Newcastle Mayor Forced to Reveal Personal Health Battle
Newcastle's Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge has been compelled to publicly disclose his private cancer diagnosis in an effort to stop what community members describe as a disturbing wave of abuse, rumors, and personal attacks. The revelation came last weekend amid growing concerns about the deterioration of civil discourse in local politics.
Sarah Taylor of Merewether expressed deep concern about the situation in a letter to the editor, questioning what kind of community would force a public official to reveal such personal health information simply to defend themselves against malicious behavior. She noted that Dr. Kerridge was elected fairly in an election where many residents voted for change to what they perceived as a poorly-run council.
Community Backlash Against Political Incivility
The status quo proponents appear to have never accepted the election result, according to Taylor's assessment. She drew parallels to global political trends led by figures like Donald Trump, where respect for law and civility is being disregarded. Many of these individuals claim Christian faith while apparently lacking the compassion that should define it.
Taylor concluded her letter with a heartfelt wish for Dr. Kerridge's recovery but expressed sadness that there might be no place for decent individuals in local politics given the current climate. She urged residents to disagree on policies without resorting to personal attacks that diminish everyone involved.
E-bike Safety Concerns Rise in Newcastle
Meanwhile, another community issue has gained attention as e-bike usage increases across Newcastle. While the growth represents positive movement toward greener transportation options, safety concerns have prompted calls for better education and enforcement.
Mike Lowing of North Rothbury highlighted that many riders, particularly younger ones, don't recognize that e-bikes are motorized vehicles capable of reaching dangerous speeds. When misused, they can cause serious injuries.
Chief Inspector Thomas Barnes has emphasized the importance of education, but Lowing suggests this message needs to extend to retailers and parents. Some shops continue selling illegally modified e-bikes that exceed legal speed limits, while many parents purchase these vehicles without realizing their children are essentially riding unregistered motorbikes.
Community Solutions for E-bike Safety
Lowing proposed several solutions, including increased police visibility, community engagement programs, clearer signage from local councils, designated bike lanes, and safety campaigns in schools. He emphasized that e-bikes can play a valuable role in reducing congestion and emissions if all stakeholders take responsibility for safety.
Tomago Aluminium's Future Under Scrutiny
In industrial news, Tomago Aluminium's viability has become a topic of community concern as its electricity supply contract approaches renewal in 2028. Allan Evans of Lambton described the smelter as a valued Australian industry asset that has benefited from subsidized electric power and ready access to mineral resources for over four decades.
To maintain its operations, Tomago Aluminium must decarbonize to meet growing global demand for clean, green aluminum products. Evans expressed little surprise that major partner Rio Tinto would leverage its negotiating position with threats of plant closure as contract renewal discussions approach.
However, he suggested it would be more constructive for Rio Tinto to invest some of its considerable resources into providing renewable energy capacity to sustain operations, thereby giving back to the community that has supported its prosperity for decades.
Additional Community Voices
The Newcastle Herald's letters section also featured several other community concerns:
Dog ownership etiquette sparked discussion, with David Enderby of Corlette expressing frustration about dogs in inappropriate places like supermarket trolleys, doctor's surgeries, and restaurant dining tables. Kevin White of Lambton offered a practical solution for small dog owners, suggesting they carry hand towels to place under their pets during defecation to avoid messy cleanups.
Healthcare appreciation came from Darrell Jenkins of Teralba, who praised public health system workers from paramedics to specialists, noting they receive neither adequate praise nor pay despite their outstanding service.
Environmental protests were questioned by Debra Forbes of Wickham, who noted the absence of protesters during early morning tanker movements and questioned their commitment while criticizing their use of potential plastic waste.
Judicial decisions surprised John Pritchard of Blackalls Park, who expressed amazement that an inmate who launched an unprovoked attack on a prison guard received only a three-year good behavior bond.
The community conversation continues as Newcastle residents navigate these varied local issues while supporting their mayor through his personal health challenges.
