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