Amos Ambrose Fogg and Noel "Bill" Hicks were inducted into City of Cessnock Hall of Fame | PHOTOS

The Hall of Fame celebrates people with a strong association to Cessnock who have attained success at a state, national or international level across the fields of arts, business, public service, science or sport.

Amos Ambrose Fogg and Noel "Bill" Hicks were inducted during a ceremony at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday.

Mr Fogg was added posthumously for his contribution to the transport industry.

Mr Fogg purchased his first vehicle in the 1920s, which he used to transport his mining co-workers to the colliery for a small fee.

A few years later he bought a bus and started the first bus services from Bellbird to Cessnock.

A serious mining accident forced Mr Fogg into a wheelchair at age 21, but he continued to build his business. He eventually ran 10 transport companies, 120 buses and had 250 staff.

Mr Fogg was considered Australias most successful private bus owner and operator from 1922 to his sudden passing in 1954. His induction was accepted by his daughter Mavis Mordue.

Mr Hicks was inducted for his commitment to conservation, and in particular his innovation of long stem planting.

The technique challenged long-held horticultural principles, but greatly improved the success of environmental restoration projects.

I am very proud to have developed it here in Cessnock and the Hunter, Mr Hicks said.

Mr Hicks also completed a pioneering research program on dietary requirements of koalas and was a founding member of the Society for Growing Australian Plants and the NSW Environment Centre.

Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said it was a great honour to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

These two men are certainly deserving recipients of such accolades, he said.

The Hall of Fame began in 2006. Since then 54 people and five meritorious families have been inducted.