Our Team
Ward 1 - Ross Kerridge
Dr Ross Kerridge is born and bred in Newcastle.He grew up here, he has worked as a doctor in the public health system here, he helps train young medical students at the University of Newcastle and now he wants to give back to the city he loves.
As a Senior Staff Specialist Anaesthetist at John Hunter Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, Ross has dedicated his life to public health and community care. Now, he’s decided to stand for Lord Mayor of Newcastle to bring much needed change and integrity back to our city.
Ward 2 - Leisha Parkinson
Lifelong Novocastrian, Marketing and Financial Services Professional who has recently completed her MBA with UON, Environmentally minded Entrepreneur who launched Bean Cycled, a circular economy small business, and mum to 2 young boys.
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I’d like to see confidence returned to our residents that we have their interests at heart and not personal ambition and photo ops. I think this can be achieved by legitimate engagement with our residents and ensuring there’s no smoke and mirrors when it comes to reports and finances. Frank and brutal honesty, no combining or singling out projects and figures to make it look better or hiding behind commercial in confidence.
Ward 3 - Mark Brooker
I have lived in Lambton for 17 years and in Newcastle and the Hunter for 20 years before that. I am married to Katrina and have four kids ranging from 8 to 32 years of age.
I publish a monthly community newspaper called The Local which is distributed throughout a number of the suburbs which make up Ward 3. I am passionate about serving my community. I also do disability support work with a local service provider.
I love both my jobs.
I believe local government should be about the community it serves not the politics of the big parties. Council should not be used as a stepping stone to a state or federal seat. Locals serving locals with the best interest of the community as its aim. It's as simple as that.
Ward 4 - Tahlia Kelso
As a proud South-Asian woman, I was raised by a single mother in the multicultural suburbs of Wallsend, Mayfield, Jesmond and Tighes Hill. My mum and late grandfather have dedicated their lives to disability advocacy, which taught me the importance of inclusive communities and fairness.
I currently live with my husband, two dogs, two cats, and our backyard chickens. We appreciate the strong sense of community here, evident from the warm welcome we received from our neighbours when we moved here around 4 years ago.
I’ve worked at the University of Newcastle for nearly 10 years and currently lead the city campus library team. I’m proud of the University's commitment to equity, which resonates with my own background.
I aim to represent the communities of Ward 4 to ensure our western and northwestern suburbs receive the attention and resources they deserve.