Councillors and staff around the horseshoe table thanked “Mr Roads” for going in to bat for his constituents and his guidance on procedural matters gained from a wealth of local government experience.

In return, Cr Fairweather thanked staff, his contemporary councillors and aldermen of the past.

In the address, Cr Fairweather cast his mind back to his many achievements.

The stalwart was instrumental in having the former garbage dump in Fieldsend Street, East Maitland, developed as Fieldsend Oval.

But a further $250,000 was needed to build the amenities block, he recalled last night.

“The only way I was going to get that sort of money from council was to play the numbers game and I

needed a majority on the floor of council,” he said.

He did so without lobbying a single councillor, but by tacking the request onto a raft of community projects, using money from the sale of the old abattoir and a dollar-for-dollar state government contribution.

From the floor, Cr Fairweather moved that the sale funds be used for a new senior citizens hall – knowing it was a pet project of then mayor Ron Walsh.

“Instantly I knew I had him and his supporters onside,” he said.

The second phase was to include $400,000 for a community hall at Thornton, knowing alderman Pat Hughes was anxious for it.

“He was fidgeting in his seat wanting to get to his feet to support my motion,” Cr Fairweather said.

With the numbers on his side, all that was left to do was include $250,000 for the Fieldsend amenities.

“The motion was carried without dissent,” he said.

“It was my coup.”

Cr Fairweather was mayor in 1990 and 1991 .

His awards include the Australian National Medal for Public Service (1987), the Australian Centenary Medal for service to the community (2003), and the Local Government Association of NSW long service medal in 2000.

In recognition of his service council unveiled the Ray Fairweather Park at Walka Water Works last month.