Ward 3 Councillors
| Councillor Nuatali Nelmes (ALP) First elected in 2014
Membership on CN Committees: Infrastructure Advisory Committee - Chairperson Membership on External Committees: Nil | Re-elected to council in September 2024 for a fifth term as a Councillor. Nuatali Nelmes has proudly served as the 14th Lord Mayor of Newcastle for a decade. Her tenure has been marked by a profound dedication to the community, effective leadership, and a vision for a sustainable and inclusive future for Newcastle. Nuatali was Newcastle’s youngest Lord Mayor and only the second female Lord Mayor after the popular 1970s-era mayor Joy Cummings. Before becoming Lord Mayor, Nuatali served as a councillor for six years starting in 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management and Marketing from the University of Newcastle (UON). Additionally, she is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the prestigious Harvard Bloomberg Leadership Initiative. Nuatali's professional background includes extensive experience in small business and recruitment, where she honed her skills in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. As Lord Mayor, Nuatali has spearheaded numerous impactful initiatives that have positioned Newcastle as a leader in sustainability, economic resilience, and community development. Her achievements include: Renewable Energy: Transitioned Newcastle to 100% renewable energy as of 1 January 2020, significantly reducing the city's carbon footprint by 77%. This landmark move has not only benefited the environment but also set a precedent for other cities to follow. Solar Farm: Delivered a 15,000-panel, 5MW solar farm at Summerhill, substantially cutting electricity costs and providing savings for ratepayers. This project underscores her commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. Financial Sustainability: Successfully avoided austerity while securing Newcastle’s financial sustainability, protecting local jobs and services. Under her leadership, the city's financial health has strengthened, enabling more substantial investments in community projects and infrastructure. Diversity and Inclusion: Committed Newcastle as a Welcome City, embracing diversity in all its forms. This initiative has fostered a more inclusive community, celebrating the contributions of all residents. Community Projects: Saved Blackbutt Reserve upgraded the Adventure Playground, and invested in flood mitigation in Wallsend, including a commitment of more than $20 million to rebuild vital infrastructure. These projects have enhanced the quality of life for residents and improved the city’s resilience to natural disasters. Environment and Sustainable Development: Committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Developed a robust Environment Strategy for climate action and net-zero emissions and made significant investments in local infrastructure projects. Her administration has prioritized sustainable development, ensuring long-term environmental health and infrastructure stability. Since 2014, Nuatali has leveraged Newcastle’s strong financial position to ensure substantial investments in programs and projects that matter to the people of Newcastle. The capital works program for the 2021-2024 term reflects this commitment. The unprecedented investment into local facilities and infrastructure projects around the city, include:
Community Leadership and Involvement: Nuatali represents Newcastle on the ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability Oceania Regional Executive Committee and chairs the Global Covenant of Mayors Oceania committee. Her role in these organisations underscores her commitment to sustainable urban development and climate action on both a local and global scale. Statewide, Nuatali was elected as Regional Director for Local Government NSW (New South Wales) in December 2021, where she now serves as Board Treasurer. Regionally, Nuatali also chaired the Hunter Joint Organisation Standing Committee for the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan Implementation and is a Board Member for Newcastle Airport, the Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis. In addition to her regional and statewide roles, Nuatali chaired City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee for 10 years. She has also previously served on the boards of the Hunter Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Northern Settlement Services, and the Hunter Writers Centre, reflecting her deep commitment to community service and development. Raised and educated in Newcastle, Nuatali is deeply rooted in the community she serves. Nuatali is married with three children and has enjoyed a representative sporting career in basketball, further highlighting her dedication to teamwork, discipline, and community engagement. Through her leadership, Nuatali has transformed Newcastle into a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive city. Her continuous efforts and strategic vision ensure that Newcastle is well-positioned for a prosperous future. |
| Councillor Mark Brooker (IND) First elected in 2024
Membership on CN Committees: Access Inclusion Advisory Committee - Member Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Member Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee - Member
Membership on External Committees: HCCRPP Alternate Delegates - Member | Mark Brooker was first elected to Council in September 2024. He is proud to have stood independently been elected without party affiliation. Mark has lived and worked in Newcastle and the Hunter for more than 30 years, and in Ward 3 in particular since 2007. As the publisher of a monthly community newspaper, The Local, which serves a number of the suburbs making up Ward 3, Mark has been a committed and passionate advocate for his community. Prior to commencing his own publication in 2014 Mark enjoyed a career spanning more than 20 years in media sales and general management with some of Australia’s largest regional newspaper publishers. |
| Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan (GRN) First elected in 2024
Membership on CN Committees: Community and Culture Advisory Committee - Member Youth Council (Advisory Committee) - Member Access Inclusion Advisory Committee - Deputy Chairperson
Membership on External Committees: HCCRPP Alternate Delegates - Member E: sfranciscoan@ncc.nsw.gov.au | Sinéad is a postgraduate in leisure and tourism studies and a lover of performing and creative arts. Sinéad works as a union organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union, is a branch secretary for the United services Union and a member of the Hunter Workers Women’s Commitee. Sinéad campaigns for the environment, workers, women, refugees, First Nations rights, housing, live performance, youth, community and justice. Sinéad spearheaded a number of high-profile campaigns including the campaign to save the Tower Cinemas. Sinéad is a published freelance writer and an accredited mediator. Sinéad has served as Membership Officer for the NSW Greens for two terms and more broadly served on the NSW Greens Commitee of Management for four terms. |
