Lance Murray, a long-time resident of the Maitland LGA demonstrated his devotion to the area through his passion for history with his Aboriginal heritage and service to the community.
He was highly respected for his advocacy in safeguarding significant local Aboriginal sites and artifacts. Lance's passion extended to collecting and sharing his knowledge with the community, ensuring the preservation of the past for future generations.
As a curator of local history, Lance took his collection of Aboriginal artifacts to schools, offering insights into Aboriginal culture while embracing diverse perspectives with equal respect. He introduced local school children to various aspects of Aboriginal culture through demonstrations and storytelling.
Lance's contributions were not only recognised within the community but also in official capacities. He was elected as the first Aboriginal member of the Maitland Council in 1988 and was honored as Maitland Citizen of the Year in 2014 for his exemplary service and dedication to the community.