Lachlan Hunter MP, Member for Central Wheatbelt, has paid tribute to former Nationals Leader and long serving Wheatbelt parliamentarian Hon Max Trenorden, following his passing.
Mr Trenorden served the people of the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt in State Parliament for almost three decades, first as the Member for Avon from 1986 until 2008, and later as a Member for the Agricultural Region until 2013.
“Max Trenorden was one of the great local MPs of our region. He was a farmer, businessman, community man and, above all, a fierce advocate for country people,” Mr Hunter said.
Mr Trenorden first contested Avon for the National Country Party in 1983 before returning in 1986 and defeating long-serving Labor MP Ken McIver, who had represented Northam and Avon for 18 years.
In this inaugural speech Mr Trenorden spoke proudly of the Avon Valley, its history and its contribution to Western Australia, describing it as having a fair claim to being the State’s “premier electorate”.
“He understood country communities because he was part of them. He understood farmers, families and small businesses, and he never lost that connection during his years in Parliament.”
Mr Trenorden went on to become Leader of the Parliamentary National Party from 2001 to 2005, cementing his place as an important figure in the history of the Nationals and regional Western Australia.
“Nearly 40 years after Mr Trenorden delivered his first speech as the Member for Avon, I have the enormous privilege of representing many of those same communities as the Member for Central Wheatbelt.”
“My friend Max remained generous with his advice and encouragement long after leaving Parliament. I was fortunate to visit him recently, and he was still full of advice about politics, representing your community and what it takes to be a good local MP.”
“His contribution went well beyond Parliament. Max loved his family, his community and the Wheatbelt, and he devoted a huge part of his life to serving them.”
“My deepest sympathies are with Max’s family, friends and the many people across the Wheatbelt who knew and loved him.”
Vale Hon Max Trenorden. A great servant of the Avon Valley, the Wheatbelt and Western Australia.