He’s been the mainstay of the “can do” city for more than three decades and this week an emotional Peter Blackmore said his goodbyes.
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Peter Terrance Blackmore started out as a fresh faced politician 37 years ago and in 1986, aged 41, became the city's youngest elected mayor.
During a business leaders luncheon at Maitland Regional Art Gallery this week the mayor reflected on the highlights of his public life, the love he has for his family and his city.
“Maitland is a great place to live, work and raise a family but it’s my time now to give myself back to my family, to Robyn, our two little dogs and our 15 grandchildren,” he said.
“To be mayor of this city has been wonderful but it would not have been possible without the support of the councillors.
“It’s been a team effort, not just Peter Blackmore and I’m so proud Robyn and I played a part in it,” the mayor said.
“I hope we have left the city in a better place and its future very bright.
“Business, industry are growing and Maitland City Council has a long term plan to manage the city as the population moves towards 100,000.
“I’m leaving a loyal council, staff and general manager.
“Maitland has given us a lot over our years in public life but it’s the community that is the lifeblood of this city,” he said.
During his speech Cr Blackmore recalled being lured into politics by late great Maitland real estate agent Jack Peters who was an alderman at the time.
“I ran number three on his ticket in West Ward and was fortunate enough to get elected,” he said.
That was in 1980 and Ron Walsh was the city’s mayor.
Cr Blackmore has represented the community for 37 years both at a local and state level.
He cited the 1983 visit to the city of Prince Charles and Princess Diana as a major highlight.
“Ladies had to be dressed appropriately in hats and gloves and to see the people shoulder to shoulder in Maitland was fantastic.”
Winning the AR Bluett Memorial Award for excellence in local government, seeing the opening of the Heritage Mall in 1988 the bicentenary year, and being personally contacted by former Premier Nick Greiner to run for the seat of Maitland have also been major career highlights.
“I also recall hosting the premier of the day Morris Iemma at a function in Maitland Town Hall during Summer and apologising to him for the hall being so hot. I said to him if only we had air-conditioning.”
After that statement Mr Iemma had the State commit $200,000 to install air conditioning in the historic building.
Over the past several years Cr Blackmore has seen the city flourish under his leadership with new infrastructure, booming residential and commercial growth.
“That’s because we are a can do city.
“Robyn and I have worked at this role and believe we have done the best we can and we will both walk away very proud of Maitland and the people who make up this city,” he said.
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