Latest news with #Kerridge
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Fake reality TV dancers forever worrying about 'the Nationals'
Every parent knows what it's like to have to sit next to their kid while they watch some show that is wonderful to them but painful to the adult. And you end up watching the show so often that it becomes burned into your subconscious. Such is the case with The Next Step, which my daughter - who is now well into her teens - used to watch when she was little. Looking at this latest episode (from season 10 so the show obviously has some legs) I can see little about this series set in a pretend dance studio has changed. It is still based heavily around a fake reality TV vibe, where the actors deliver pieces to camera as their character. Sure, it's a show for kids, but this is a really, really lazy way to provide the viewer with information. Also, there is still the unceasing quest to make "the nationals" - which is some sort of dance competition that forever hangs over their heads. I swear they mention "the nationals" at least a half-dozen times in every single episode. It's like it is the only thing that matters for these kids. Still on the subject of dancing, though unlike The Next Step above, this an an actual reality TV show. The success of this show is a little surprising - there is apparently enough appeal in the concept of dancing celebrities that two different networks have screened it. It was first on 7 from 2004-15, then jumped to Ten for two years from 2019 and has now returned home to 7 since 2021. Maybe it's because the show provides relatively wholesome viewing in the reality TV genre - an area that has come to be sordid, tacky or absurdly niche (seriously, how long before we get a show called Outback Truckers Whose First Name Starts with a T?). The darkest it gets on Dancing With the Stars are the comments from the nasty judge - and every reality TV show with a judging panel has to have one. The show is not my cup of tea but I do have respect for the celebs that risk the potential for embarrassment and give it a crack. And, for the most part, the celebs are actually people you know. No Instagrammers looking to eke out the final seconds of their 15 minutes of fame here. The reality of this TV show isn't quite as revealing as the title would suggest, but it still offers a slightly different view of life in the cooking game. Host Tom Kerridge has been a chef for a number of years, switching over to the world of TV - as it seems more and more chefs do. He is pretty honest about the rough side of hospitality - perhaps more so than his guests. For instance, Kerridge is pretty open about the problems he - and by extension others - have with alcohol. He worked hard in the kitchen and then, when service would finish, he'd hit the bottle hard too. So much so that he admits if he didn't stop he would have been dead. All the other reveals - like exactly what everyone does in the kitchen - can't compete with that bombshell. Still, they provide some interesting info. Before watching this show I didn't realise there's one guy in the kitchen whose job it is to put together all the bits and pieces others have been cooking to make the dish that goes out to the customer. Every parent knows what it's like to have to sit next to their kid while they watch some show that is wonderful to them but painful to the adult. And you end up watching the show so often that it becomes burned into your subconscious. Such is the case with The Next Step, which my daughter - who is now well into her teens - used to watch when she was little. Looking at this latest episode (from season 10 so the show obviously has some legs) I can see little about this series set in a pretend dance studio has changed. It is still based heavily around a fake reality TV vibe, where the actors deliver pieces to camera as their character. Sure, it's a show for kids, but this is a really, really lazy way to provide the viewer with information. Also, there is still the unceasing quest to make "the nationals" - which is some sort of dance competition that forever hangs over their heads. I swear they mention "the nationals" at least a half-dozen times in every single episode. It's like it is the only thing that matters for these kids. Still on the subject of dancing, though unlike The Next Step above, this an an actual reality TV show. The success of this show is a little surprising - there is apparently enough appeal in the concept of dancing celebrities that two different networks have screened it. It was first on 7 from 2004-15, then jumped to Ten for two years from 2019 and has now returned home to 7 since 2021. Maybe it's because the show provides relatively wholesome viewing in the reality TV genre - an area that has come to be sordid, tacky or absurdly niche (seriously, how long before we get a show called Outback Truckers Whose First Name Starts with a T?). The darkest it gets on Dancing With the Stars are the comments from the nasty judge - and every reality TV show with a judging panel has to have one. The show is not my cup of tea but I do have respect for the celebs that risk the potential for embarrassment and give it a crack. And, for the most part, the celebs are actually people you know. No Instagrammers looking to eke out the final seconds of their 15 minutes of fame here. The reality of this TV show isn't quite as revealing as the title would suggest, but it still offers a slightly different view of life in the cooking game. Host Tom Kerridge has been a chef for a number of years, switching over to the world of TV - as it seems more and more chefs do. He is pretty honest about the rough side of hospitality - perhaps more so than his guests. For instance, Kerridge is pretty open about the problems he - and by extension others - have with alcohol. He worked hard in the kitchen and then, when service would finish, he'd hit the bottle hard too. So much so that he admits if he didn't stop he would have been dead. All the other reveals - like exactly what everyone does in the kitchen - can't compete with that bombshell. Still, they provide some interesting info. Before watching this show I didn't realise there's one guy in the kitchen whose job it is to put together all the bits and pieces others have been cooking to make the dish that goes out to the customer. Every parent knows what it's like to have to sit next to their kid while they watch some show that is wonderful to them but painful to the adult. And you end up watching the show so often that it becomes burned into your subconscious. Such is the case with The Next Step, which my daughter - who is now well into her teens - used to watch when she was little. Looking at this latest episode (from season 10 so the show obviously has some legs) I can see little about this series set in a pretend dance studio has changed. It is still based heavily around a fake reality TV vibe, where the actors deliver pieces to camera as their character. Sure, it's a show for kids, but this is a really, really lazy way to provide the viewer with information. Also, there is still the unceasing quest to make "the nationals" - which is some sort of dance competition that forever hangs over their heads. I swear they mention "the nationals" at least a half-dozen times in every single episode. It's like it is the only thing that matters for these kids. Still on the subject of dancing, though unlike The Next Step above, this an an actual reality TV show. The success of this show is a little surprising - there is apparently enough appeal in the concept of dancing celebrities that two different networks have screened it. It was first on 7 from 2004-15, then jumped to Ten for two years from 2019 and has now returned home to 7 since 2021. Maybe it's because the show provides relatively wholesome viewing in the reality TV genre - an area that has come to be sordid, tacky or absurdly niche (seriously, how long before we get a show called Outback Truckers Whose First Name Starts with a T?). The darkest it gets on Dancing With the Stars are the comments from the nasty judge - and every reality TV show with a judging panel has to have one. The show is not my cup of tea but I do have respect for the celebs that risk the potential for embarrassment and give it a crack. And, for the most part, the celebs are actually people you know. No Instagrammers looking to eke out the final seconds of their 15 minutes of fame here. The reality of this TV show isn't quite as revealing as the title would suggest, but it still offers a slightly different view of life in the cooking game. Host Tom Kerridge has been a chef for a number of years, switching over to the world of TV - as it seems more and more chefs do. He is pretty honest about the rough side of hospitality - perhaps more so than his guests. For instance, Kerridge is pretty open about the problems he - and by extension others - have with alcohol. He worked hard in the kitchen and then, when service would finish, he'd hit the bottle hard too. So much so that he admits if he didn't stop he would have been dead. All the other reveals - like exactly what everyone does in the kitchen - can't compete with that bombshell. Still, they provide some interesting info. Before watching this show I didn't realise there's one guy in the kitchen whose job it is to put together all the bits and pieces others have been cooking to make the dish that goes out to the customer. Every parent knows what it's like to have to sit next to their kid while they watch some show that is wonderful to them but painful to the adult. And you end up watching the show so often that it becomes burned into your subconscious. Such is the case with The Next Step, which my daughter - who is now well into her teens - used to watch when she was little. Looking at this latest episode (from season 10 so the show obviously has some legs) I can see little about this series set in a pretend dance studio has changed. It is still based heavily around a fake reality TV vibe, where the actors deliver pieces to camera as their character. Sure, it's a show for kids, but this is a really, really lazy way to provide the viewer with information. Also, there is still the unceasing quest to make "the nationals" - which is some sort of dance competition that forever hangs over their heads. I swear they mention "the nationals" at least a half-dozen times in every single episode. It's like it is the only thing that matters for these kids. Still on the subject of dancing, though unlike The Next Step above, this an an actual reality TV show. The success of this show is a little surprising - there is apparently enough appeal in the concept of dancing celebrities that two different networks have screened it. It was first on 7 from 2004-15, then jumped to Ten for two years from 2019 and has now returned home to 7 since 2021. Maybe it's because the show provides relatively wholesome viewing in the reality TV genre - an area that has come to be sordid, tacky or absurdly niche (seriously, how long before we get a show called Outback Truckers Whose First Name Starts with a T?). The darkest it gets on Dancing With the Stars are the comments from the nasty judge - and every reality TV show with a judging panel has to have one. The show is not my cup of tea but I do have respect for the celebs that risk the potential for embarrassment and give it a crack. And, for the most part, the celebs are actually people you know. No Instagrammers looking to eke out the final seconds of their 15 minutes of fame here. The reality of this TV show isn't quite as revealing as the title would suggest, but it still offers a slightly different view of life in the cooking game. Host Tom Kerridge has been a chef for a number of years, switching over to the world of TV - as it seems more and more chefs do. He is pretty honest about the rough side of hospitality - perhaps more so than his guests. For instance, Kerridge is pretty open about the problems he - and by extension others - have with alcohol. He worked hard in the kitchen and then, when service would finish, he'd hit the bottle hard too. So much so that he admits if he didn't stop he would have been dead. All the other reveals - like exactly what everyone does in the kitchen - can't compete with that bombshell. Still, they provide some interesting info. Before watching this show I didn't realise there's one guy in the kitchen whose job it is to put together all the bits and pieces others have been cooking to make the dish that goes out to the customer.
Edinburgh Live
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Tom Kerridge shares relative's realisation after watching hit TV show as he 'understood'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has shared his admiration for the television series The Bear, which he believes captures the essence of running a restaurant. In an interview with The Times, Kerridge, 51, expressed his affection for the show. He said: "I fell in love with The Bear right from season one. There's a huge amount of artistic licence in it, obviously, but it is the closest any show has come to showing the energy levels, excitement, stress and anxiety that running and owning a restaurant brings." He praised the way the series encapsulates the long hours and dedication required in the industry. Tom said: "It condenses into 30 minutes what 16-hour days can be like. It gets across the romance of restaurant life but at the same time is not afraid to show the repetitive processes that are essential to any well-run kitchen." Kerridge also revealed that the show resonated with his family, particularly his brother who gained insight into the chef's professional life, reports Gloucestershire Live. (Image: Getty) He recalled: "After that episode my brother, who isn't in the industry, rang me and said it was the first time he understood what my work was all about." The Bear tells the story of chef Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto (portrayed by Jeremy Allen White), who finds himself back in Chicago to salvage his late brother's floundering restaurant. British chef Tom Kerridge has previously opened up about his personal struggles. Earlier this year he spoke candidly about his concerns regarding his health and lifestyle, particularly fearing he'd not see his 50th birthday if he didn't make significant changes. Delving into his journey on the 'We're Not Getting Any Younger' podcast with Lisa Snowdon and Andy Goldstein, Kerridge talked through his decision to give up alcohol as his 40s approached. He said: "We're like halfway there and you're like... well, it is halfway to death if I live to 80. But where I am at the minute, I ain't going to make 50. "I'm absolutely loving the way that I'm living, but I can't [carry on]. It is going to end and it will all end really really badly, so I just stopped. "On a quiet day, so I would work and I wouldn't have my first drink until we sent the last main course, so say 10pm, but then I'd have a pint of Negroni easily." Fast forward to today, and Kerridge proudly stands as one of Britain's most renowned chefs and food innovators.
The Advertiser
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Lord mayor Ross Kerridge hammered for 'broken' election promise in favour of rate rise
HE promised to "target rate increases to no more than CPI", but independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge has voted in favour of a rate increase more than double the current Consumer Price Index of 2.4 per cent. At this week's council meeting, Labor councillors, who also voted in favour of the rate increase, hammered Cr Kerridge for what they called a "broken" election promise. One of the policies of Cr Kerridge's hard-fought election campaign was to 'keep rents down by keeping rates low', arguing rates had risen "dramatically" by more than CPI in the last decade under Labor and his predecessor, Nuatali Nelmes. On Tuesday night, he voted in favour of a 5.1 per cent rate rise, the maximum allowable under the rate peg set by the state's independent pricing watchdog. Liberal councillors, who made a commitment to freezing rates for the entire four-year term of council, also voted in favour of the rate rise. Labor councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the move was a "clear breach of trust" with voters. "Let's be honest, this is not what people were promised," she said. "Cr Kerridge repeatedly told the community he would limit rate increases to no more than CPI, and now he's voting for a 5.1 per cent rise. "I supported this budget because it delivers the projects and services our community needs, but unlike Cr Kerridge, I didn't campaign on freezing rates because I know responsible budgeting matters, and I believe in being upfront with the public." Our Newcastle was formed in support of Cr Kerridge and fellow independent councillors Mark Brooker and Peter Gittins ahead of the 2024 council elections. The policy section of the Our Newcastle website commits to 'keeping rents down by keeping rates down', arguing "any increase in rates results in an increase in rent costs". "Keeping rates low will ensure that renters are not punished unfairly. We will target rate increases to no more than CPI to keep cost-of-living increases minimal," the website said. "We intend to target rate increases to the lowest level possible to ensure our residents and businesses are not burdened by excessive rate rises." Cr Kerridge has denied ever claiming he would "freeze" rates and said his promise was to "target" keeping rate rises as low as possible. "I think all of this behaviour, and there must have been at least I think an hour, if not two hours, spent last night in speeches that are performative and really carrying on with the election campaign, and this theme of singing their praises," he said. "They've still effectively got control of the chamber, but they're still hurting, and I feel for their grief, but this is what democracy is, and really, they need to get over it and move on with working together, rather than attack, attack, attack. "It's not impressing anyone." At Tuesday's meeting, Cr Kerridge quoted economist John Maynard Keynes and said, "When times change, I change my mind". "You can take that to the next election," he said. City of Newcastle estimates it will raise about $200 million in rates in 2025/26. HE promised to "target rate increases to no more than CPI", but independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge has voted in favour of a rate increase more than double the current Consumer Price Index of 2.4 per cent. At this week's council meeting, Labor councillors, who also voted in favour of the rate increase, hammered Cr Kerridge for what they called a "broken" election promise. One of the policies of Cr Kerridge's hard-fought election campaign was to 'keep rents down by keeping rates low', arguing rates had risen "dramatically" by more than CPI in the last decade under Labor and his predecessor, Nuatali Nelmes. On Tuesday night, he voted in favour of a 5.1 per cent rate rise, the maximum allowable under the rate peg set by the state's independent pricing watchdog. Liberal councillors, who made a commitment to freezing rates for the entire four-year term of council, also voted in favour of the rate rise. Labor councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the move was a "clear breach of trust" with voters. "Let's be honest, this is not what people were promised," she said. "Cr Kerridge repeatedly told the community he would limit rate increases to no more than CPI, and now he's voting for a 5.1 per cent rise. "I supported this budget because it delivers the projects and services our community needs, but unlike Cr Kerridge, I didn't campaign on freezing rates because I know responsible budgeting matters, and I believe in being upfront with the public." Our Newcastle was formed in support of Cr Kerridge and fellow independent councillors Mark Brooker and Peter Gittins ahead of the 2024 council elections. The policy section of the Our Newcastle website commits to 'keeping rents down by keeping rates down', arguing "any increase in rates results in an increase in rent costs". "Keeping rates low will ensure that renters are not punished unfairly. We will target rate increases to no more than CPI to keep cost-of-living increases minimal," the website said. "We intend to target rate increases to the lowest level possible to ensure our residents and businesses are not burdened by excessive rate rises." Cr Kerridge has denied ever claiming he would "freeze" rates and said his promise was to "target" keeping rate rises as low as possible. "I think all of this behaviour, and there must have been at least I think an hour, if not two hours, spent last night in speeches that are performative and really carrying on with the election campaign, and this theme of singing their praises," he said. "They've still effectively got control of the chamber, but they're still hurting, and I feel for their grief, but this is what democracy is, and really, they need to get over it and move on with working together, rather than attack, attack, attack. "It's not impressing anyone." At Tuesday's meeting, Cr Kerridge quoted economist John Maynard Keynes and said, "When times change, I change my mind". "You can take that to the next election," he said. City of Newcastle estimates it will raise about $200 million in rates in 2025/26. HE promised to "target rate increases to no more than CPI", but independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge has voted in favour of a rate increase more than double the current Consumer Price Index of 2.4 per cent. At this week's council meeting, Labor councillors, who also voted in favour of the rate increase, hammered Cr Kerridge for what they called a "broken" election promise. One of the policies of Cr Kerridge's hard-fought election campaign was to 'keep rents down by keeping rates low', arguing rates had risen "dramatically" by more than CPI in the last decade under Labor and his predecessor, Nuatali Nelmes. On Tuesday night, he voted in favour of a 5.1 per cent rate rise, the maximum allowable under the rate peg set by the state's independent pricing watchdog. Liberal councillors, who made a commitment to freezing rates for the entire four-year term of council, also voted in favour of the rate rise. Labor councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the move was a "clear breach of trust" with voters. "Let's be honest, this is not what people were promised," she said. "Cr Kerridge repeatedly told the community he would limit rate increases to no more than CPI, and now he's voting for a 5.1 per cent rise. "I supported this budget because it delivers the projects and services our community needs, but unlike Cr Kerridge, I didn't campaign on freezing rates because I know responsible budgeting matters, and I believe in being upfront with the public." Our Newcastle was formed in support of Cr Kerridge and fellow independent councillors Mark Brooker and Peter Gittins ahead of the 2024 council elections. The policy section of the Our Newcastle website commits to 'keeping rents down by keeping rates down', arguing "any increase in rates results in an increase in rent costs". "Keeping rates low will ensure that renters are not punished unfairly. We will target rate increases to no more than CPI to keep cost-of-living increases minimal," the website said. "We intend to target rate increases to the lowest level possible to ensure our residents and businesses are not burdened by excessive rate rises." Cr Kerridge has denied ever claiming he would "freeze" rates and said his promise was to "target" keeping rate rises as low as possible. "I think all of this behaviour, and there must have been at least I think an hour, if not two hours, spent last night in speeches that are performative and really carrying on with the election campaign, and this theme of singing their praises," he said. "They've still effectively got control of the chamber, but they're still hurting, and I feel for their grief, but this is what democracy is, and really, they need to get over it and move on with working together, rather than attack, attack, attack. "It's not impressing anyone." At Tuesday's meeting, Cr Kerridge quoted economist John Maynard Keynes and said, "When times change, I change my mind". "You can take that to the next election," he said. City of Newcastle estimates it will raise about $200 million in rates in 2025/26. HE promised to "target rate increases to no more than CPI", but independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge has voted in favour of a rate increase more than double the current Consumer Price Index of 2.4 per cent. At this week's council meeting, Labor councillors, who also voted in favour of the rate increase, hammered Cr Kerridge for what they called a "broken" election promise. One of the policies of Cr Kerridge's hard-fought election campaign was to 'keep rents down by keeping rates low', arguing rates had risen "dramatically" by more than CPI in the last decade under Labor and his predecessor, Nuatali Nelmes. On Tuesday night, he voted in favour of a 5.1 per cent rate rise, the maximum allowable under the rate peg set by the state's independent pricing watchdog. Liberal councillors, who made a commitment to freezing rates for the entire four-year term of council, also voted in favour of the rate rise. Labor councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the move was a "clear breach of trust" with voters. "Let's be honest, this is not what people were promised," she said. "Cr Kerridge repeatedly told the community he would limit rate increases to no more than CPI, and now he's voting for a 5.1 per cent rise. "I supported this budget because it delivers the projects and services our community needs, but unlike Cr Kerridge, I didn't campaign on freezing rates because I know responsible budgeting matters, and I believe in being upfront with the public." Our Newcastle was formed in support of Cr Kerridge and fellow independent councillors Mark Brooker and Peter Gittins ahead of the 2024 council elections. The policy section of the Our Newcastle website commits to 'keeping rents down by keeping rates down', arguing "any increase in rates results in an increase in rent costs". "Keeping rates low will ensure that renters are not punished unfairly. We will target rate increases to no more than CPI to keep cost-of-living increases minimal," the website said. "We intend to target rate increases to the lowest level possible to ensure our residents and businesses are not burdened by excessive rate rises." Cr Kerridge has denied ever claiming he would "freeze" rates and said his promise was to "target" keeping rate rises as low as possible. "I think all of this behaviour, and there must have been at least I think an hour, if not two hours, spent last night in speeches that are performative and really carrying on with the election campaign, and this theme of singing their praises," he said. "They've still effectively got control of the chamber, but they're still hurting, and I feel for their grief, but this is what democracy is, and really, they need to get over it and move on with working together, rather than attack, attack, attack. "It's not impressing anyone." At Tuesday's meeting, Cr Kerridge quoted economist John Maynard Keynes and said, "When times change, I change my mind". "You can take that to the next election," he said. City of Newcastle estimates it will raise about $200 million in rates in 2025/26.
The Advertiser
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'I've been called worse': Kerridge hits back at 'gullible mayor' jibe in Rising Tide debate
ROSS Kerridge says he's been "called a whole lot worse" after Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang dubbed him "the gullible mayor of Newcastle" in the midst of a debate around Rising Tide's application to host the 2025 People's Blockade in the city. The Legislative Council called on the City of Newcastle to "refuse any permit applications" from the climate activist group to use council land, including Richardson Park and Foreshore Park, for its planned November event after multiple arrests and a last-minute Supreme Court ruling in 2024. On Wednesday, Mr Fang called out Cr Kerridge for his decision to grant a permit to Rising Tide to camp on Foreshore Park last year. "The Supreme Court prohibited Rising Tide from going into the harbour during the scheduled blockade," Mr Fang said. "However, the gullible mayor of Newcastle, and I suspect Lenin would call him one of the 'useful idiots', believed that Rising Ride would honour its promise and obey police directions. "I observe that the mayor was, I am being generous, deceived last year by Rising Tide. Some would suggest he was aiding and abetting." Mr Fang said the City of Newcastle should "stand firm against those lawbreakers" this year. The 2024 People's Blockade resulted in more than 170 arrests, of whom 133 have pleaded not guilty to serious disruption or obstruction of a major facility. The first four defendants will face trial at Newcastle Local Court in October. The state government attempted to block access to the harbour by imposing an exclusion zone that would have made it off-limits to the public. The Supreme Court found the notice was invalid following an urgent application from Rising Tide in November 2024; however, earlier that month, it ruled in favour of police who moved to have the planned protest deemed an unauthorised assembly. Cr Kerridge drew the ire of his fellow councillors when he used his decision-making powers to grant Rising Tide temporary use of council-owned land for the protestival. This year, Cr Kerridge said he felt it was important for the community to weigh in. "I think we have to recognise that Rising Tide is a complex organisation, and yeah, they don't have a good track record," he said. "Last year, things sort of dragged on, and the decision was made without adequate involvement of the community and then things changed very rapidly at the last minute. "I think we need to have the discussion early and be very clear, very early on, about what's going to happen." Rising Tide recently made an application to the council to use Richardson Park from November 25 to December 25, and Camp Shortland from November 28 to December 1. In response to Mr Fang's remarks about the 2024 event, Cr Kerridge said he feels he made the right decision under the circumstances at the time. "I think it was the right decision, even at the time, I suspected it might end up the way it did, but I was hoping that it wouldn't, but I think had we done anything else, the result would have been a whole lot worse," he said. "Mr Fang is one of the more colourful characters of the Legislative Council, and let's face it, I've been called a whole lot worse." In the same debate, Labor MLC Cameron Murphy described Rising Tide as an "excellent protest group" and said anybody who cares about the environment ought to attend a protest. Liberal MLC Rachel Merton called the group "delinquents", while Greens MLC Sue Higginson praised Rising Tide as the "most honest, colourful, strategic, community-based, grassroots activists of our time". Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said Labor doesn't know whether to applaud them or condemn them because it is deeply divided about the transition away from coal. "Hundreds of ordinary citizens engaging in civil disobedience against coal corporations should serve as a demonstration to Premier [Chris] Minns that he is on the wrong side of history," she said. "Irrespective of NSW Labor's confusing statements, Rising Tide's event application is a matter for the Newcastle community and the Newcastle council to decide." Ms Stuart encouraged Newcastle residents to make a submission on the event application because, she said, it will be "very clear" there is overwhelming support for the protest. "Unless the government stops approving new coal projects and starts funding an urgent transition, the 2025 People's Blockade will go ahead," she said. A City of Newcastle spokesman said that in January, Cr Kerridge requested Rising Tide's event licence be determined by the elected council. "The Local Government Act does not allow staff to make a decision that is contradictory to a resolution of the council," he said. Once submissions close, councillors will consider whether to approve the event, which could include camping and activation of Richardson Park and a concert in Camp Shortland. Rising Tide's application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. The community can email their feedback to events@ until 5pm on June 30. ROSS Kerridge says he's been "called a whole lot worse" after Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang dubbed him "the gullible mayor of Newcastle" in the midst of a debate around Rising Tide's application to host the 2025 People's Blockade in the city. The Legislative Council called on the City of Newcastle to "refuse any permit applications" from the climate activist group to use council land, including Richardson Park and Foreshore Park, for its planned November event after multiple arrests and a last-minute Supreme Court ruling in 2024. On Wednesday, Mr Fang called out Cr Kerridge for his decision to grant a permit to Rising Tide to camp on Foreshore Park last year. "The Supreme Court prohibited Rising Tide from going into the harbour during the scheduled blockade," Mr Fang said. "However, the gullible mayor of Newcastle, and I suspect Lenin would call him one of the 'useful idiots', believed that Rising Ride would honour its promise and obey police directions. "I observe that the mayor was, I am being generous, deceived last year by Rising Tide. Some would suggest he was aiding and abetting." Mr Fang said the City of Newcastle should "stand firm against those lawbreakers" this year. The 2024 People's Blockade resulted in more than 170 arrests, of whom 133 have pleaded not guilty to serious disruption or obstruction of a major facility. The first four defendants will face trial at Newcastle Local Court in October. The state government attempted to block access to the harbour by imposing an exclusion zone that would have made it off-limits to the public. The Supreme Court found the notice was invalid following an urgent application from Rising Tide in November 2024; however, earlier that month, it ruled in favour of police who moved to have the planned protest deemed an unauthorised assembly. Cr Kerridge drew the ire of his fellow councillors when he used his decision-making powers to grant Rising Tide temporary use of council-owned land for the protestival. This year, Cr Kerridge said he felt it was important for the community to weigh in. "I think we have to recognise that Rising Tide is a complex organisation, and yeah, they don't have a good track record," he said. "Last year, things sort of dragged on, and the decision was made without adequate involvement of the community and then things changed very rapidly at the last minute. "I think we need to have the discussion early and be very clear, very early on, about what's going to happen." Rising Tide recently made an application to the council to use Richardson Park from November 25 to December 25, and Camp Shortland from November 28 to December 1. In response to Mr Fang's remarks about the 2024 event, Cr Kerridge said he feels he made the right decision under the circumstances at the time. "I think it was the right decision, even at the time, I suspected it might end up the way it did, but I was hoping that it wouldn't, but I think had we done anything else, the result would have been a whole lot worse," he said. "Mr Fang is one of the more colourful characters of the Legislative Council, and let's face it, I've been called a whole lot worse." In the same debate, Labor MLC Cameron Murphy described Rising Tide as an "excellent protest group" and said anybody who cares about the environment ought to attend a protest. Liberal MLC Rachel Merton called the group "delinquents", while Greens MLC Sue Higginson praised Rising Tide as the "most honest, colourful, strategic, community-based, grassroots activists of our time". Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said Labor doesn't know whether to applaud them or condemn them because it is deeply divided about the transition away from coal. "Hundreds of ordinary citizens engaging in civil disobedience against coal corporations should serve as a demonstration to Premier [Chris] Minns that he is on the wrong side of history," she said. "Irrespective of NSW Labor's confusing statements, Rising Tide's event application is a matter for the Newcastle community and the Newcastle council to decide." Ms Stuart encouraged Newcastle residents to make a submission on the event application because, she said, it will be "very clear" there is overwhelming support for the protest. "Unless the government stops approving new coal projects and starts funding an urgent transition, the 2025 People's Blockade will go ahead," she said. A City of Newcastle spokesman said that in January, Cr Kerridge requested Rising Tide's event licence be determined by the elected council. "The Local Government Act does not allow staff to make a decision that is contradictory to a resolution of the council," he said. Once submissions close, councillors will consider whether to approve the event, which could include camping and activation of Richardson Park and a concert in Camp Shortland. Rising Tide's application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. The community can email their feedback to events@ until 5pm on June 30. ROSS Kerridge says he's been "called a whole lot worse" after Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang dubbed him "the gullible mayor of Newcastle" in the midst of a debate around Rising Tide's application to host the 2025 People's Blockade in the city. The Legislative Council called on the City of Newcastle to "refuse any permit applications" from the climate activist group to use council land, including Richardson Park and Foreshore Park, for its planned November event after multiple arrests and a last-minute Supreme Court ruling in 2024. On Wednesday, Mr Fang called out Cr Kerridge for his decision to grant a permit to Rising Tide to camp on Foreshore Park last year. "The Supreme Court prohibited Rising Tide from going into the harbour during the scheduled blockade," Mr Fang said. "However, the gullible mayor of Newcastle, and I suspect Lenin would call him one of the 'useful idiots', believed that Rising Ride would honour its promise and obey police directions. "I observe that the mayor was, I am being generous, deceived last year by Rising Tide. Some would suggest he was aiding and abetting." Mr Fang said the City of Newcastle should "stand firm against those lawbreakers" this year. The 2024 People's Blockade resulted in more than 170 arrests, of whom 133 have pleaded not guilty to serious disruption or obstruction of a major facility. The first four defendants will face trial at Newcastle Local Court in October. The state government attempted to block access to the harbour by imposing an exclusion zone that would have made it off-limits to the public. The Supreme Court found the notice was invalid following an urgent application from Rising Tide in November 2024; however, earlier that month, it ruled in favour of police who moved to have the planned protest deemed an unauthorised assembly. Cr Kerridge drew the ire of his fellow councillors when he used his decision-making powers to grant Rising Tide temporary use of council-owned land for the protestival. This year, Cr Kerridge said he felt it was important for the community to weigh in. "I think we have to recognise that Rising Tide is a complex organisation, and yeah, they don't have a good track record," he said. "Last year, things sort of dragged on, and the decision was made without adequate involvement of the community and then things changed very rapidly at the last minute. "I think we need to have the discussion early and be very clear, very early on, about what's going to happen." Rising Tide recently made an application to the council to use Richardson Park from November 25 to December 25, and Camp Shortland from November 28 to December 1. In response to Mr Fang's remarks about the 2024 event, Cr Kerridge said he feels he made the right decision under the circumstances at the time. "I think it was the right decision, even at the time, I suspected it might end up the way it did, but I was hoping that it wouldn't, but I think had we done anything else, the result would have been a whole lot worse," he said. "Mr Fang is one of the more colourful characters of the Legislative Council, and let's face it, I've been called a whole lot worse." In the same debate, Labor MLC Cameron Murphy described Rising Tide as an "excellent protest group" and said anybody who cares about the environment ought to attend a protest. Liberal MLC Rachel Merton called the group "delinquents", while Greens MLC Sue Higginson praised Rising Tide as the "most honest, colourful, strategic, community-based, grassroots activists of our time". Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said Labor doesn't know whether to applaud them or condemn them because it is deeply divided about the transition away from coal. "Hundreds of ordinary citizens engaging in civil disobedience against coal corporations should serve as a demonstration to Premier [Chris] Minns that he is on the wrong side of history," she said. "Irrespective of NSW Labor's confusing statements, Rising Tide's event application is a matter for the Newcastle community and the Newcastle council to decide." Ms Stuart encouraged Newcastle residents to make a submission on the event application because, she said, it will be "very clear" there is overwhelming support for the protest. "Unless the government stops approving new coal projects and starts funding an urgent transition, the 2025 People's Blockade will go ahead," she said. A City of Newcastle spokesman said that in January, Cr Kerridge requested Rising Tide's event licence be determined by the elected council. "The Local Government Act does not allow staff to make a decision that is contradictory to a resolution of the council," he said. Once submissions close, councillors will consider whether to approve the event, which could include camping and activation of Richardson Park and a concert in Camp Shortland. Rising Tide's application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. The community can email their feedback to events@ until 5pm on June 30. ROSS Kerridge says he's been "called a whole lot worse" after Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang dubbed him "the gullible mayor of Newcastle" in the midst of a debate around Rising Tide's application to host the 2025 People's Blockade in the city. The Legislative Council called on the City of Newcastle to "refuse any permit applications" from the climate activist group to use council land, including Richardson Park and Foreshore Park, for its planned November event after multiple arrests and a last-minute Supreme Court ruling in 2024. On Wednesday, Mr Fang called out Cr Kerridge for his decision to grant a permit to Rising Tide to camp on Foreshore Park last year. "The Supreme Court prohibited Rising Tide from going into the harbour during the scheduled blockade," Mr Fang said. "However, the gullible mayor of Newcastle, and I suspect Lenin would call him one of the 'useful idiots', believed that Rising Ride would honour its promise and obey police directions. "I observe that the mayor was, I am being generous, deceived last year by Rising Tide. Some would suggest he was aiding and abetting." Mr Fang said the City of Newcastle should "stand firm against those lawbreakers" this year. The 2024 People's Blockade resulted in more than 170 arrests, of whom 133 have pleaded not guilty to serious disruption or obstruction of a major facility. The first four defendants will face trial at Newcastle Local Court in October. The state government attempted to block access to the harbour by imposing an exclusion zone that would have made it off-limits to the public. The Supreme Court found the notice was invalid following an urgent application from Rising Tide in November 2024; however, earlier that month, it ruled in favour of police who moved to have the planned protest deemed an unauthorised assembly. Cr Kerridge drew the ire of his fellow councillors when he used his decision-making powers to grant Rising Tide temporary use of council-owned land for the protestival. This year, Cr Kerridge said he felt it was important for the community to weigh in. "I think we have to recognise that Rising Tide is a complex organisation, and yeah, they don't have a good track record," he said. "Last year, things sort of dragged on, and the decision was made without adequate involvement of the community and then things changed very rapidly at the last minute. "I think we need to have the discussion early and be very clear, very early on, about what's going to happen." Rising Tide recently made an application to the council to use Richardson Park from November 25 to December 25, and Camp Shortland from November 28 to December 1. In response to Mr Fang's remarks about the 2024 event, Cr Kerridge said he feels he made the right decision under the circumstances at the time. "I think it was the right decision, even at the time, I suspected it might end up the way it did, but I was hoping that it wouldn't, but I think had we done anything else, the result would have been a whole lot worse," he said. "Mr Fang is one of the more colourful characters of the Legislative Council, and let's face it, I've been called a whole lot worse." In the same debate, Labor MLC Cameron Murphy described Rising Tide as an "excellent protest group" and said anybody who cares about the environment ought to attend a protest. Liberal MLC Rachel Merton called the group "delinquents", while Greens MLC Sue Higginson praised Rising Tide as the "most honest, colourful, strategic, community-based, grassroots activists of our time". Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said Labor doesn't know whether to applaud them or condemn them because it is deeply divided about the transition away from coal. "Hundreds of ordinary citizens engaging in civil disobedience against coal corporations should serve as a demonstration to Premier [Chris] Minns that he is on the wrong side of history," she said. "Irrespective of NSW Labor's confusing statements, Rising Tide's event application is a matter for the Newcastle community and the Newcastle council to decide." Ms Stuart encouraged Newcastle residents to make a submission on the event application because, she said, it will be "very clear" there is overwhelming support for the protest. "Unless the government stops approving new coal projects and starts funding an urgent transition, the 2025 People's Blockade will go ahead," she said. A City of Newcastle spokesman said that in January, Cr Kerridge requested Rising Tide's event licence be determined by the elected council. "The Local Government Act does not allow staff to make a decision that is contradictory to a resolution of the council," he said. Once submissions close, councillors will consider whether to approve the event, which could include camping and activation of Richardson Park and a concert in Camp Shortland. Rising Tide's application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. The community can email their feedback to events@ until 5pm on June 30.
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Clausen accuses Newcastle lord mayor of 'rewriting history' over deleted airport posts
NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on." NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on." NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on." NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on."
