Norm Burton OAM named Freeman of the City

Lifelong East Maitland resident Norm Burton OAM has been named a Freeman of the City at this morning’s 2023 Australia Day awards ceremony, recognising his decades of service to the local community.

A motor mechanic apprentice by trade, Mr Burton is best known as the dealer principal of Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota – a business he started with his wife Maureen in 1963.

Mr Burton joined the East Maitland branch of Rotary Club in 1967 and is one of only two people to be awarded life membership in the club’s 60 year history.

Through his work with the Rotary Club of East Maitland and the Burton Automotive Group, Mr Burton has shaped a significant philanthropic footprint, supporting a laundry list of Maitland organisations and events.

This includes Hunter Valley Steamfest, Surfest Newcastle, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Maitland Football Club, Ronald McDonald House, the Maitland Pickers RLC, East Maitland RSL and the Maitland Regional Society of Arts, to name just a few.

Mr Burton, who turns 90 in March, received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021. He is the first person to be named Freeman of the City in Maitland since 2014.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said Mr Burton’s charity work and ardent support for community events and organisations ‘could not be understated’.

‘For decades, Norm Burton has been known for his tireless support of Maitland and the Maitland community,’ Mayor Penfold said.

‘It gives me great pleasure to bestow Norm with this honour – an accolade that recognises the highest order of service for Maitland.

‘What a wonderful way to acknowledge a long life and career of giving back to the community, both through his business and personal life.’

To view the list of previous Freeman of the City, click here.