Cherished plates finally home

NSW Minister of Roads, John Graham, and State MP for East Hills, Kylie Wilkinson, presented replica plates to Keith on Friday.
Minister Graham said he was moved by Keith’s story, following representations Ms Wilkinson made to his office.
“When I found out about Keith’s situation, I wanted to ensure his wife’s custom number plate could be his for good,” he said.
“I was really happy to make the delivery personally.”
Keith said the plates had been on hold and stored with Service NSW since his wife’s passing at a cost to him of more than $100 each year.
He said he purchased the commemorative edition plates on the understanding that because he was paying a premium, he would be able to retain the plates in perpetuity.
However, according to the NSW Government, NSW number plates always remain the property of Transport for NSW.
Keith and his wife had purchased commemorative plates to mark the Sydney Olympics and the Centenary of Federation.
The number plate was particularly unique in that it referenced not only her initials, but one of her favourite literary and film characters – 007, the famous code name for James Bond.
The plates hold a great deal of sentimental value to Keith after his wife lost her battle with Motor Neurone Disease in 2018.
Meeting as children at Sunday school at Hurstville Presbyterian Church, the Mealeys married in 1979 and settled in Milperra.
After Rhonda’s passing, Keith gifted her vehicle to a minister at his church and says his wife’s car has since been handed down to another church family in need.
He said his wife would have loved that this act of kindness is being paid forward and he often saw his wife’s car when he attended church.
While the replica plates could never replace the original, Keith said it was great to have been presented with them by Minister Graham and Ms Wilkinson.