CHANCE encounters and some would say fate led Paul Maytom to Leeton shire.
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What followed was a story that could fill the pages of a book and one the long-serving community leader has looked back on during a special interview with The Irrigator where he reflected on his time on Leeton Shire Council.
As most would already know, Cr Maytom is not contesting the upcoming local government election on December 4.
Cr Maytom has been the mayor of Leeton shire on two occasions, with his most recent run seeing him retain the top job since 2008.
He first came to town in the late 1960s after meeting some people in Newcastle at a cafe, who suggested he follow the fruit picking circuit, starting out in Leeton and seeing what happens from there.
Cr Maytom boarded a train for Leeton soon after where he met a grower on the same transport, who tried to convince him to head to Griffith first.
However, his mind was set and Leeton was the destination on his ticket.
What followed was not just many years of hard work picking fruit, working on the railways and eventually 45 years with SunRice, but a love story that started to grow and blossom in the early days that continues to this day.
Cr Maytom met his wife Julie in the Carlton Cafe, both deciding on first glance that there was an attraction there.
They started seeing each other and it wasn't long before they were married with three daughters - and now they also have seven grandchildren to love and cherish.
So, how exactly did this young fruit picker, who hadn't planned on staying too long in Leeton end up as a long-serving councillor and mayor of the shire?
Family inspiration set the ball rolling
Cr Maytom was first elected to Leeton Shire Council in 1987.
He said he was encouraged to throw his hat in the ring by people he knew in the town, but it was the words of his father that really stuck with him.
"I have a strong desire to help people, I've always been like that," Cr Maytom said.
"My father was the same. He was a hard worker. He always said to me to 'do the best you can and help others'.
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"So, I used to do whatever I could to give something back and that's what I was thinking about when I first thought about becoming a councillor.
"I did become interested in politics, but I never let my political beliefs impact on decisions I was making.
"I believe strongly in representing all people and I hope that is the legacy I leave behind."
This legacy is something Cr Maytom has carried with him throughout his 34 years on council.
He's helped countless families during their time of need, including those who have had their homes burned down and he's assisted and advocated for refugees and migrants during their visa application and citizenship processes.
Most notably on the national stage, Cr Maytom was a stoic figure when the late Stephanie Scott, a school teacher from Leeton High School was brutally murdered just days before her wedding.
Cr Maytom was the face of the shire during these times, regularly meeting with and offering support to Ms Scott's family.
All of that is just the tip of the iceberg of what will be long-lasting legacy and big shoes to fill for whoever becomes the next mayor.
Why local government?
As Cr Maytom expressed, serving the community was something he was interested in, but it was also about delving deeper into how the shire operated, what could be improved and how lives could be changed for the better.
The mayor said he saw local government as a way of fulfilling his passion and dream of helping all people.
"Some people don't have the same opportunities as others and I have always tried to be there for those people when I can," Cr Maytom said.
"It's not something I go around bragging about, I do it because I want to.
"I love this shire and our community so much, so if I can help people then that's all I have ever wanted to do.
"My position on council has helped me to do that and to represent our town. It really has been my greatest privilege to serve as a councillor and mayor."
During his time on council, Cr Maytom has also been deputy mayor and served on countless committees over the years.
He's passionate about supporting refugees and migrants, opportunities for all and seeing the shire progress into the future.
All of these are areas he says he will continue to work within even when he hangs up his mayoral chains.
"I'll still be part of community groups and helping people ... I will always do that," Cr Maytom said.
A key example of this was when Letona Cannery was closed down.
Cr Maytom and the wider community fought hard for that industry to be saved, with many thinking it signalled the death of Leeton.
However, the council was able to pull up its boots straps and lobby for better outcomes for the shire, which in turn led to new opportunities such as the feedlot at Yanco.
Years and decades of highlights
With so many years under his belt on council, there was always bound to be positives and negatives.
It is the latter that Cr Maytom doesn't dwell on. He has fought for the community when it comes to water, gaining grant funding for significant projects and generally helping to "make things happen".
All of this has been at the expense of many long hours and sacrifices at home. Cr Maytom's wife Julie said it had been an honour to be by his side throughout the journey.
"There were some times where we did have to miss out on certain things because of council responsibilities, but I don't think we would have had it any other way ... I'm certainly proud of him," she said.
In all his time on council, Cr Maytom has only missed three of the ordinary monthly meetings - one of those times because he was in hospital.
One of the achievements that stands out for Cr Maytom is the construction of the Leeton Indoor Stadium, which was a huge effort not just by council to lobby for funds, as well as contribute itself, but also by the community who also donated money, held fundraisers and gave their time during the build.
With so many years to look back on and so much that has been achieved, Cr Maytom would love to see the next crop of councillors and new mayor keep on fighting the good fight in a united manner.
It really has been my greatest privilege to serve as a councillor and mayor.
- Leeton shire mayor Paul Maytom
"Being mayor is a huge commitment, it is a full-time job and one I have been honoured to complete," he said.
"When you stand for election you are standing for your community. Do it for the people.
"Compassion for and engagement with the community should always be the number one priority."
Cr Maytom's last ordinary meeting as both mayor and councillor will be held at the Leeton Showground's new grandstand later this month.
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