Newcastle and Hunter’s most powerful, influential people list revealed
They play a role in shaping our everyday lives – whether in political arenas, on sporting fields or property development. But who are they? See the full list of Newcastle and the Hunter’s most powerful people and find out why they are making an impact in the community.
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From doctors, professors, top cops, big wig executives, wine makers and even a ex-Knight, Newcastle and the Hunter are filled with some of the most accomplished, interesting and innovative people, that we look up to.
The Newcastle News has put together a list of the top 20 most influential people across the region, this talented bunch just scratching the surface of some of the most inspiring Novocastrians around.
1. PHILIP GARDNER
He’s the man who has a football team at his helm and some of the region’s best entertainment, accommodation and dining precincts. CEO of highly successful Wests Group Australia and the much-loved Newcastle Knights, Gardner juggles two of the biggest jobs in Newcastle. Gardner comes with a no-nonsense approach and is a powerhouse businessman, with influence far beyond the realms of Newcastle. Heading up Wests – the largest licensed club operator in Australia by revenue, recording over $170 million in 2018 — big building projects are on Gardner’s agenda and he also regards retirement living as a core business into the future. Not to forget his push for the $18 million Knights Centre of Excellence at Broadmeadow, set to deliver a world class rugby league training facility. He is passionate about Newcastle, well-known around town and popular figurehead of the region who has the right connections to continue to put this town on the map.
2. MARK FITZGIBBON
It wouldn’t be a most influential list without nib Managing Director Mark Fitzgibbon. The boss of one of Australia’s largest health funds is arguably one of the most prominent and influential figures not just in Newcastle but across the nation. His love and dedication for the health insurance industry is clear, but some would say the only thing to rival that, his long-time love for the Newcastle Knights. There’s the obvious reason, a proud father to dominant forward Lachlan, who made his NRL debut for the red and blue in 2017, but he was also a former board member before the Wests takeover. On the board of the Private Health Care Association and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, you wouldn’t find a busier guy. And when he has a rare spare moment loves to hit the beach and watch the horse racing. He just wishes he was more famous for his golf!
“It’s a local success story made possible by a huge contribution from both those before me and those I’ve had the pleasure to lead,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
3. NUATALI NELMES
She’s been the Lord Mayor of Newcastle since 2014, when she was elected in a by-election. A devout Labor Party member, Nelmes has been a driving force behind the rejuvenation of Newcastle, bringing technology and development to town. Raised and educated in Newcastle with three children, the 42-year-old has become a mover and shaker across Newcastle, sitting on the board of the Hunter Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Newcastle Airport Partnership. Nelmes has plenty of influence across the City of Newcastle and immerses herself in the local community as a popular and well-known leader. No doubt she’ll continue to be at the head of many things to come.
“It’s humbling the people of Newcastle have put their trust and faith in me to lead our city through a period of significant change and revitalisation,” she said.
“As a young woman growing up in Newcastle, I was always inspired by our people and the beauty of the city.
“With so many Novocastrians doing amazing work locally, nationally and across the globe, it’s wonderful to be included.”
4. MAX MITCHELL
The Assistant Commissioner for the Northern Region and NSW Police Transport Command, he is the highest ranking cop in town, keeping the bad guys at bay and continuing his important work within the community. Commander for Newcastle for three years until 2011, he moved to Sydney in 2012, but the Novocastrian made his way back home in 2017. The Australian Police Medal recipient has been at the head of a number important local operations, dedicated to bringing high visibility policing to the region. Skilled in hostage negotiation, emergency management, and intelligence, he’s the guy you want to have on your side.
Assistant Commissioner Mitchell APM, said serving his home community is one of the greatest highlights of his career.
"Police go to work everyday not for the praise or acknowledgments, but to protect thousands who live, work and visit our region,” he said.
"Novocastrians are a unique bunch — we look out for one another during times of uncertainty, and all rally together when needed.
"I am proud to call Newcastle and the Hunter home, and I am proud of the work our officers continue to do on a daily basis.”
5. HENNIE DU PLOOY
From South Africa, this friendly face is a big player in the workings of the coal industry. Starting out in the gold mining industry before moving to Rio Tinto Australia, Du Plooy then moved to Newcastle to take up the role of CEO at Port Waratah Coal Services. Highly involved in the local community, he’s been the President of the Hunter Business Chamber since 2018 and today was announced he’ll serve as president for two more years. Busy as ever, Du Plooy is also on the board of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator and Committee for the Hunter. Like most in the region, he loves his footy as an avid Newcastle Knights fan, while golf is his other sport of choice. Loves to get outdoors and you might see him going for an early morning run around Newcastle beaches most mornings.
“It is a privilege to be recognised. The objective is to make sure as a region, we take advantage of all the industries, coal and new industries which have a great future,” he said.
6. DR. DAVID DURRHEIM
The Population Health Physician at Hunter New England Health has all the updates that are important for us to know, especially now amid trying times in a coronavirus pandemic. He’s the man you want to listen to in a health crisis! The doc is a well-known figurehead locally when it comes to talking about health but is also internationally a force, serving as an expert adviser to the World Health Organisation. He has an established track record in conducting public research to improve patient care and is focused on saving children’s lives through effective immunisation and limiting the impact of infectious diseases. All-round, we’re glad he’s a Novocastrian!
7. THE DEVELOPERS: JEFF MCCLOY AND HILTON GRUDGEON
Jeff McCloy grew up in Belmont and while he had a stint in Sydney in the high-rise game, the Lake Macquarie boy made his back home to run D.F. McCloy, a building company run by his father. He’s widely known for his short stint as Newcastle Mayor between 2012 and 2014, but his reputation as a Hunter property developer proceeds him, with an impressive portfolio including the John Hunter Hospital, Jewells Tavern and the Mattara Hotel. Most recent, one of the biggest projects of his career, transforming the Hydro’s Kurri Kurri smelter site with fellow developer John Stevens, set to deliver a record number of jobs to the Hunter. McCloy always the keen fisherman it seems is “just enjoying” life these days. He also has a stake in an island off the Great Barrier Reef in Vanuatu, home to the famous one metre Barramundi.
Alongside McCloy, Grudgeon is another heavyweight developer in the Hunter. One of the founding principle’s of Hunter Land in Thornton he is known for his work in developing and growing industrial estates across the region bringing in thousands of local jobs. His portfolio also includes numerous shopping centre developments and schools locally and statewide, and most recently high rise development in Newcastle and Charlestown. Hunter Land is also a major player in the trade business and supply to the construction industry. A former professional gardener, he has plenty of acres at home to also keep him busy and a self-proclaimed hobby farmer.
8. JOEL FITZGIBBON
When you think politician in the Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon definitely comes to mind. The Member for Hunter for more than 24 years, Fitzgibbon has held many portfolios but currently is the Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Resources and has dogged determination to highlight their importance to the national economy and the regional jobs they create. Passionate about the Hunter, he provides a strong voice for local and country people and is known to never back down from a fight. He appears to have the ear of Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, and, if his side was in power, would jump a few notches on this list.
9. KATIE BRASSIL
She’s a woman making waves in a man’s world. This inspirational businesswoman is an executive general manager for Centennial Coal in external relations, on the board of the NSW Minerals Council and she also made history by becoming the first woman on the Wests Group’s board of directors. And to top it off she loves her footy and was on the NRL appointed board of the Newcastle Knights for three years before it was taken over by Wests. And we can’t forget she’s also on the board of Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Skilled, driven and ambitious, Brassil loves a challenge and even in her spare time is an avid mountain bike rider
10. BRUCE TYRRELL
When it comes to famous names in the Australian wine industry, there is arguably no bigger than Bruce Tyrrell. The Tyrrell family has been producing some of the Hunter Valley’s best and most well-known wines for decades, with Bruce now at the helm, handed down through four generations. Awarded an AM for his contribution the Australian wine industry, he has also been named a Hunter Valley living legend at local wine industry awards. There’s no doubt he’s one of the Hunter’s most influential people to know, who continues to strive for excellence.
11. RICHARD JONES
He’s a bloke with an exciting life, going from professional rugby league player to heading up one of the most important organisations in NSW. For more than two decades, Jones — a Bar Beach product — has been CEO of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, establishing himself as one of the most valued members of the Hunter community. Awarded a Medal for the Order of Australia in 2017, Jones is a highly respected Novocastrian who has shown dedication and resilience and has helped the Rescue Helicopter to deliver aeromedical services to all communities in Northern NSW.
12. KAY FRASER
She’s the lady of Lake Macquarie! Resident for more than 40 years, Fraser was popularly elected as Mayor in 2016 and knows the region like the back of her hand. In every opportunity, Fraser loves to spruik Lake Macquarie and the incredible lifestyle and world-class infrastructure it offers, promoting and supporting its continued growth and development. She’s passionate about social injustice and ensuring everybody has access to necessary services. Popular and well-known around town, she never backs down from a challenge, just last year thrush into the drivers seat of a superboat, and you’ll probably see her most mornings walking her dog Archie at Croudace Bay.
13. DR. KELVIN KONG
He was the first indigenous surgeon in Australia and is on speed dial of a lot of senior politicians who seek his advice on indigenous health. A proud Worimi man, Dr. Kong grew up in Nelson Bay and is from the University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health as a otolaryngology, head and neck surgeon. He is also a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. A busy man, Dr. Kong — between surgical procedures and lectures in allied health — participates in a project group at the Hunter Medical Research Institute carrying out research in ear health.
14. LIZZIE MCLAUGHLIN
She’s one of Newcastle’s most prominent lawyers. At the Public Defenders officer, McLaughlin is known for her outstanding work within the courtroom but also for her dedication to the indigenous community. On the law school advisory board at the University of Newcastle and a casual lecturer, she recently set up a scholarship for young indigenous law students which has kicked off this year. Last year, McLaughlin trekked 100 km across the Ikara-Flinders Ranges to raise funds for indigenous student scholarships and community health research to support equity for indigenous Australians, raising over $10,000. And while she might be busy as ever, she always finds time to get out and about for a run to keep her “sane”.
15. THE PUBLICANS: ROLLY DE WITH AND IAN BURFORD
Rolly is the guy that’s good to know — and to have a beer with. The long-serving Newcastle Hotelier has spent more than three decades dedicating his life to the industry and has been the driving force behind some of the city’s most successful venues including Fanny’s and The Castle. Australian Hotels Association Newcastle Hunter President and the owner of The Junction Hotel, De With has long been passionate about reviving Newcastle’s night-life following the 2008 introduction of lockout laws. The AHA NSW also honoured him with the illustrious status of life member in 2018.
Burford’s accomplishments as a Newcastle hotelier go far and wide. His impressive portfolio includes the Apollo and Duke of Wellington, but he’s probably most known for his 15 year stint at the Queen’s Wharf brewery, one of Newcastle’s most iconic watering holes. The prominent businessman also transformed — with the help of son Ty — the popular Burwood Inn, an uber trendy hangout at Merewether, known for its sophisticated eats and just recently, the Prince of Merewether down the road which is impressing local foodies. He’s also a partner in the Hotel Motel at Denman, a 50 per cent owner in the East End Hub and loves a stint on the golf course and his race horses too.
16. MARK HUGHES
If you’re living in Newcastle and you don’t know who Mark Hughes is, you must be living under a rock. He’s known for his Newcastle Knights days, playing on the wing, when the red and blue won their 1997 grand final Premiership, but more recently his dedicated work with the Mark Hughes Foundation. He started the charity with wife Kirralee in 2014 after being diagnosed with brain cancer and it has gone from strength-to-strength, raising over $10 million since its inception. And everyone knows about the Beanie for Brain Cancer round supported by the NRL, which every year sells out beanies across the nation. A top bloke that is a Novocastrian through and through.
17. CHRISTINE TULLOCH
She’s the great granddaughter of the original founder of Tulloch wines so there’s no doubt she knows what’s she’s talking about when it comes to a classy drop. With a background in journalism and marketing, the business woman worked her way up the family business, now running the show as CEO since 2011. With respect of her peers, Tulloch was also named President of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association last year. Cheers your glass to this successful woman.
18. CRAIG HAMILTON
ABC Sports broadcaster and passionate mental health advocate, ‘Hamo’ is one of the region’s most well known and loved personalities. Born in the Hunter Valley town of Singleton, the former coal miner has covered rugby league, rugby union and cricket at international level as a commentator but most satisfying his work around mental health, stemming from his own struggles, travelling around the country to spread awareness.
“Mental health is very much on the public agenda now and that hasn’t always been the case,” he said.
“I’m still passionate about my role in this area as I was when I first started writing and speaking. It’s important and can save lives.”
“The suicide rate in Australia is double the road toll every year. There is still so much to do.”
19. YASMIN CATLEY
She’s Deputy Leader of the Opposition, alongside another former Newcastle MP, Jodi McKay. She’s one of the women of the Hunter region becoming a force in NSW politics. The Swansea local – a former librarian for Lake Macquarie City Council – is an active and well-known face within the local community and is passionate about bringing local jobs to the region. The mum of three is Shadow Minister for Rural and Regional Jobs and Building Reform and Property and is a prominent face within the local community.
20. SAM MARTIN-WILLIAMS
This lady has many strings to her bow. She was the former General Manager of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator and currently on the board of Directors at Newcastle Permanent and the Newcastle Airport. A savvy businesswoman, she has a career spanning 25 years across financial services, education, health, resources, logistics and supply chain sectors. A change maker into the future, who is passionate about promoting and growing regional leadership, Martin-Williams is an accomplished business figurehead in the region.
WHO SHOULD BE ON THE LIST?
Without a doubt Newcastle and the Hunter are filled with some amazing people, doing some amazing things... too many to list! Tell us who you think is the most influential person in the region?