Ward 1 Councillors
 | Councillor Declan Clausen (ALP) First elected in 2015 Membership on CN Committees: Future Fund Governance Committee - Member Asset Advisory Committee - Member Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee - Chairperson CEO Performance Review Panel - Member
Membership on External Committees: Fort Scratchley Historical Society - Member Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Board - Member | Declan Clausen was first elected to Newcastle City Council in a 2015 by-election and is now serving his fourth term on council as part of the Newcastle Labor team. From 2017 to 2024, he continuously held the position of Deputy Lord Mayor, playing a pivotal role in advancing key initiatives for the city. An energetic and dedicated Novocastrian, Declan is driven by a passion for sustainability, equality, and urban development. His academic achievements include a Master of Sustainable Urban Development with Merit from the University of Oxford, a Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) with First-Class Honours from the University of Newcastle, and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting from the University of Wollongong. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees, and has completed the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Program at Harvard University. In addition to his council responsibilities, Declan serves as Group Manager of Strategy & External Affairs at Hunter Water Corporation and as a Non-Executive Director at Active Super. His expertise and leadership continue to shape Newcastle’s future while contributing to regional and national sustainability efforts. |
| Councillor Charlotte McCabe (GRN) First elected in 2021
Membership on CN Committees: Infrastructure Advisory Committee - Member CEO Performance Review Panel - Member
Membership on External Committees: Newcastle Bush Fire Management Committee - Member Hunter Central Coast Regional Planning Panel - Member | Charlotte McCabe is in her second term as an elected Councillor. Her working career has been in primary school teaching and as a community organiser. She has worked closely with community groups and local campaigns covering a range of social and environmental issues. Charlotte is committed to positioning Newcastle and the Hunter as a global leader in the clean, sustainable industries of the future and to delivering outcomes that address inequality. |
| Councillor Peter Gittins (IND) First elected in 2024
Membership on CN Committees: Asset Advisory Committee - Member Liveable Cities Advisory Committee - Member
Membership on External Committees: Nil. | Peter Gittins was born, raised and educated in Newcastle before embarking on a career in international education that saw him leading schools in Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Germany. Peter has also consulted widely on governance, strategy and change management and this has seen him working with Boards in both the public and private sectors. A proud Novocastrian and independent Councillor, Peter is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for the constituents of Ward 1 and to providing genuine representation and opportunities for community engagement in the interests of all who live in this wonderful city. |
