but at this stage, things are as good as can be hoped for," he stated. The cancer, discovered in early October on the back of his abdomen, led to multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy.
While the treatment has so far proven effective, his doctors have advised a measured return. "My medical report says I should take things cautiously. Team management will be an issue, particularly for the first couple of months. I'll also be trying to avoid unnecessary stress," the Lord Mayor explained. Despite the caution, he feels a strong sense of duty, having been elected to lead the council in September 2024 alongside fellow independents Peter Gittins and Mark Brooker.
From Doctor to Patient: A New Perspective
The experience has been particularly poignant for Cr Kerridge, who retired from a distinguished 40-year medical career to become Lord Mayor. As a senior specialist anaesthesiologist, his research once focused on preparing patients for chemotherapy before major surgery. "I've come to appreciate just how much of an imposition the side effects of treatment are," he reflected, acknowledging the irony of his situation.
His time away from the often-fractious council chamber also provided space for reflection. "I have reflected on some of the mistakes that I have made and instances where I perhaps wasn't as clever as I could have been," he admitted, though he added he never aspired to be a "clever politician."
Priorities for a 'New' Newcastle
Upon his return, Cr Kerridge faces a full agenda. Key immediate priorities include the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths redevelopment, the ongoing Lambton landslip issue, and formulating the council's next budget.
He emphasised a commitment to the basics over glamour projects, a cornerstone of his election platform. "Formulating next year's budget and looking at what we're going to be spending money on is a big priority," he said. Regarding the contentious baths upgrade, he stressed the need for public clarity: "I'd much prefer to get that right rather than get it wrong too early."
Beyond specific projects, Cr Kerridge is championing a broader, community-driven vision for the city's future. He rejects the old Newcastle mentality of accepting second best. "I want to be part of a 'new' Newcastle that takes control of our future," he declared passionately. "We need the best for our city. We shouldn't allow others to make decisions for us."
He calls for open discussion on the city's evolution, advocating for local solutions and collective action to shape Newcastle's destiny in the coming decades.
