Jeffrey Maybury gave so much to the community in his 71 years, and never asked for anything in return.
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Mr Maybury’s selfless attitude and dedication to the community was recognised on Thursday when he was posthumously awarded the title of Freeman of the City of Cessnock.
Mr Maybury was Cessnock City Council’s longest-serving councillor when he passed away on July 6, 2015.
He was first elected to the council in 1980, and was also an active volunteer with the St Vincent de Paul Society, Weston RSL Sub-Branch, Weston Tidy Towns and many other community-focused projects.
A life member of the Australian Labor Party, he was affectionately known as “the Mayor of Weston”, with Peace Park at Chinaman’s Hollow among his proudest achievements in his time on the council.
Freeman of the City is the highest acclamation Cessnock City can bestow upon one of its citizens.
Dating from the thirteenth 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.
Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent presented said Freemen uphold the very highest moral and ethical standards within our community.
“Freemen walk softly, but with great determination. They are humble, but stand tall and give so much of themselves without seeking fame, fortune or acknowledgement,” Cr Pynsent said.
“The only reward they seek is achievement – not for themselves, but achievement for those who lives they influence and help along the way.
“It is an honour and great privilege to acknowledge Jeff today for his lifelong contribution to the Cessnock local government area and our people.”
Mr Maybury’s daughter Karen Jurd said their family was grateful that he has been honoured with this award.
“We are sincerely thankful for the recognition,” she said.
“On this very special day we are so proud to be Jeff Maybury’s family.
“Helping people was not a chore to him; it came naturally and for him it was just the normal thing to do.”
Mr Maybury joins an esteemed list of Freemen of the City of Cessnock, which includes Coogan Frame, Cecil Anstey, Fred Yeatman, Mick Frame, Neville Bothwell, Elsie Doyle, John Munro, Marie Davies, Harold Sternbeck, Myra Hill and Bruce Wilson.
