The on-going love affair between Parkes and NSW Governor Marie Bashir was never more evident than during her visit last Friday.
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Her Excellency flew in for her sixth and final visit ready for a hectic day’s schedule that saw her officiate at six separate functions.
“I just love Parkes, smell those gum leaves, and look at that beautiful rich red soil; it’s so good to be back.”
- NSW Governor Marie Bashir
“I just love Parkes,” she said when alighting from her vehicle at the site of the new hospital.
“Smell those gum leaves, and look at that beautiful rich red soil; it’s so good to be back.”
The reason she was at that particular site was to unveil a sign indicating the name of the roadway leading into the new hospital as the Dame Marie Bashir Drive.
“I feel really humbled by this wonderful honour,’ she told the crowd of invited guests who included State Member for Dubbo Troy Grant, Mayor Ken Keith, Deputy Mayor Alan Ward, Liz Mitchell (Lachlan Health Service Manager), Susan Taylor (Project Director Health Infrastructure), Deborah Hunter (Lachlan Health Service Redevelopment Project Officer/Change Manager), and co-chairs of the Lachlan Health Service Dan Herbert (Forbes) and Malcolm Stacey (Parkes).
Earlier, Minister Grant brought a blush to the cheeks of Her Excellency when he described her as the state’s greatest ever Governor.
The entourage then headed to the Parkes Shire Library for an informal launch of the REaDtember promotion.
“Look at all these beautiful children,” she exclaimed.
“With all due respect to those from the mining sector, it is our children who are our greatest assets.”
Once again she endeared herself to all present during a reading session and later in a music session with the children.
A civic reception followed in the Coventry Room.
The room was packed for the occasion which was highlighted by the presentation of a book to Her Excellency from Mayor Ken Keith, featuring photographs from her five previous visits to the shire.
Later Governor Bashir mingled with guests and spoke on a range of topics.
In between, she readily posed with student and teacher representatives from all of the shire schools whilst trying to enjoy a cuppa and morning tea which was provided by the Parkes Quota Club.
The day’s hectic programme continued at Bushman’s Hill where Her Excellency officiated at the official opening of the Aboriginal Precinct.
It was a colourful occasion with traditional Aboriginal dancing performed by local students and music items from Parkes Public School.
In the company of Mayor Keith, she unveiled the beautiful information sign outlining the history of the new precinct.
This was followed by photo shoots with anyone and everyone who requested this of Her Excellency.
Back in their vehicles, the next official duty was the unveiling of a plaque at the Henry Parkes statue in The Square.
A great fan of Sir Henry Parkes (the Governor works from his original office at Government House), she again repeated his catch-cry ‘One People, One Destiny.’
“Today, we all know we live in the best country in the world,” she said.
The day’s final official function took place at the Aastro Dish Motor Inn where Her Excellency presented the Parkes Rotary Club a plaque honouring the club’s 75th anniversary.
Then it was out to the Parkes Airport for the return trip home after another memorable visit where she again defined herself as a Governor of the People.