Just months after being cut from NBN News, popular presenter Gavin Morris has staged a remarkable comeback — this time in politics.

The long-time on-air personality, well known to viewers across the Northern Rivers, has been elected Lord Mayor of Newcastle in a landslide result.

Morris secured more than half the vote in Saturday’s by-election, delivering a decisive win that few predicted.

For many locals, it marks a dramatic turnaround after his sudden departure from NBN late last year — a move that drew strong reaction from loyal viewers across the region.

From TV screens to city hall

Morris spent more than a decade as the face of the nightly weather bulletin and later the news presenter, becoming a trusted and familiar presence in homes from Ballina to the Hunter.

His exit came amid wider cuts across the Nine Network, as traditional broadcasters continue to face mounting pressure from digital platforms.

But rather than stepping away from public life, Morris has quickly pivoted — turning name recognition and community goodwill into a strong political base in a city where media figures have long made the jump into public office.

“A fantastic result”

Speaking after the win, Morris said he was overwhelmed by the level of support.

“It’s a fantastic result… I’m absolutely delighted,” he told the Newcastle Star.

“At the end of the day, this isn’t about me — it’s about our community and our city.”

He said he was excited about what lies ahead and determined to help shape the city’s future.

A familiar face in big moments

Before joining NBN in 2009, Morris worked as a senior forecaster with The Weather Channel, covering major events including the Black Saturday bushfires.

He also appeared regularly on the Today Show.

More recently, he was on the ground during the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, reporting from devastated communities including Lismore — moments that helped cement his connection with local audiences.

A familiar path — with a powerful result

While the move from media into politics is well-trodden, particularly in Newcastle, Morris’s result stands out for its scale.

For Northern Rivers viewers who watched his unexpected farewell just months ago, it’s a case of a familiar face turning a setback into a sweeping victory.