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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, March 15, 2024
Phone (03) 5723 0100
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INSIDE
SPECIAL CUPPA Beechworth’s Sandy Bo (left), Diona Dillon, creative artist Jayanto Tan with 10-year-old Naomi Burgess and her mum Bec enjoyed a tea ceremony at last week’s Beechworth Biennale. See full story page 4. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Record entries dazzle Page 5
Wanderers make semis Page 12
Tilley to leave politics Benambra b MP announced d this hi term will ill be b his hi last l following f ll i g leukemia l k i diagnosis di g i late l last l year y BENAMBRA MP Bill Tilley will retire from politics at the end of this parliamentary term. The MP of the region for what will be 20 years says an ongoing cancer battle had forced his decision. Mr Tilley was diagnosed with leukemia late last year. He continues to be treated for the cancer that whilst incurable, can be managed with specialist medical care.
Mr Tilley plans to return to the office from May. “We’ll have to manage the diary, but it will be largely business as usual,” he said. “When they tell you that you have cancer it rocks you and yet I know and have talked with people, who are so much worse off than me. “I’ve been blessed to have the support of family, friends and
parliamentary colleagues from both sides of the political fence in recent times. “But this really puts a focus on what’s important.” Mr Tilley will continue to fight for the electorate until the end of the parliamentary term in 2026. “And that is especially true of the need for a new hospital,” he said. “In recent months I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our
medical practitioners, from my own GP through to oncologists and the many people in between – nurses, radiographers and sometimes just the smile of the person on the reception desk. “But they are fighting failing infrastructure – buildings and operating theatres no longer fit for purpose. “This isn’t parochial, this is about the best possible health
service for 300,000 people and that build at Albury won’t do that.” Mr Tilley had some advice for would be successors. “They are long days and if you are not passionate, if you don’t love the district and are not willing to fight for it – sometimes against the will of your colleagues – then do something else,” he said. Mr Tilley’s successor will be pre-selected by the Liberal Party.
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