Mrs Davey, 77, was named Cessnock’s Senior Citizen of the Year on Australia Day and is looking forward to being the city’s Seniors Week ambassador from April 1 to 10.

The Australia Day honour went to Mrs Davey for her contributions to the Cessnock local government area as a teacher, councillor and Mayor. 

Born and raised in Maitland, Mrs Davey started her teaching career in 1958 at Telarah Public School, with stints at Parkes, Maitland Girls High, Telarah again, Cessnock West and East Maitland.

She was one of the first female principals in the area when she was appointed at Ellalong Public School in 1974.

Four years later she took up the post at Bellbird Public School, where she stayed until her retirement in 2003.

In that time, Mrs Davey began her long career in local government. She was elected to Cessnock City Council in 1983, and served as a councillor until 2012 (including the last four years as Mayor).

She has also been involved in many community organisations over the years, and still serves as treasurer for Cessnock Chamber of Commerce, Marthaville Arts and Cultural Centre, Cessnock Tidy Towns and Cessnock Business and Professional Women.

Mrs Davey and her husband Brian – who died in June last year – established a tutoring centre in 1995, and Mrs Davey continues to provide tutoring for local school children three afternoons a week.

Mr Davey was a previous winner of the Senior Citizen of the Year award, which he received in 2013 for his community involvement with the Lions Club, Tidy Towns, 2CHR-FM and Cessnock Rugby League.

Mrs Davey said she was surprised to receive the honour, and that she is happy to continue giving back to the community while she is able.

“I want to continue to be busy and serve the town,” she said.

“Cessnock is a friendly place, and while I’ve got some talent to share I might as well put it to use.

“It gets a bit lonely inside four walls.

“I’m not ready for a box yet.”

Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said there could not be a more fitting recipient for Senior Citizen of the Year than Mrs Davey.

“Alison Davey’s lifelong service to her community is legendary. Firstly as a teacher and principal, then as Cessnock City Mayor, Alison has had a strong leadership role in our community,” Cr Pynsent said.

“Her selfless service still continues today with her involvement on the Seniors Committee, Cessnock Business and Professional Women’s Group and Tidy Town Committee.

“This award is a small token of appreciation for her many years of service to our community.”

NSW Seniors Week runs from April 1-10. See what’s happening in Cessnock here.