Former councillor Brian Burke is alarmed the recently established Maitland City Hall of Fame is not getting the attention it deserves from council.
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Mr Burke was the driving force behind the establishment of the city’s inaugural Hall of Fame in 2016, when 25 local achievers became the first inductees for their academic, art, sport or business achievements.
These included such names as actress Ruth Cracknell, actor John Bell, judge Doc Evatt, water skier Garry Barton and politicians Milton Morris and Cheryl Kernot. A year later a second wave of 19 high achievers – including 12 posthumously – were inducted. These included William Arnott, the man behind Arnott’s biscuits, league stars Terry Pannowitz and David Trewhella, and former long term councillor and mayor Noel Unicomb.
But since the election of the current council last September, there has been no movement on the Hall of Fame. “I’m worried it has fallen off the radar,” Mr Burke, a former rugby league champion himself, said. “As I understand it they don’t even have a committee elected to consider nominations. I was the chairman and I’ve had people come up to me and ask who they should submit nominations to – and I don’t know. I admit this has been a passion of mine – I started pushing for it as far back as 1999 – but I think it’s too important to let go,” Mr Burke said.
“We recently had Don McIlwaine pass away … he won more than 20 district singles tennis titles in a row. He deserves to be recognised. Or cricketer Mick Hinman. I fought to have him included – he might have played for Australia if not for the war. We have a grandstand named after him at Robins Oval, but in years to come people wouldn’t know who he is if not for the Hall of Fame. These guys deserve better.”
A council spokesperson said council is working with the Hall of Fame Committee to review the Hall of Fame policy and ensure the longevity and prestige of the program. “The policy currently includes recognition of individuals achieving significant prominence in the areas of arts, business, education and sport,” the spokesperson said. “Council recognises the importance of celebrating the achievements of locals and a call for nominations will occur following the review of the policy framework.”
Mr Burke, who officiated at the inaugural induction ceremony, said at the time the Hall of Fame is a celebration of Maitland and all it can provide. “‘I feel unbelievably proud and grateful that I have the opportunity to induct these amazing people but I have to mention that it would never have been possible without the hard work of council staff, committee members and councillors.”
