Few people could love their home town as much as Maitland man Norm Burton.
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In fact Mr Burton continues to live in the humble East Maitland home he was born in and still plays a role in the business he helped establish more than 50 years ago.
"There's no need to go anywhere. This is home and it suits me just fine," the soon to be 88-year-old said.
His dedication to his business and the city has earned him one of Australia's highest honours - the Order of Australia Medal for service to business and local charities.
"I thought they had the wrong Norm Burton," he said. "I couldn't believe it."
Owner and Managing Director of Sharton Motors Pty Ltd, which trades under the banner of Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota, Mr Burton said he is both proud and humbled.
He believes the heart and soul of any good business is giving back to its local community and it's this philosophy which has seen many local charities flourish and Mr Burton's business boom.
Mr Burton has been a philanthropic supporter of events and organisations such as Surfest, Hunter Academy of Sport, Bay Area Board Riders, Maitland Rugby League, Maitland Soccer Club, Merewether Surf Club, Steamfest, Maitland Region Society of Artists, Cancer Council just to name a few.
He is also patron of East Maitland RSL Sub-Branch and East Maitland Rotary Club.
Married at 18 to his beloved Maureen, who sadly passed in 2018, Mr Burton worked as a mechanic at Maitland car and tractor dealership RH Taylor Maitland once located next to The Long Bridge.
In December 1963 he was approached by colleague Herb Sharpe who asked if he was interested in going into business with him.
A gentleman's agreement was struck - there was no contract, just a handshake and Sharton Motors was formed.
Mr Sharpe later stepped away from the business saying he was too old. However he left his money in the partnership.
"I told Herb I'd either go broke or I'd have the money paid back in 12 to 18 months which I did. Herb didn't care either way. I felt I had a debt of gratitude to him," Mr Burton said.
As the business grew so did Mr Burton's generosity to the local community.
"I'm so content and happy to be in this community, so where I can help I do and that gives me the greatest pleasure," Mr Burton said.
