Last week, Wednesday 1 July,  in a ceremony held at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, Gordon Grainger was awarded the Paterson Electorate Senior Citizen of the Year Award.

Humble as usual, Gordon was most impressed by Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin’s introduction which stated, “Gordon can be a pain in the bum, no more so than in the latter days of the Federal Government’s financial involvement in the region.”

This introduction was just prior to handing over to Prime Minister Tony Abbott to present the award.

Gordon said he was quite chuffed to meet the PM and quickly questioned him on how he keeps up with his itinerary after the PM had flown from Singapore to visit the RAAF Base Williamtown then on to Dungog and back to Raymond Terrace before returning to Canberra that night.

The PM replied, “Well that’s just part of the job.”

In response to the award, Gordon did not relish the ‘Senior’ part but agreed he will just have to accept it.

Gordon said, “I accepted the award as the spokesperson for the Myall River Action Group who represents the greater community and together we are proud to be recognised.”

“That Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest and environs are now being heard.”

“That the community will benefit from improvements to the waterfront and the river return to its’ oceanic pristine condition.”

“That the Ramsar listed Corrie Island which has been badly neglected in the past has been recognised and returned to its’ original condition.”

“That the conundrum of Jimmies Beach erosion be contained to a greater degree and that the townships participate in the future of tourist growth while maintaining its’ laid back atmosphere.”

Congratulations Gordon, without people like you in the community we would get nothing heard and little done we applaud your work and believe the recognition well deserved.