A special dinner will be held in Dubbo this month to celebrate 15 years since Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton first began representing the Parkes electorate.
The Parkes electorate is the largest in the state and one of the largest in the country, covering 393,413 square kilometres, or 49% of New South Wales. The electorate is bordered by Queensland to the North and South Australia to the west, stretching south to Lake Cargelligo, Tomingley and east to Gunnedah, Warialda and Coolah here in the New England. Mr Coulton was elected in 2007, which was the election when there was a significant redistribution, the old seat of Gwydir was abolished and absorbed into Parkes, while the former member for Parkes John Cobb chose to move to Calare.
Mr Coulton looks forward to marking this significant milestone at an anniversary dinner, with special guests expected to include Leader of the National Party Hon David Littleproud MP and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.
“It’s been such an honour to serve the people of the Parkes electorate,” Mr Coulton said.
“When I began this role it was quite daunting to come from a farming background in Warialda to represent an electorate which now borders two states and covers almost half of New South Wales, and I remain very grateful for the faith many people have placed in me.”
“I’ve spent the past 15 years getting to know the strong and vibrant communities I represent – travelling thousands of kilometres – and I couldn’t be prouder to represent this electorate.”
“I want to thank all those who have been by my side, especially my amazing wife Robyn, whose support has been integral to my ability to do this job.”
“The opening of the Western Cancer Centre, greater support for Local Government, and the progression of the Inland Rail, were all priorities close to my heart when I began this journey, and there have been significant developments in all these areas during my time as Federal Member for Parkes.”
“I look forward to an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved over the past 15 years for the people of the Parkes electorate.”
Those wishing to attend the anniversary dinner on Friday 23 June in Dubbo are encouraged to register their interest via email mark.coulton@mp.nationals.org.au
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