McGowan’s tribute to departing ‘legend’

As the political career of local favourite and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray comes to a close, Premier Mark McGowan has paid tribute to his long-time colleague. Mr Murray, who Mr McGowan has referred to on a number of occasions as a “local legend”, is finishing up in politics at the impending State election and his contribution was recognised during last month’s unveiling of the Wellington Dam mural. After 20 years as a Member of Parliament, Mr Murray has been replaced by former Collie Senior High School principal Jodie Hanns as Labor’s candidate for Collie-Preston. “We all know Mick, and we love Mick — to a degree,” the Premier joked on Friday. “He is someone who has been one of the characters of the Parliament and has added a lot of life and vitality and interest, certainly to my life. “He is someone who has done a lot for his community and he loves this town and this area. “We are very fortunate to have Mick.” Mr McGowan also thanked Mr Murray for his contributions to a string of projects aimed at revitalising Collie, including Guido van Helten’s stunning dam wall mural. “These projects are a testament to Mick and the fact he has done so much for this area and has given it the pride we all feel,” he said. Fellow long-time Labor minister Alannah MacTiernan echoed the Premier’s sentiments. “Mick is an extraordinary guy,” she said. “It certainly has been extraordinary working with him and to see the passion.” Mr Murray joked that when one door closes, another opens and said he was already eyeing off a new pastime. “My job in the future, will be letter writing,” he said. “I’ll be asking ‘why haven’t you? Why won’t you? And where’s the money for this?’ “That is what I will be doing — unpaid of course.”