George Edward Gayther

Mayor of Preston (1961 - 1962)

George Gayther, commonly known as Ted, was born in England in 1911 and came to Australia two years later in the steamship ‘Irishman”. His early life was spent in Brunswick and his first employment was with the Henderson’s Spring Works. Gayther left the spring works to start his own business in Coburg. After marrying Elsie Campbell of Westgarth, he moved his home and business to Preston. In partnership with Cr. George Hatfield, Gayther established a youth club in Broadway, Reservoir.  After joining the West Preston Progress Association, Gayther was involved in a number of activities including being a Lay Preacher, Justice of the Peace, and a Probation Officer. His strong community involvement saw him elected to the Preston Council in 1958.  Despite a serious car accident in 1959, Gayther was elected as Mayor of Preston in 1961-62. In 1964 Gayther died at the Preston & Northcote Community Hospital (PANCH). He was 53 years old