As lockdown lifts and life transitions to a new COVID-19 normal, in our 2020 Summer Griffin we hear from longest-serving Independent Northern Territory Parliamentarian and Class of 1967 past student Gerry Wood, who enters retirement after his 19 years serving the people of Nelson. For fifty years Gerry has been at one with the land. His connection to the people and community of the Territory is authentic and tangible. Involved in some of the NT’s biggest political moments, he at times was seen as the Parliament’s ‘kingmaker’. When the Paul Henderson Labor Government became the minority after the resignation of MLA Alison Anderson in 2009,
Gerry’s vote meant that the government could remain in power. But it’s never been about status or power for Gerry, but rather, good governance. “What is the most responsible thing I can do in this legislative assembly?” has been the objective of his honourable, unwavering commitment, a life lesson that he references learning 55 years ago in Form Four.
