Freeman of the City recipients

The honour of Freeman of the City is awarded to individuals who have provided the highest level of service.

It may be awarded for achievement and service to Newcastle, Australia or humanity.

Freeman of the City recipients

1981: Frank Purdue - Former Lord Mayor
1983: Charlie Jones - Former Lord Mayor, Federal Minister for Transport and Minister for Aviation
1987: Joy Cummings - Former Lord Mayor
1989: Arthur Wade - Former Deputy Lord Mayor, State Member for Newcastle
1992: Vic Bell - Former Deputy Lord Mayor
1997: Anne Von Bertouch - Arts patron
1997: Joyce Bond - Heritage and community activist
2002: Doug Lithgow - Community and environmental activist
2005: Dr William Bowmore - Patron of the Arts
2011: John McNaughton and Margaret McNaughton - Former Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress as well as community advocates and Ambassadors for Newcastle
2016: Margaret Henry - Community, environmental and heritage advocate
2018: Warren Smith - Surfest co-founder
2018: Howard Mole - Community volunteer
2019: Vera Deacon - Writer, philanthropist and historian
2021: Brian Suters AM - Architect
2022: Phil Mahoney - Entertainer
2024: Father Nicolaos Zervas - Community leader
2024: Adele 'Dell' Saunders - Community and Sport Luminary
2024: Laureate Professor Roger Smith - Scientist and researcher

City of Newcastle acknowledges that we operate on the grounds of the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples.
We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing relationship with the land, and that they are the proud survivors of more than two hundred years of dispossession.
CN reiterates its commitment to address disadvantages and attain justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this community.