Each year a charity is chosen by the Lord Mayor to be recognised for the work they do. It is the support of the event sponsors and the generosity of those attending the gathering that has helped to achieve these great outcomes.

Newcastle has a heritage of church and civic leaders coming together to pray for the welfare of the city.

In 1990, following the devastating 1989 Newcastle earthquake, city leaders and people from churches across the region gathered at Wests Leagues Club. In a time of rebuilding and uncertainty, they came together in unity and prayer for the future of Newcastle. That moment reflected something enduring about our city — that in times of challenge and opportunity, we gather.

Nearly two decades later, in 2009, a group of Newcastle pastors approached the then Lord Mayor, John Tate, about establishing an Annual Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Cr Tate warmly embraced the vision and hosted the breakfast from 2009 through to 2012.

The breakfast was subsequently hosted by Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy in 2013 and 2014. During this period, the associated Lord Mayor’s Student Leadership Forum was established, creating a significant leadership development opportunity for high school students across the region.

From 2015 to 2024, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes hosted the breakfast, noting that “civic, business, community, and church leaders gathered and celebrated shared values that benefited our community.” Her tenure saw the event continue to grow in influence and goodwill.

In 2025, newly elected Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge hosted the breakfast, with the event returning to the historic Newcastle City Hall. Sadly, due to health reasons, Dr Kerridge was unable to continue in the role into 2026.

Rick Prosser, the organiser of the breakfast, together with his team and the Lord Mayor’s Office, now look forward to welcoming a new Lord Mayor to the 5 June 2026 gathering, following the April by-election — continuing a tradition of prayer, unity, and service for the City of Newcastle.