Cessnock City Council is pleased to announce two outstanding individuals will be inducted as Freemen of the City in an official ceremony on 1 December, the first time this prestigious honour has been bestowed since 2019.
The Freeman of the City title is the highest recognition the City of Cessnock can offer to those who have demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to our community.
Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal is proud to welcome Alan Watson (posthumously) and Ronald Jackson OAM into this distinguished group of individuals who have left their mark on Cessnock.
“I am pleased that we are able to honour these two Freemen of the City,” said Clr Suvaal.
“Alan Watson and Ronald Jackson worked significantly to shape our community in many ways, and this recognition is a testament to their outstanding contributions.
Alan Watson is recognised for his generous volunteer work within a number of community organisations, as well as a distinguished 36-year career in local government.
Notably, Alan received life memberships from the RSL after 50 years of service and the Cessnock High School P&C Association after 28 years. Alan’s impact also extended to the Volunteer Fire Brigade, West Cessnock P&C, Cessnock Girl Guides and Cessnock Men’s Probus.
Ronald Jackson OAM is recognised for his extensive involvement within our local community. Ronald started devoting his time from a young age playing wartime songs for returned servicemen and women at the conclusion of Anzac Dawn Services at the Cessnock RSL sub-Branch.
Ronald contributed to many local organisations including the Cessnock District Tennis Association, Kurri Kurri Retired Mineworkers’ Association and, Cessnock Community of Great Public Schools’ Choir. He was also Cessnock Senior Citizen of the Year (2017) and received an Order of Australia Medal for Services to the Community of Cessnock (2021).
The ceremony will be held on Friday 1 December from 10.30am at the Council Chambers. Anyone interested in attending the ceremony should contact Tracey Cocking on 4993 4210 or [email protected], as numbers are limited.
Information about the Freeman of the City award and memberships can be found here: https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Council/Civic-events-information/Freeman-of-the-City
