Frank Lovett

Community Leader
Inducted 26 November 2008

Although Frank Lovett was born in Islington, Newcastle in 1889, he spent his adult life in Cessnock from 1908, until he died in 1973. For most of his working life he was Chief Colliery Clerk of Caledonian Collieries.

Frank’s life of public service to the communities of Cessnock represents a lifetime of commitment to and involvement with those communities in a way which few could emulate. His civic life made him a household name in the area during his years of service.

Frank served Cessnock wearing many hats, including but not limited to:  

  • Alderman, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Cessnock Municipal Council in the 1930s and 40s.  
  • Founder, chairman and president of the Cessnock-Kurri Kurri Ambulance Service between 1937 and 1957.
  • Representative on the NSW Ambulance Board, Member and president of the Cessnock District Hospital Board from 1937 – 1958.
  • President of the Cessnock Co-op Building Society from 1940 – 1957. 
  • President of school parents and citizens associations, including Cessnock High in the opening year of the school. 
  • Patron of the Cessnock Municipality Swimming Club.
  • Foundation member of the Cessnock Police Citizens’ Boys’ Club from 1937 – 1964.
  • Patron of the Greater Cessnock Historical Society.

Frank was also instrumental in securing the former Abernethy Hotel as a future home for elderly men, many of whom were his former colleagues from the Aberdare South Colliery. In recognition of his community leadership, Frank received many honours. Highest amongst them were the Ambulance Star Medal (1957) by the NSW Ambulance Board and the Queen’s Coronation Medal (1958).


Plaque location
124 Vincent Street, Cessnock (garden bed)