A Fond Farewell to Lake Macquarie’s Longstanding Mayor: Kay Fraser’s Legacy

Lake Macquarie’s outgoing Mayor, Kay Fraser, has bid farewell after over two decades of public service, eight of which were spent as Mayor. Her final Council meeting on 26 August 2024 marked the end of a significant chapter in the city’s history, closing with reflections on her many accomplishments, contributions to the community, and the future leadership of the region.

Early Life and Entry into Politics

Born in Wellington, in Central Western NSW, Kay Fraser moved to Lake Macquarie over 40 years ago, where she built a deep connection to the local community. With a career that spans both private and public sector management, Cr Fraser’s leadership journey began when she was elected as a Councillor for the city’s East Ward in 2004. Her ability to work effectively with people from diverse professional, cultural, and social backgrounds quickly made her a standout leader.

Rise to Leadership as Lord Mayor

In 2016, Kay Fraser was elected Mayor of Lake Macquarie, representing the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Her two terms as Mayor have seen Lake Macquarie undergo substantial transformation, with projects and initiatives that have shaped the city’s future. Among her many achievements, Cr Fraser has been instrumental in driving strategic developments, such as the North West Catalyst Area, the Black Rock Motor Resort, and the Cedar Mill projects, all of which have contributed to the economic growth and vitality of the region.

Under her leadership, Lake Macquarie saw more than $1.2 billion in development applications approved and over 22,000 jobs created, despite challenges such as the decline in traditional industries like mining and manufacturing. These accomplishments reflect her commitment to ensuring that the city remained resilient and forward-thinking in an evolving economic landscape.

Community Engagement and Lasting Impact

Kay Fraser’s time as Mayor has been marked by her dedication to fostering a cohesive and inclusive community. Her advocacy for diverse events, infrastructure development, and improved public services has earned her widespread support and affection from the residents of Lake Macquarie. Her ‘heads-down-bums-up’ approach, as she proudly put it, highlighted her pragmatic and results-driven leadership style.

Cr Fraser has proudly served on several committees, including the Lake Macquarie Youth Council, International Children’s Games (ICG) Reference Committee, Lake Mac Awards Committee, and Hunter Sports Centre. These roles have allowed her to drive meaningful community engagement and support the growth of local initiatives.

The sense of unity she brought to the Council was evident during her final meeting, where Councillors from across the political spectrum praised her ability to lead with integrity, empathy, and a clear vision for the city. Despite political and personal differences among Councillors, Fraser’s tenure was defined by a collaborative spirit aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond her political career, Cr Fraser is a family-oriented individual, living with her husband, Carey, and their twin boys, Steven and Peter. The family’s beloved Maltese terrier/poodle, Archie, is a constant companion. In her spare time, Cr Fraser enjoys travel, reading, exercise, and connecting with local community groups.

A Gracious Exit and Endorsement for the Future

As she steps down from the role, Cr Fraser has endorsed Adam Schultz as her preferred successor for Mayor. Fraser’s departure leaves big shoes to fill, as she remains a much-loved figure whose influence will be felt for years to come.

A Legacy of Service

From her beginnings as a community advocate to her rise as a beloved Mayor, Kay Fraser’s journey is a testament to the impact that dedicated local leaders can have on their communities. Lake Macquarie bids farewell to a leader who has truly left her mark on the city, and as the community looks toward the future, her contributions will be remembered and celebrated for generations.

Please leave your comments of appreciation on our Facebook post

https://www.facebook.com/newy878/posts/pfbid0EkKcoceLzCYsRtET599wNBwDDLzdVTvjCm1bJiL1nan5JyvxghpvFPJcnNXAg8B1l

Please leave your comments of appreciation on our Facebook post

https://www.facebook.com/newy878/posts/pfbid0EkKcoceLzCYsRtET599wNBwDDLzdVTvjCm1bJiL1nan5JyvxghpvFPJcnNXAg8B1l