Dating from the 13th Century, the award is an honour of distinction and carries no privileges but is the means by which an individual is given recognition for an outstanding sense of duty - recognition not merely by a person but by a city.

Few Australians carry this prestigious award and Mrs. Hill joins Marie Davies, John Munro, Neville Bothwell and Elsie Doyle as Cessnock’s only surviving Freemen.

Mrs. Hill has provided her musical gift selflessly and generously for the cultural enhancement and enjoyment of Cessnock and the wider community for almost a lifetime – 63 years to the present. Her involvement with schools in musical development has extended over 40 years and she is currently assisting the newly formed Cessnock Community Great Public Schools Choir.

Mrs. Hill has devoted countless hours contributing her musical talents and supporting artists for numerous charity and civic events and she has organised and supported artists at nursing homes across the local government area. In 1976, Myra founded and formed the Cessnock Cantata Choir and she is still the choir’s director.

Cr. Davey said, “It is a fitting tribute to Mrs Hill to be awarded Freeman of the City for her magnificent cultural contribution to our City.”

Cr. Davey said the title Freeman of the City of Cessnock is not given lightly or freely and there is a very rigid criteria to be met.

“However those citizens that are nominated to receive this recognition, by their actions set the very highest standards for themselves.

“They demand of themselves the very highest moral and ethical standards within our community.

“Myra is a well known and respected member of the community of the City of Cessnock and she has given a life long commitment to the community in the true spirit of voluntary services over a lifetime,” said Cr. Davey.

Warren Parsons compered the ceremony that featured the singing of Advance Australia Fair by Margaret Albury, accompanied by Pam Bothwell, a performance by the Cessnock Community of Great Public Schools Choir conducted by Annie Devine, a rendition of What a Wonderful World performed by Peter Carver and accompanied by Kaye Carver and a cello item by Isaac Duncan-Daley, accompanied by his mother Amanda Daley.

Tow items by the Cantata Choir, accompanied by Mrs. Hill brought down the curtain on a memorable event.

Guest speakers included the Rev. Gordon Peden from St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church, East Maitland and a cousin of Mrs. Hill, Dr, James Pendlebury OAM.

Mrs. Hill said she was honoured to receive the award and has always been proud to say she comes from Cessnock.

She said music has always been and will continue to be part of her life and it has been wonderful sharing her love with others, particularly young people.