Gavin Morris is a Woodberry boy who went to primary school at Our Lady of Lourdes Tarro. He learned to swim in Beresfield pool, attended radio school at night at 2HD in Sandgate while attending high school at Maitland Marist Brothers.

In 1985 a politician, Senator Peter Baume visited his school and was so impressed with Gavin’s thoughts on the future of the city, BHP at the time and environment that he introduced him to John McGahen, General Manager of 2NX. After meeting Gavin, Jack immediately offered him a job at the radio station in 1986.

From that moment Gavin always knew that one day, he would put himself forward to make a difference and help change peoples’ lives, for the better.

He learned early that dignity, respect and hard work matters. He grew up in a community where people looked out for each other and took pride in their street. That instinct; listen first, help where you can and leave things better than you found them has shaped everything he has done since.

Gavin has spent more than 40 years in the media and the entertainment industry, building a career based on trust, clarity and calmness under pressure. He began in radio as a DJ with major stations nationally and helped launch NEW-FM in Newcastle in 1989. He worked as a surf reporter and a snow reporter leading Thredbo’s media team in 1990 and 1993. These roles sparked his passion for weather and storytelling.

Before joining NBN Television, Gavin was Senior Forecaster with The Weather Channel, covering and travelling to some of Australia’s most significant weather events and disasters. It was demanding, high stakes work that involved long hours, travel, fast decisions in the field while confronting danger, delivering accurate information when it mattered most.

In 2009, Gavin joined NBN News, becoming a familiar and trusted voice in homes across Newcastle, the Hunter, Northern NSW and southeast Queensland. He started as a weather presenter and in 2021 became co-anchor of the nightly 6pm bulletin; a role that requires leadership in real time, guiding live broadcasts, managing breaking news and communicating clearly during emergencies. He regularly appeared on national programs including the Chat Room and Today Show, he then served as summer host of Weekend Today for four years.

He has travelled extensively, leaving for Europe in 1994. He lived and worked internationally including 10 years in New York City. There, he worked for major broadcasters such as ESPN and NBC. He studied intensively, building a business enterprise, learning firsthand what it means to manage all aspects of a growing and complex organisation, solve problems quickly and be accountable for successful outcomes. Vamnation has gone on to become one of America’s most successful bicoastal talent agencies.

Gavin is also known for rolling up his sleeves for the community. He has supported charities regularly hosting Ronald McDonald House’s annual ball. He conducted his own personal fundraiser and supported other events for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. He supports Camp Quality and has helped raise millions for international charities.

Late last year Gavin’s role at NBN was made redundant and he chose not to leave Newcastle behind.

What happened next for Gavin, reinforced something powerful. Newcastle is a community that backs its own. People stopped him in the street to say how they missed him on TV because they trust him.

That trust is what Gavin is now putting back into the city.

Gavin wants Newcastle families to be proud of cleaner suburbs, safer public spaces, stronger community facilities and a council that listens, is open, transparent and accountable.

Gavin is running for Lord Mayor as an Independent because he believes that is what Newcastle deserves.

He’ll listen to residents, work with all councillors, and make decisions openly, fairly and with Newcastle’s long-term future in mind. The city is in transition the future and its possibilities are endless and exciting.

Newcastle needs a strong independent voice as its leader; and that choice is Gavin Morris.