We were just engaged in a "catch-up" of events and sales when a new guest came through the door. Not a local, he was casually but smartly dressed with an infectious smile and an easy, open and energetic manner. He introduced himself as Dave. He and work colleagues were lunching on fish and chips across the road in the "Country Kitchen" and he had spotted the East End Gallery. He announced he had come for a look whilst his meal was being prepared.
Shortly afterwards, Dave revealed he was actually the State Minister for Local Government, the Arts and Heritage. He and his fellow Honourable, Darren West, were on a fact-finding safari, meeting with Shires throughout the Central Wheatbelt. They had come to Beverley for a meeting with our Shire, CEO Steve Gollan and Shire President Dee Ridgeway.
David Templeman, Member for Mandurah, is the first, I repeat, first politician of any persuasion to cross the front door of our Gallery. And show enthusiastic interest. And commend us for what Michael and I have worked at for over five years. He farewelled us to return to his lunch. He promised he and Darren would pop in after they had finished eating.
About this time, I nearly fell off my chair for a second time.
The Goomalling number plates on the parked 4WD had sparked my interest. Darren West has been my Facebook buddy for some time and had a farm in the Goomalling Shire. As Member for the Agricultural Region, he is responsible for a smallish electorate of about 260 000 square kilometres. Although I had never clapped eyes on Darren in person, my intuition had told me he was a man of honesty and integrity. Finally meeting him, I also discovered he is very tall.
They blasted into the Gallery like a couple of whirling dervishes. Dave's staffer was attempting to keep up with them. We talked rapidly about ourselves, our passions and our hopes. They listened.
We asked who to talk to about our ongoing issues with the Water Corporation. "Me" was Darren's immediate response. Just like that. Then, as a parting gesture, we were invited to their "Pint with Pollies" at the Duke's Inn in Northam that evening. With that invitation, they hurtled out the door to their next meeting.
We went. The gathering was not too big which allowed us to network and meet other guests. Ross Beckett, the Chair of Country Arts WA was present, minus a melanoma on his foot and plus crutches. We had a really interesting discussion. Another Facebook friend, Cathryn Backer was also at the evening with her husband Rene. I recognised her by her glasses. A delicious buffet and drinks were also provided for our enjoyment.
I chatted with Lesley, Darren's wife and supporter and a wholly independent person in her own right. Working three days a week in finance, Lesley is also the anchor at their farm as well as keeping tabs on their now adult children. From talking to both Darren and Lesley, they are a closely knit family.
I believe we met two of that rare breed - Darren and David entered politics with a genuine desire to be useful and helpful and work for and with their electorates. And as a voter who expects far more from pollies than ego and the party line, these two deserve their places. May they maintain the energy required to do their jobs as they are currently doing.
Other politicians - take note of Darren and Dave.
David Templeman - looking fetching in Balingup -
and in mufti, just before March's state election -
and with his wife, Donna, and their children.
Darren West, with wife Lesley and his family -
the tall geezer on the far left -
Back to work.
Facebook buddy Cathryn with her husband Rene.
Ross Becker, Chair of Performing Arts, Country Arts WA. He is also very tall...
No comments:
Post a Comment