Councillor Declan Clausen will today commence a one-year term as Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle, returning to a role he previously held for seven consecutive years from 2017 to 2024.
The appointment marks Cr Clausen’s eighth year serving as Deputy Lord Mayor, the longest period of service in the role in Newcastle’s history.
Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson and Lord Mayor Gavin Morris gather for the formal handover of Deputy Lord Mayor duties.
Cr Clausen said it was a privilege to again have the opportunity to serve Newcastle as Deputy Lord Mayor.
“I’m incredibly proud to have represented our community on Council for more than 11 years, and it is a great privilege to again serve Newcastle as Deputy Lord Mayor,” Cr Clausen said.
“I’ve enjoyed working with Cr Morris since his election as Lord Mayor. He has brought real energy and commitment to the role, and I share his positivity for our city and look forward to continuing to work with him and the other Councillors in the year ahead.
“I’d also like to thank Cr McCabe for her contribution as Deputy Lord Mayor. She took on significant additional responsibilities during a difficult period for Council and carried them out with integrity.
“Newcastle has changed enormously since I was first elected in 2015, but my enthusiasm for our city and its future is as strong as ever. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve our community in the year ahead.”
Lord Mayor Gavin Morris thanked outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Cr McCabe and welcomed Cr Clausen to the role for the coming 12 months.
“I want to firstly say a sincere thank you to Cr McCabe. When former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge was unwell, and again after he resigned, Cr McCabe took on the responsibilities of Lord Mayor,” Cr Morris said.
“She did so with care through a really tough period, and she’s earned the thanks of Council and the Newcastle community for the way she managed that process.
“I’ve really valued working with Cr Clausen since I became Lord Mayor. With more than 11 years on Council, including having previously served as Deputy Lord Mayor, he knows this city and this organisation inside out.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside him, and with every Councillor around the table, to keep delivering for Novocastrians.”
Cr Clausen was elected to Newcastle Council in 2015 and first became Deputy Lord Mayor in 2017. He served continuously in the position until 2024, with his new term representing a record eighth year as Newcastle’s Deputy Lord Mayor.
During his time on Council, Cr Clausen has been closely involved in initiatives across renewable energy, local infrastructure, affordable housing and community services, including the Summerhill Solar Farm and $2 pool entry trial.
The changeover forms part of Council’s unanimously approved 2024 decision to share the Deputy Lord Mayor position between four Councillors during the current term.
Cr Clausen succeeds Cr McCabe and will serve until 7 October 2027, when Cr Deahnna Richardson is scheduled to take on the role. Cr Callum Pull was the first Councillor to serve as Deputy Lord Mayor under the adopted arrangement in this Council term.
