Meet Your City Leaders - Councillor Profiles
Front Row: left to right: Clr Loretta Baker, Clr Paul Casey, Clr Arch Humphery and Clr Lisa Tierney
Back Row: left to right: Clr Steve Procter, Clr Philip Penfold, Clr Ray Fairweather, Clr Bob Geoghegan, Mayor Peter Blackmore, Clr Peter Garnham, Clr Stephen Mudd, Clr Ken Wethered and Clr Henry Meskauskas
The NSW Local Government elections were held on Saturday 13 September 2008. The elections were administered by the NSW Electoral Commission who is responsible for the conduct of all Local Government elections, to ensure that they are conducted independantly and impartially.
Maitland City Council's Local Government area is divided into four (4) ward areas being; Central, East, North and West.
The election results were declared on Thursday 25 September 2008. The results for each ward are as follows;
Central Ward
Mr Arch Humphery was declared on 25 September 2008.
Ms Lisa Tierney was declared on 25 September 2008.
Mr Paul Casey was declared on 25 September 2008.
East Ward
Mr Ray Fairweather was declared on 25 September 2008.
Mr Bob Geoghegan was declared on 25 September 2008.
Mr Peter Garnham was declared on 25 September 2008.
North Ward
Ms Loretta Baker was declared on 25 September 2008.
Mr Steve Procter was declared on 25 September 2008.
Mr Philip Penfold was declared on 25 September 2008.
West Ward
Mr Henry Meskauskas was declared on 25 September 2008.
Mr Stephen Mudd was declared on 25 September 2008.
Mr Ken Wethered was declared on 25 September 2008.
Mayor
Maitland City Council has a popularly elected Mayor. Mr Peter Blackmore was declared elected Mayor on 19 September 2008.
Full election results can be obtained by accessing the NSW Electoral Commission - Election Results - Maitland.
The new Maitland City Council was officially inducted on 31 September 2008, at a briefing session hosted by Council's General Manager Mr David Evans. The induction was primarily to brief the new Council on their new role with particular emphasis placed on general Council meeting procedures, ahead of the first Council meeting held on 14 October 2008.
It was the first official function for new Councillors Lisa Tierney, Philip Penfold, Stephen Mudd (all Liberal), Loretta Baker (Labor) and Ken Wethered (Independant), who joined the returning faces led by Mayor Peter Blackmore (Independant), Arch Humphery, Steve Proctor, Peter Garnham (Indpendant), Paul Casey, Henry Meskauskas, Ray Fairweather (Labor) and Bob Geoghegan (Liberal).
Maitland City Council meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evening of each month and all of the public are welcome to attend. Agendas for the meeting can be obtained either from Council's website at Maitland City Council - Council Meetings - Agendas or from the Customer Service Centre in Council's Administration Building at 282 - 285 High Street Maitland on the Friday morning before the meeting is to be held.
Members of the public may also apply to address the Council meeting on particular topics by obtaining a public access form which is also available from Council's website at Maitland City Council - Council Meetings - Public Access or by contacting Council's executive office on 49 349711 or 49 349712.
Minutes of Council meetings will be made available after the meeting on Council's website Maitland City Council - Council Meetings - Agendas and from the Customer Service Counter at Council's Administration Building at 285 - 287 High Street Maitland.
Below are Councillor's individual profiles, photographs and contact details.
Mayor of Maitland
Clr Peter Blackmore
Phone: (02) 4934 9712
Fax: (02) 4934 4388
Mobile: 0418 680304
Email: peterb@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Peter Blackmore says its an exciting time to be the Mayor of the fastest growing Local Government area and most populous inland city in New South Wales.
"Ours is a growing city: a city where residents, industry and the Council have in partnership created a vibrant city characterised by enviable lifestyles, a buoyant economy and an ideal mix of employment opportunity, housing choice and extensive community resources.
Ours is also a Can Do City characterised by leadership at Council that is visionary, cohesive, proactive and resource efficient. This approach is one that I have personally promoted since becoming Mayor and it now permeates every level of Council decision-making and planning. In many ways this approach and the reputation it has created has become our most effective marketing tool, and it is with understandable pride as Mayor that I hear our sister Councils in the Lower Hunter acknowledging Maitland City Council’s facilitatory approach as being the benchmark to which they need to aspire.
I am a long term resident of Maitland and am passionate about our City and its unique character. Your City Council has ensured that our strong growth in past years has been sustainable and, through its continued encouragement of investment and creation of community facilities, it will continue to ensure that the years ahead are bright with opportunity for all who are lucky enough to live and work here.
I look forward to working with you in building Maitland’s future as the growth centre of our region".
Clr Loretta Baker
Ward: North
Fax: (02) 4934 5098
Mobile: 0418 613711
Email: lorettab@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Loretta Baker has lived in Maitland for the past 24 years previously living in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Cairns. She has a 26 year old daughter who lives and works in Sydney.
"I am a registered nurse, Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Midwife and I have a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Drug Dependance. I have had a wide variety of experience across Australia. I have worked for Hunter New England Health for 22 years all in community health in a variety of roles.
My interest is in social inclusion and the social determinates of health ie literacy, housing, etc.
I currently manage the High School Immunisation Program, run an innovative health program which caters for homeless and transient people and work with diverse community groups including refugees.
I sit on the Community Relations Commission Advisory Council (Hunter NSW) as a community member and represent health on the Maitland City Council Social Compass (Multicultural).
I have had no previous Local Government experience however have always been an activist, in particular for improved health and social services to those socially and economically disadvantaged. I was awarded the Premier's Gold Award for Social Justice in 2004.
On a personal level I am a keen gardener, love film, music, theatre and cooking for my friends".
Clr Philip Penfold
Ward: North
Fax: (02) 4933 2434
Mobile: 0427 330771
Email: philipp@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Philip Penfold is a married father of 2 sons. He was born and bred in Maitland and had also lived for some time in Queensland and the United States of America.
He is the owner of the local Mortgage Choice franchise and a Justice of the Peace. He was a former Greater Building Society Branch Manager and Relationship Lending Manager at their head office.
Philip was former Chief Instructor for Hunter Valley Karate from which he retired in 2008 after over 20 years of teaching.
He is the local facilitator for Dads in Distress and had been a volunteer for Steamfest, Morpeth Jazz Festival and he has arranged large groups to take part in Clean Up Australia for the past several years.
Philip is looking forward to being part of a productive Council which values the needs of its residents.
Clr Steve Procter
Ward: North
Phone: (02) 4934 3416
Fax: (02) 4934 4613
Mobile: 0407 295324
Email: stevep@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Steve Procter is 57 years old and has been married to Jenny for 36 years and together they have 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren. Family is the most important part of Jenny & Steve's busy life.
"I am a Manager with a Regional Engineering company and have been a TAFE teacher and a boilermaker during my working life".
Since being elected to Council in 1999 Steve has worked hard to encourage development within the Maitland area because with development comes employment opportunities and money being spent in the city. Steve is also very supportive of the rural industry and believes that we must assist the rural sector and maintain the rural aspect of the Maitland area.
"For the next four years I look forward to the development of the Regional Art Gallery of which I am a keen supporter and I pledge to offer more of the same which has been an honest and accessible person of trust who is truly representative of the people of Maitland and more specifically the North Ward of Maitland".
Steve also promises not to be involved or influenced by any Political Party which may have any effect on a decision which is not in the best interest of the people of Maitland.
Outside of Council, Jenny and Steve enjoy time gardening, caravanning and fishing and they also share a keen interest in their horses and of course their family.
High on Steve's agenda for the new term of Council is to improve communications with constituents and become a conduit of information between Council and the people that he represents.
Clr Ray Fairweather 
Ward: East
Phone: (02) 4933 5807
Fax: (02) 4933 8615
Mobile: 0409 902031
Email: rayf@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Ray Fairweather has been an active part of the Maitland community for much of his life. He is married to Ada and has four children and eight grandchildren. In his younger days he played tennis for Maitland, but now chooses the occasional game of golf.
" For thirty years I have worked for the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services and I retired as the Deputy Superintendent of Maitland Gaol".
Ray has also;
- been appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1975
- was awarded the National Medal for Public Service in 1987
- gained extensive knowledge and experience of Council being the longest serving Councillor
- been the Mayor of Maitland in 1990/1991
- been Council's delegate to the Shortland Electricity Board for four years and was the Deputy Chairman in 1990/1991
- been awarded the Local Government Association of NSW Long Service medal in 2000 in appreciation of service to the people through Local Government
- been awarded the Australian Day Citizen of the Year award in 1995
- been awarded the "Pride of Workmanship" award by East Maitland Rotary Club in 1986
- been an active and valuable community member with much experience; appointed as a Trustee of the Walka Water Works Trust in 1989 serving as Chairman of the Trust for fourteen years
- been awarded the "Trustee Long Service Award" by the NSW Department of Lands in 2004 in recognition of his service
- been awarded a "Certificate of Appreciation" by the Maitland Lions Club in 2000 for services and co-operation
- been a foundation member of the Tenambit / Morpeth Probus Club
- been the patron for the first fifteen years of the East Maitland Swimming Club
- been the patron for the first eleven years of the City of Maitland Retirement Village Association
Ray has also served on many of Council's Sub-Committees over many years and pledges to continue serving the people of Maitland through honest representation.
Clr Peter Garnham
Ward: East
Phone/Fax: (02) 4933 8403
Mobile: 0408 224422
Email: peterg@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Peter Garnham is 51 years of age and has lived in Maitland for 46 years, he is married to Kelly and has 4 Children, Rebecca 28, Skye 24, Jessica 23 and Allen 18, has 3 grandchildren, Jacqueline 5, Dylan 1 and Madeline 1/12. He is Northern NSW regional Manager for Boral Interior Linings, This is his 2nd term as Councillor for Maitland City Council.
"I have always been a very active in the Maitland Community, I am a Life Member of The Apex Club of East Maitland, Current Member of the Lions Club of East Maitland, Committee member of Maitland Blue Light Disco, Life Member of NSW Bluelight, Chairperson of Walka Water Works Trust, Chairperson of the Maitland Greening plan advisory group, Chairperson of Hunter Valley Steamfest, Chairperson of East Maitland Recreation Group, Justice of the Peace, Member of Maitland Classic Motor Association and member of NSW Steam Preservation Co-operative Society Ltd. I have been Council's Deputy Mayor between 2002 to 2004, and was awarded the Premier of NSW Community Service Award in 1993.
I am committed to the ongoing focus of creating new employment growth in the city through supporting appropriate Industry and Commercial development. An increased contribution of Heritage and Event based tourism for the economic growth of the city through initiatives like Steamfest, The Steam Heritage Park and the promotion of Walka Water Works. Improvement of Community facilities through proactive Asset management ensuring the needs of the community as a whole are met and in line with the community survey results, keeping the rural aspect of the city through the upkeep of the floodways and support of the Greening Plan initiatives including development of the less environmentally sensitive areas of the city.
My other interests are my extended family, the restoration of old machinery and vehicles, water skiing with family and friends, camping and attending other steam heritage events and assisting in the running of the engines".
Clr Bob Geoghegan
Ward: East
Phone/Fax: (02) 4934 3459
Mobile: 0407 234172
Email: bobg@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Bob Geoghegan, with wife Robyn and their three daughters have lived in Maitland and owned Greenhills Hit-n-Dip Fitness World for twenty-eight years. He is also a Mechanical Engineer Graduate (Sydney University, 1968) and a Justice of the Peace.
"In the coming years, Maitland should be able to look forward to continued growth due to its location and desirable amenity. I believe that the challenge is to ensure that the amenity and character of Maitland continues to improve and is enhanced with every new project.
Specifically I believe that the Riverbank between Walka and Morpeth has potential to be a great benefit for Maitland residents and tourists alike.
Secondly, I believe that council should be everything within reason to accommodate and encourage new businesses to set up in Maitland.
Like all good government, Council has to ensure certainty, consistency and strategy."
Clr Paul Casey
Ward: Central
Phone: (02) 4932 0609
Fax: (02) 4931 9105
Mobile: 0427 320609
Email: paulc@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Paul Casey is 54 years of age has lived in Maitland approaching 13 years after being born and educated in Sydney and working in the rail industry in various positions throughout the state. He is married to Faye, his greatest support for last 34 years. They have 4 children, Michael, Anne, Sarah and teenage daughter Emma and have 4 grandchildren, Ashlea, Nathan, Emily and Brendan. This is his second term as a Councillor with Maitland City Council.
As in his first term Paul’s vision still remains to see the city grow to meet the potential it has, whilst being mindful of the heritage of the city and the infrastructure that is available to support that growth. Paul endeavours to work as an effective team member with the Mayor, his fellow Councillors, council officers/employees and the citizens of the city who have put their trust in him to deliver a better lifestyle to all.
Paul is active in the Maitland community as a member, then as a Deputy Captain of the NSW Fire Brigade based at Church St Maitland. Through S.A.B.R.E. (Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement for the Elderly) school and community education, rescue education for teenagers, also council’s representative on the Maitland Park Recreation Board and Maitland Steamfest committee.
Through Paul’s employment he is heavily involved with senior management of fire stations within Maitland LGA and neighbouring council areas of Cessnock, Dungog and Port Stephens. He has a strong interest in Occupational Health and Safety of those people working around him.
Clr Casey encourages employment within the Maitland LGA for the community, improved public transport and access to transport for residents, continuing maintenance of assets being roads, building’s and other infrastructure for the use of the current and future generations of Maitland and surrounding areas. Increase tourism through the act of promoting historic events and places such as Steamfest, Maitland Gaol and the historical townships such as Morpeth, Largs and surrounding areas.
Paul over the years has had involvement one way or the other in sporting and recreational activities, through sporting clubs and PCYC such as cricket, golf, hockey, swimming, basketball, touch football and football.
Clr Arch Humphery
Ward: Central
Phone: (02) 4932 5282
Fax: (02) 4932 7909
Mobile: 0412 720397
Email: archh@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Arch Humphrey came to the Hunter Valley in 1965. He has lived in Maitland for 34 years.
"I bring to Council a background of broad experience and community representation having had the experience as a Councillor on Patrick Plains Shire Council, as a Director of the Hunter Economic Development Corporation promoting regional development, and as Chairman of the Hunter Area Consultative Committee promoting and assisting sustainable employment opportunities
He is a member of the Hunter Water Consultative Forum and has spearheaded the conservation of water in supplying of recycled water to new development areas.
As the trustee of the Hunter Catchment Management Trust I am experienced in the natural resource management of an area of 25,000 sq kms.of the Hunter Valley. I also have a particular interest in flood mitigation, floodplain management and water quality. I am currently the Deputy Chairman of the Floodplain Management Authorities of NSW, representing some 70 Councils across NSW. I am also a member of the Flood Warning Consultative Committee of the Bureau of Meterology".
As a Councillor he is pleased to be part of a strong leadership team that has demonstrated its ability in promoting well planned industrial and urban development, and the development of important infrastructure for the city’s future growth.
Arch is the Chairman of the Hunter Community Foundation, a tax exempt not for profit organisation, addressing community needs in a broad range of areas benefiting over 600,000 people in the Local Government areas from Gloucester in the north, Lake Macquarie in the south and the Upper Hunter Shire in the west.
Clr Lisa Tierney
Ward: Central
Fax: (02) 4933 1958
Mobile: 0431 510502
Email: lisat@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Lisa Tierney is thirty six and mother of three school-age children and is the Business Manager of Lifeline Newcastle and the Hunter.
Lisa also acts as Treasurer of the newly formed Maitland Youth Employment Project, she was Treasurer of the East Maitland Pre-school and St Joseph's P&F Committee in East Maitland. Her work with Lifeline has now extended to undertaking the establishment of a Suicide Prevention Network in Maitland which will include peak welfare bodies as well as interested community groups and individuals.
Lisa grew up in a large family, being the third of six children. As a young married adult, Lisa moved to Sydney where she completed a Business Degree with UTS Sydney, majoring in Accountancy. While completing her degree, Lisa worked as an Administrator of the Investment Banking division of Salomon-Wmith Barney, a United States investment firm based in Sydney.
This is Lisa's first term as a Councillor with Maitland City Council. "I wish to give parents a voice by representing their interests in improving facilities for them, such as including bike circuits throughout Maitland parks and completing the leisure trail facility at Rathluba Lagoon, ensuring it is extended to link all parts of Maitland. I would like to see an increase in healthy entertainment outlets for teenagers and youth services. Another goal is to see our Community services audited to identify gaps or the doubling up of services".
"On a broader scale, I am keen to contribute ideas towards Inner City Renewal, better roads, and affordable housing for those on limited incomes. I am keen to serve the people of Maitland with energy and dedication".
Deputy Mayor of Maitland
Clr Henry Meskauskas
Ward: West
Phone: (02) 4932 8608
Fax: (02) 4932 9053
Mobile: 0418 606965
Email: henrym@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Henry Meskauskas has lived in the Maitland area since 1952 in Louth Park, Lorn and Rutherford. His home was washed away at Louth Park in the 1955 flood.
"It gives me great pride to be elected to council as a Councillor of this great city.
I am married with three children and seven grand children. My wife Carolina and I have been married for 40 years and have seen Maitland grow and grow.
With my election to council I will be looking at tourism, jobs, investment, development, environment and the needs of the residents of Maitland. I am a people elected councillor. As Maitland is one of the fastest growing areas in NSW I will be making sure that the infrastructure is in place and the environment works hand in hand for the future of Maitland and our children.
I am and have been on lots of committees, and still hold positions of patron and life membership with them. I am a Justice of the Peace and a keen sportsperson. When I have some time I love to play or watch and enjoy.
My priorities will be the implementation of the Maitland Recreation Open Space Strategy report and the development of additional facilities in the western suburbs to meet the needs of the growth in the area.
I would like to thank all that supported and voted for me in the elections".
Clr Stephen Mudd
Ward: West
Fax: (02) 4932 1405
Mobile: 0412 287864
Email: stephenm@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Stephen Mudd is 52 and has lived in Maitland all his life. He is married to Rosalind and has two sons, Scott who is 21 and Matthew who is 18. Stephen is currently retired and has been running a small farm with his wife and sons. This is his first term as a Councillor.
Stephen has always been an active community member. He has been involved in rural youth, showing stud beef cattle at local and Sydney shows, past deputy captain of the Bishops Bridge Rural Fire Brigade and was a former SES officer. Stephen has been involved with the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Society for thirty four years and during this time has been both the President and Vice-President. He is currently overseeing the Work for the Dole scheme that is currently taking place.
Stephen is a qualified carpenter and joiner having done his trade with F H Compton and Sons. After completing his trade he began working for Maitland City Council. During his twenty seven years with Council he worked in many different sections including the Pools, Carpentry, Road Construction and Waste Services. During his time in Waste Services he operated plant machinery including trucks, effluent tankers, street sweepers and garbage trucks. He also operated the public weigh bridge at the Waste Services Depot. He was also a Director of Council's credit union for six years. He is also President of the Maitland branch of the Liberal party.
" I am committed to keeping Maitland's rural character as well as watching employment levels grow as more jobs are created in Maitland's growth. I am also committed to making sure there are enough recreational facilities for families to enjoy. I am also keen to find a better solution for fixing potholes, so they are not continually being fixed. I am also keen to see how the roads are being built so they will last longer with the increasing traffic flow. I would also like to see the F3 Branxton link completed to relieve some of the congestion during peak traffic hours".
Stephen's other interests include spending time with family, cattle, farming, politics and old cars.
Clr Ken Wethered
Ward: West
Fax: (02) 4932 9801
Mobile: 0429 460108
Email: kenw@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Ken Wethered is 52 years old, married to Anne and has 3 children - Amy who is married to son-in-law Nick, Emma and David. Ken has two grandchildren Katie and Ellie. He was raised in Rutherford, attended Telarah Primary School and finished schooling at Maitland Boys High. He is a Career Development Practitioner and Certificate IV Trainer and Assessor with over 25 years experience in Management and Leadership in the manufacturing and employment services industries. Operating his own business of RED Consulting and Training, Ken is also a Civil Marriage Celebrant, Justice of the Peace and Facilitator of "How to Drug Proof Your Kids" program for Focus on the Family. He was previously a West Ward Maitland City Councillor in 1991 - 1995 and now re-elected in 2008.
"Over the years I have been active in the local community, some of the past positions that I have held include President of Rutherford Little Athletics, Zone Co-ordinator for NSW Little Athletics Association, Director of Maitland CBD Promotions Company, Director of Maitland Community Transport, Chairman of Rutherford Oval Board, Chairman of Maitland Access Committee and committee member of Rutherford Primary School Council. I am also currently a member of the Maitland Chamber of Commerce, Professional member of Australian Career Development Practitioners Association, Life Member of Rutherford Little Athletics, Elder of Maitland Baptist Church and member of the financial administration team that has oversight of Maitland Baptist Church Out of School Hours Care Inc and Long Day Care and Preschool Centre".
Ken is committed to ensuring that families can grow up and enjoy the pleasant and picturesque countryside of the Maitland landscape, whilst at the same time have facilities that are functional and accessible. Ken believes that families, youth and children are our future and it is our responsibility to provide a place that reflects quality of life for all. In Ken's view employment creation, social justice and the rights of the individual are also important issues. Ken believes that Maitland is a great place to live and should continue to be into the future.
Councillor Contact Details
Anyone wishing to contact a Councillor can click on the link below to see the Councillor's individual contact details.
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