About Nuatali Nelmes

 
 

Councillor Nuatali Nelmes

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:

  • $19.9 million on improvements to waste management.

  • $19.3 million on recreation and sports improvements.

  • $3.6 million on cycleways.

  • $9.4 million on coastal revitalisation.

  • $5.8 million on resources and improvements for Libraries, Civic Theatre, and City Hall.

  • $29.7 million on road resurfacing and road rehabilitation.

  • 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.