BY TYLER FARDELL and JESSICA ROUSE

Giving someone the keys to the city is seen as a prestigious and respected tradition, but last weeks decision to give the keys to Newcastle to a reality TV star has left a bad taste in many residents mouths.

TV star and friend of Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Jackie Gillies was handed the keys last week. Jackie Gillies is said to be a close friend of Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, and has starred in the reality show The Real Housewives of Melbourne.
Jackie Gillies & Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes


Image @JackieGilliesTV Twitter

While many residents are scratching their heads at the decision, Jackie Gillies is said to have been chosen due to her advocacy for Newcastle through the reality TV show and the media, plus her extensive work with Mission Australia and White Ribbon.

Former Newcastle candidate and community advocate Kath Elliot says the friendship between the Lord Mayor and Jackie Gillies is concerning.

“I think Jackie Gillies is probably a very nice person but the fact that she has a personal relationship with our Lord Mayor calls into question the validity of the bestowing of the keys of the city onto her.”

Kath Elliot claims the system is being abused especially when there are many better candidates for the honour including leading breast cancer expert Professor John Forbes and the ‘chief’ Paul Harragon.

“But we have a lot of people who are unsung in our community. If we knew what this program looked like and we had the opportunity to nominate people like you do for an Order of Australia medal, etc. and we knew what the rules were and there was set criteria we could actually do this for people who are just working way helping their community, volunteering, doing really great things,” said Kath Elliot.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has been accused of using the occasion to feature herself on the program, Real Housewives of Melbourne.