OUTGOING Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said another goodbye to the community of Broken Hill on Thursday, February 20, with a Civic Reception held at the Broken Hill City Art Gallery.
The celebration marked the MP’s pending retirement and last trip to Broken Hill in an official capacity, with Jamie Chaffey stepping up as the new Nationals candidate at the next Federal Election for the seat.
Mr Coulton said it was great to see the public out.
“Last night to have all those people that I’ve been working with for the last 10 years come along and say goodbye, it was really nice,” he said.
“I really have enjoyed my time here.
“Broken Hill is quite diverse, you know, it’s got a very strong pastoral industry around it and a strong commercial sector, a very vibrant main street.”
Mr Chaffey said it was great to see his predecessor recognised.
“It’s just coming into my eighth month of campaigning, and this is my third visit back to Broken Hill in that period of time,” he said.
“So last night it was great to see Mark recognised by the council.
“I know he’s a man of integrity and that’s what he’s known for, and a man that never over promises but always over delivers.
“That was recognised really well here in Broken Hill.”
Broken Hill National Party branch chair Clyde Thomson said the party is appreciative of all Mr Coulton’s work.
“We’re very supportive of what Mark’s done, and very supportive of Jamie standing.
“Our membership is growing and we’re encouraging people to join us,” he said.
Mr Coulton said he feels there’s a lot of optimism in the community.
“At the moment, I think there’s quite an era of optimism in Broken Hill for the future,” he said.
“I think it’s quite exciting really.”
