Cessnock event organiser and community icon Damien Wallace dies aged 34

Mr Wallace died on Thursday, June 9 due to complications from surgery at age 34.

Mr Wallace, affectionately known as “Damo”, was heavily involved in local events and organisations.

He was a member of the Labor party, having run for council in 2012 and was planning to run again in the upcoming council election.

He was involved in the organisation of numerous concerts and events in the vineyards and Cessnock CBD, and offered his DJ services to many as well.

Mr Wallace’s fiance Elasea Gelderman said if anyone wanted to put on an event, Damien would “organise everything except the fireworks” and he’d even put them in touch with someone who could organise those.

But he did more for the community than just event planning.

Ms Gelderman said her fiance would have bent over backwards to help anyone, even if it meant putting himself out.

“Someone said to me ‘he’s probably got more people jobs than Centrelink’,” she said.

“He just was a people person and a problem solver.

Ms Gelderman said Mr Wallace was an amazing man, who dearly loved his family and friends.

Hundreds of tributes have been posted on Mr Wallace’s Facebook page, mourning the loss of “a top guy,” “dear friend” and “a genuine bloke.”

A funeral will be held for Mr Wallace at 1.30pm Friday at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cumberland Street.

Where do you start? What do you say in such a small space about such a great individual? Damo was a special soul who touched the people of this town's lives in a special way. Nothing was too hard, never an inconvenience, he was always willing & eager to lend a hand whenever needed, he was the go-to man and he always had an answer or helped u find the answer. I was proud to call you Damo a dear friend and my dear friend you will be deeply missed. Cessnock will never be the same without you "Damo" RIP xxxx – Kristen Black, Bellbird

Your were a legend Damo and brought so much joy and happiness to the community and those around you. Fly High x – Britney, Cessnock

You will be deeply missed damo. – Chad Pearson, Hervey Bay

What a gent and all round top bloke you were Damo. The things you did for this town and its people can never be repaid. You will be dearly missed by more than you could ever imagine.  – Brett Woodward, Pokolbin

Damo as kids we grew up in Bellbird and you took all obstacles in your stride. You achieved a lot and we're loved by all. You are a person I am definitely proud to say I knew. You leave many behind with tears in eyes which says a lot about such a young person. Keep the party going up there bud.  – Aj Stevens, Bellbird

Great Guy, missed by many, never forgotten. RIP Damo xoxo – Sarina Keuenhoff, Penrith formely Aberdare

What do you say? What can you say? This little rock here called earth lost a truly magnificent person. A man of whom i was lucky enough to call a friend however that was no big deal as he honestly had thousands, he truly wanted the best for people and had time for anyone. He will leave a hole in this community larger than any mine, truly a special person and if his family choose to have a public ceromony my god its going to need to be held somewhere big and open as he will no doubt have more attendees than any of the brilliant concerts he put on. Farewell "Damo" you big bloody legend. – Chris Lewis, Ellalong 

You've left behind such a legacy Damo! Thank you for being such a truly wonderful person that supported so many people in so many ways. You won't be forgotten but you will be very much missed! – Jodie Woodward, Brisbane

Rip damo u were a true aussie u will b missed greatly sending my love to all affected by his passing – Tony legge, Glen Innes

You were always the friendly, happy guy at school. In more recent times the most connected guy in the valley, you are loved by many Damien . May you rest in peace. With much love to your family and fiancé. – Lynda Hinton(Stevens), previously of Bellbird

Damo I met you through my dad he always talked so highly of you and I got to meet you finally for my 30th bday where you did the music for me , which was such a great night and music choice was amazing you helped me pick songs and showed me how to use your stuff , since then you have been a great friend, with help or advice on anything for anyone, you were such a great guy always there for people .. This town is going to miss you so much and will never be the same without you, may you be at peace and sending all my love and strength to your family and beautiful fiancé xx – Kellie Hancock, Ellalong 

Damo you were a great guy with a beautiful soul who would do anything to help anyone was a pleasure knowing you R.I.P mate fly high.. Xxxx – Kelly, Cessnock

Rest in peace Damo you will be deeply missed. Heaven has gain another angel. – Natalie,  Cessnock

Damo to know you and call you a friend since our primary school days was a complete honour. Anyone who was lucky enough to have known you, knows just what a top guy and true gentleman you were; and let's not forget your wicked sense of humour too. The world has truly lost one of the greatest. My condolences and love to all of your loved ones. I'll miss you mate. Forever in our hearts and never forgotten. R.I.P Damo xxx – Angie McKinnon nee Bigelow, Belmont

Damo was someone you never forgot once you had met him. He was a great mate to his friends. He loved Cessnock and its history and knew so much. He loved mining history and was a wealth of information. He enjoyed his life and being with people. He was always there if he was needed. So many people are going to miss you Damo. You left an indelible imprint in the lives of so many; your loved ones, your mates, your many many friends. You were very proud to have been born and raised in Cessnock. Now Cessnock is a sader place without you and your big smile. Vale Damien. – Gail and Mark Duerden, Cessnock

RIP Damian another good person tragically taken from this world far too soon..😭 My condolences to the family.....… – Rae Woodman, Port Macquarie

Damien was such a kind and friendly bloke, and always had a story to tell. We always loved catching up with him at Wallace family events. And I had the pleasure of working with him at Hunter Valley Gardens. He was always professional and would go above and beyond. Such a credit to his family, an all round good guy. We are all at a loss without you, rest in peace. – Alena Pople, North Rothbury

Rip damo.. you were always there for everyone friends, family, co workers and the community . All through your life you couldnt do enough to help everyone. You will be sadly missed by all. Mt thoughts are with your dad and family. Xx – Kylie sternbeck, Cessnock

RIP Damien will always remember you walking to and from school. My thoughts are with all your family and friends. – Noeline Hayward, BELLBIRD

So sad to lose such a young, vibrant person like Damien. You will be greatly missed by family, friends & acquaintances. – Sue Woodward, Coal Point

Goodbyes are not forever,are not the end!It simply means I will miss you ,until we meet again xx – Ange Hammond (Lacey), Roma Qld was Millfield

You were a great man damien. You will be missed a lot a loving caring man. RIP damo  – Tammy, Abermain

Damo you were the most down to earth easy going genuine person one could wish to meet, you will be dearly missed by the Community and especially those who knew you from pedans it just won't be the same going there and not seeing your smiling face or seeing you walking around making jokes over the microphone, condolences to your family and close friends and especially your fiancé at this heartbreaking time. May you rest in peace Damo xx – Kylie R, Aberdare 

I will never forget you Damo. You offered me career advice and job opportunities for nothing in return. You were always up for a chat and more than willing to help wherever possible. The world needs more people like you. You will fit in up there xxx RIP xxx  – Grace Fitzgibbon, Cessnock

My love and prayers go out to damo's family and friends! I don't know him but he sounds like a very compassionate man! My he rest for eternity in the arms of Lord Jesus Christ! – Chelsea bailey, Raymond Terrace

RIP Damo! Spread your wings your free to fly! Our town will never be the same. Until we meet again!xx – Cherie Bell, Cessnock

Damo, I have know you for many years now ever formally neighbours (well you lived across the road) you have brought so much to the Cessnock community - you were definitely the person I went to if I knew a friend was looking for work in the vineyards, you knew many and are/were very loved by more than just your family! You will be greatly missed but always remembered! Another angel in heaven taken way too early but achieved so much in your short time with us on earth – Amanda Charnock, Valentine (formally Cessnock)

Fly high mate, the town has lost a legend. RIP. You will be sadly missed by many of people.  – Scott L, Tamborine

Over 12 years in the valley, We worked together on numerous events always lending each other stuff, I gues you can keep the freezer I lent you 12 months ago mate lol! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and being a cool guy. I took on a lot of work around the valley only because you were involved and you always supported everyone just because you were a good person and wanted to help anyone you could. I have never met someone who didn't think highly of you and how eager you were to make improvements in cessnock and the valley. Such a pleasure to know you mate, sincerest love to Elasea, the Wallace Family and his many many dear friends. No one will ever forget you Damo – Georgina Grine , McKeachies Corner Cafe Aberglasslyn

Always truthful, always friendly, always caring, never forgotten.  – Kylie, Bellbird

God needed an angel and thought you were ready. He may of been ready for you but I know that all of us here were not ready for you to grow your wings. Work will never be the same without you I mean who's going to help me steal chocolates now? For the short time we knew each other I knew you were a person who I could trust with anything, thanks for always being you and always being there for us all when we needed a friend. Fly high Damo gone but never forgotten xx – Crystal, Cessnock

Damo... we hadn't known each other for very long, but you had this way with people - strangers one minute, friends the next... You were all give and no take, if someone needed a hand you wouldn't for a second hesitate to help out where you could... The world needs more people like you in it. I am proud to be able to call you a friend. Til we meet again xxoo – Lucy, East Maitland

You were an amazing man Damo. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with you and know you. You are sorely missed by all. – Dylan Boyd, Gold Coast formerly Cessnock

You may be gone but never forgotten. You were one of a kind and the city of Cessnock will never be the same! Forever in our heart! Disco Damo - fly high my friend! – Amanda, Melbourne

Damo you bloody legend! You sure will be missed in our community and afar, but never forgotten in our minds and hearts x You touched so many lives with your willingness to help those around you, without anything in return. I will forever remember you for your unquestionable generosity when it came to community events and your infectious smile. My condolences to your loved ones, may you rest in peace x – Mishelle, Cessnock

Damo, our group and I only knew you through playing Trivia every Tuesday night at Pedens, but how quickly you became a friend to us! Your strength and sense of humour was evident, and you always offered a helping hand to my kids, whether they were applying for a job or needing equipment for a function. We all love you Damo and were truly heartbroken to hear that you had lost your fight for life and we wouldn't see your face or hear your voice any longer. God bless you Damo. Our thoughts and deepest condolences to your fiancé and family at this very sad time. – The Quorrobolong Taverners

I was shocked to hear of your passing Damien. It was a pleasure to have known you and my thoughts are with your family and everyone else who loved you. See you in the next life x – Jean Drayton, Armidale

My beautiful friend, you packed so much into such a short amount of time. Not only did you live your life as full as you possibly could, but you helped others to live theirs. I don't know where I would be after the last few months had I not had your support. You were always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. My only regret is not telling you how much of an impact you had on my life. I can only hope you already knew. I still expect a message from you telling me it was all a mistake and you are resting up and are fine. Expecting and wishing are 2 different things I guess. You touched so many lives in your short time on this earth. I know your family and Ela will always be amazed and proud of the work you have done. My days will never be as bright as I know most peoples will not be also. Missing you so very much! RIP xxx – Breanna Siers, Gosford, formerly Bellbird

RIP Damien. The Angels Will Take Special Care Of You – Newcastle night angels homeless care, East Maitland

Damian was a true community member, always ready to do what he could to raise the profile of Cessnock and look out for its constituents. You lived with heart and we all have something to learn from you. Thank you for a life well lived. – Lakin Agnew, Cessnock Community and Youth Development

Damo a Giant of a man with a heart of Gold, always said Hi & had a chat, Not just a neighbor but a friend ,A huge loss to his family & friends, He will be missed by all that knew him. – Wayne Swan, Bellbird

Great guy rip Damo  – Steve Martin, Ourimbah

A very sad day for many with the news of you passing mate. A true gentleman and friend that went above and beyond and touched the heart of many. You'll always be in our hearts Damo RIP mate x – Brianna, Greta 

You were such a great kid, a good mate to my girls who was always there & you grew to be a lovely gentleman. Your parents should be so proud to have raised the wonderful man that you became. Will miss you Damo xx – Cheryl Thompson, Nulkaba

Cessnock will be lost without you R.I.P – Chloe, Cessnock

Fly high, The guy who knew everyone and was always there when he was needed. You will be missed by many. Xx – Kimmie, Cessnock

Damo you were an inspiration to the community and always there when someone needed a hand. Good nights a every reactor show!!! You will be greatly missed!!! RIP!! – Belinda, Bellbird