Cr Loretta Baker is a proud community health nurse, a Lorn local, and in the last term represented Maitland as its first ever female mayor.
After moving to Maitland over 30 years ago, Loretta started working in community health in Maitland, supporting those with mental health and addiction problems and running an immunisation program at schools across the City.
She is passionate about the arts and creative movement in Maitland, a member and big supporter of the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, a supporter of the Repertory Theatre and a regular at the Maitland Writers Festival.
Loretta became a Councillor in 2008, seeking to make people's lives just a little bit better through furthering social justice and improving amenity and facilities in the City.
'I'm immensely proud of the work we've done bringing The Riverlink Building to High Street. Maitland had historically turned its back on the river, and there's now a physical reconnection for the community.
'I love Maitland for its tight knit community. The people are what make it; we have hundreds of tireless volunteers working to improve their City because they are proud of Maitland.
'Our considerable natural and built heritage makes Maitland unique.