Councillor Declan Clausen has commenced a one-year term as Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle, returning to the civic leadership role he previously held for seven consecutive years between 2017 and 2024. The appointment marks Declan’s eighth year serving in the position, representing the longest period of cumulative service as Deputy Lord Mayor in Newcastle’s history.
First elected to Newcastle Council in 2015, Declan has served as an elected representative for over 11 years, contributing to regional civic projects including the development of the Summerhill Solar Farm, local infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing initiatives, and municipal facility access programs. His appointment follows the structured leadership succession plan unanimously approved by Council in 2024, which divides the Deputy Lord Mayor tenure across four Councillors during the current council term.
Declan succeeds outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe, who assumed acting civic responsibilities during the illness and subsequent resignation of former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge. Under the adopted rotation schedule, Declan will serve until 7 October 2027, when Councillor Deahnna Richardson is scheduled to take on the role.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Gavin Morris thanked outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe and welcomed Declan to the office for the coming 12 months.
“I want to firstly say a sincere thank you to Cr McCabe. When former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge was unwell, and again after he resigned, Cr McCabe took on the responsibilities of Lord Mayor,” Gavin said.
“She did so with care through a really tough period, and she’s earned the thanks of Council and the Newcastle community for the way she managed that process. I’ve really valued working with Cr Clausen since I became Lord Mayor. With more than 11 years on Council, including having previously served as Deputy Lord Mayor, he knows this city and this organisation inside out. I’m looking forward to working alongside him, and with every Councillor around the table, to keep delivering for Novocastrians.”
Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Declan Clausen added that he remains focused on executing long-term infrastructure and community service priorities across the LGA.
“I’m incredibly proud to have represented our community on Council for more than 11 years, and it is a great privilege to again serve Newcastle as Deputy Lord Mayor,” Declan said.
“I’ve enjoyed working with Cr Morris since his election as Lord Mayor. He has brought real energy and commitment to the role, and I share his positivity for our city and look forward to continuing to work with him and the other Councillors in the year ahead. I’d also like to thank Cr McCabe for her contribution as Deputy Lord Mayor. She took on significant additional responsibilities during a difficult period for Council and carried them out with integrity. Newcastle has changed enormously since I was first elected in 2015, but my enthusiasm for our city and its future is as strong as ever. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve our community in the year ahead.”
IMAGE | Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson and Lord Mayor Gavin Morris gather for the formal handover of Deputy Lord Mayor duties.
