Peace Park could be renamed in honour of late councillor Jeff maybury

Now, the park could be renamed in honour of Cr. Maybury, who passed away on July 6.

Weston RSL Sub-branch – of which Cr. Maybury was the long-serving president – submitted a request to Cessnock City Council to rename the park ‘Jeff Maybury Peace Park’.

“The Sub-branch feels that the renaming would be a fitting tribute to Jeff’s years of service to the population of Weston,” honorary secretary John King said.

Council resolved at last Wednesday’s meeting for general manager Stephen Glen to undertake investigations into identifying a suitable site within the Weston precinct to be named after Cr. Maybury.

In a mayoral minute, Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said it is appropriate that council investigates ways to honour Cr. Maybury’s contribution.

“Cr. Maybury was known for helping those in the community who were in need and was affectionately referred to as the ‘Mayor of Weston’,” Cr. Pynsent said.

“He was also a long-time advocate for the general maintenance and improvement of Chinaman’s Hollow Peace Park at Weston.”

Meanwhile, council will seek minister’s consent dispense with a by-election for Cr. Maybury’s vacant seat in Ward C.

In accordance with Section 294 of the Local Government Act 1993, a by-election is not required if the vacancy occurs within 18 months of an ordinary election.

The next election will take place in September 2016.

Cr. Morgan Campbell said it was “common sense” not to proceed with a by-election, considering the timeframe and cost (estimated at $120,000).