Former Member for Eden-Monaro, Gary Nairn has died aged 73.
Mr Nairn served in Federal Parliament from 1996 to 2007 as a member of the Liberal Party until Labor’s Mike Kelly took the seat.
Former Member for Bega and federal candidate for Gilmore, Andrew Constance, paid tribute to Mr Nairn on Facebook writing that Eden wouldn’t have a naval wharf nor would the Yellow Pinch pipeline securing Bega Valley’s water supply have been delivered had it not for his advocacy and involvement.
“He achieved so much for our local community,” Mr Constance said.
“He was always respectful, kind and a true community champion and he will be deeply missed and like so many, I feel we have lost a great Australian who cared so much for South East NSW.”
Current Eden Monaro MP Kristy McBain told ARN Bega Bay Mr Nairn was a popular and respected community advocate.
“My sincere condolences to Gary’s family and his wife Rose,” Ms McBain said.
“Gary served as the Member for Eden-Monaro for almost 11 years under the Howard Government and also serves in the Ministry,” she said.
“He was a greatly respected member of parliament across the political spectrum and his work really spoke to the community advocacy that he was in.”
Post politics Mr Nairn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his services to spatial science and mapping as well as his contributions to Australian politics and community organisations.
He was appointed the national chair of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Australia in 2018.
He served as a director on the Mulloon Institute board, an organisation dedicated to sustainable farming. He was also involved in charities working with cancer and disability groups.
Liberal candidate for Eden-Monaro, Joanne Van Der Plaat said despite Gary’s illness, he always took the time to check in on how she was going.
“His love for and knowledge of Eden-Monaro was infectious,” Ms Van Der Plaat said.
“I will be forever grateful for his wise counsel and encouragement and he will be remembered as a true gentleman and an outstanding Federal Liberal member for Eden-Monaro.”
Mr Nairn is survived by his wife, Rose, his children and grandchildren.
Images: Kristy McBain, Joanne Van Der Plaat, Gary Nairn
