Andrews' dinner attracts 100

A dinner for the former Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews attracted 100 people on Thursday, May 5, to celebrate her contribution to community life over the 16 years she represented the Peninsula in the NSW Parliament.

Among the guests were members of Ms Andrews' family as well as the staff who worked with her during the period.

Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher and Crs Jim MacFadyen and Vicki Scott were present along with a number of retired Members of Parliament.

Additionally, local groups and organisations were represented, as well as personnel from Government Departments.

The evening opened with a "Welcome to Country" by Ray McMinn from the Darkinjung people and this was followed by a special tribute from his family in appreciation of Ms Andrews' support for the Koori community.

Umina PCYC representative Ms Carolyn Carter spoke about the positive relationship that developed with Ms Andrews as the local Member and many messages of support were read from community groups.

A letter from former Premier Mr Neville Wran complimented Ms Andrews on her tremendous representation of her electorate in the NSW Parliament and applauded her as a great ambassador for the ideals and values of the Australian Labor Party.

Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill spoke of Ms Andrews as a role model for her electorate and included in her comments a letter of appreciation from the Prime Minister Ms Julia Gillard.

The toast of the evening was delivered by Member for Mt Druitt Mr Richard Amery who congratulated Ms Andrews on her tireless support for the people of Gosford and acknowledged her honesty and integrity as a colleague and Member of NSW Parliament.

Ms Andrews expressed thanks and appreciation for the event and acknowledged the privilege that was hers to represent the local community.

Media Release, 12 May 2011 Anne Sullivan