The Magistrates Association NSW commissioned a lectern in Mr Hodgson's memory for his work on the bench and his passion for public speaking.

Port Macquarie Courthouse registrar Neil Langstaff recently took delivery of the lectern from Francis Furniture's Chris Francis.

Both men were mentored by the late magistrate in the finer arts of public speaking through the two toastmaster organisations based in Port Macquarie.

"The lectern will take pride and place in our court rooms and will be a perpetual memorial to Tom," Mr Langstaff said.

"As a magistrate he presided over a number of cases since he arrived in Port Macquarie at the beginning of 2009.

"Tom was widely respected for his considered opinion from the bench and it was a sad day when he suddenly passed away at 71 years in 2015. It was a real shock to the community.

"Personally, Tom introduced me to toastmasters and this lectern will be a lasting legacy for me every time I walk into this court room."

Mr Francis spent 30 hours working the Rosegum Timbers' blackbutt into the prized lectern and he also enjoyed a long friendship with the magistrate.

"Tom was a mentor in toastmaster and he was one of life's absolute gentlemen," he said.

“He was just a really, really nice guy.

"And, despite his role within the community, I never heard a bad word spoken about him.

“Given his standing and the office he held this is an extraordinary achievement."

Mr Hodgson had 25 years experience on the bench and was considered as a valued member of the magistracy at the Local Court.

He served the bench with distinction on the Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo circuits before moving to Port Macquarie where he also presided over cases in Wauchope and Kempsey.

At the time of his sudden death, Chief Magistrate Judge Graeme Henson said Magistrate Hodgson will be remembered for his quiet, unobtrusive manner and his gentle demeanour.

peter.daniels@fairfaxmedia.com.au