CITY OF NEWCASTLE LORD MAYOR, CR

Ross was born and bred in Newcastle. He attended Newcastle Boys High School and after graduating worked at the BHP steelworks he went on to study medicine at Sydney University. Prior to becoming Lord Mayor, Ross worked for many years as a Senior Specialist Anaesthetist at the John Hunter Hospital.

newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Former Principal of St Philip’s Christian College and Leader of Northlakes Salvation Army

After 35 years of dedicated service, Pam O'Dea will be concluded her time as Principal at the end of 2024. Beginning in 1990 as a Year 5 Teacher, Pam's passion for teaching and bringing out the best in each student has had an immeasurable impact on the College in all areas of endeavour.

I was born with Pseudoachondroplasia, a rare form of dwarfism affecting 1 in a million people. Growing up, I struggled with my identity until I realized I was made to stand out, not fit in. I embrace the phrase “difference is dope” and love sharing the idea that everyone has a unique purpose. 

@james13chapman_

Sam Poolman is a former Australian netballer known for her defensive skills. She debuted professionally in 2013 with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, winning a premiership that year. In 2017, she joined Giants Netball, where she played for five seasons, retiring in 2021 after 100 National League games.

In 2017, Sam founded Aspire Netball, a program supporting young athletes in the Hunter Region. She was Newcastle’s Young Citizen of the Year (2021) and inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame (2022).