In breaking news on Thursday evening long-standing Bendigo West state member Maree Edwards announced that she would not contest the seat in the November election.
Having served the local community for the past 16 years, Ms Edwards said she has been contemplating a future away from the public eye and from politics for some time.
“It has been a challenging past year following the death of my husband Steve,” she said.
“I have not taken this decision lightly, and it has weighed on my mind for many months.
“For the sake of my physical and mental health, the time has come to step back.”
Ms Edwards also served as Speaker of the House for more than four years. She served as Deputy Speaker for more than five years.
“I cannot say that I will miss the heated and often brutal exchanges and poor behaviour I have witnessed over many years. I will, however, miss the humoured banter and the zingy one-liners,” she said.
“I am proud to have delivered the first carers/parents rooms (Charlotte’s Room) at Parliament, overseen the completion of the redeveloped East Wing, new Committee Rooms, significant security upgrades, disability access upgrades, the first people’s room and acknowledgement of First Peoples in our Vestibule, and the opening up of our dining rooms and our parliament to more people,” she said.
Ms Edwards has supported communities across Bendigo West for more than a decade, helping to upgrade every school in the electorate.
During her time, the new Bendigo Regional Hospital, Rehabilitation Centre and Courthouse have been built, plus the expansion and redevelopment of Bendigo Art Gallery.
“I cannot express how much I have loved and enjoyed participating and immersing myself in the communities I have represented,” she said.
“From Bendigo to Baringhup, from Marong to Maldon, Golden Square to Guildford, Castlemaine to Eaglehawk, and all the amazing communities in between.
“Understanding their diversity and giving my strong commitment and hard work every day to ensuring our regional towns are thriving and successful, and that the people who call it home are supported, advocated for, and respected always.”
In Mount Alexander, the much-loved labor representative has advocated for bringing TAFE courses back to Castlemaine, the undergrounding of power lines in Maldon and the Newstead Solar Farm.
The region’s local representative has helped reopen Guildford Primary School, opened new Men’s Sheds at Castlemaine, Newstead and Marong and a world-class mountain bike track at Harcourt.
A big supporter of the Monster Meeting site at Chewton, her advocacy ensured the site was included in the diggings heritage National Park.
With her support, the Castlemaine Art Museum received funding for upgrades and the Goods Shed was refurbished for the Castlemaine State Festival.
“There are many battles I have stood with the community and won.”
These battles included opposing a broiler farm at Baringhup, opposing a development in the heritage environment around Maldon, saving Taradale Primary School and Welshman’s Reef Caravan Park from closure and fighting a pokies development in Castlemaine.
“I want to make a special mention and a shout out to the community of Harcourt. The fire that swept through the area in January was the worst we have seen in our region. Many homes were lost, and many families were impacted,” she said.
“I acknowledge and thank the people in the community, the many volunteers across many sectors who were instrumental in supporting the community through grief and loss. It was a privilege to stand with you. And a thank you to the CFA volunteers across Bendigo West and beyond whose efforts were heroic and swift, not just on that day but in the days that followed.”
As Chair of the Parliamentary Committee, Ms Edwards recommended change for children with autism, and to address abuse in disability services.
“These recommendations and changes have made a real difference to the lives of many,” Ms Edwards said.
“My passion has and will continue to be supporting children with special needs.
“There is so much more that can be done to support them, their families, and carers.”
The only woman elected to the seat of Bendigo West, she was the fourth woman Speaker in 170 years, and the only woman elected twice to the position.
“I hope young women and girls can see from what I have achieved over the last 16 years, that it is possible to be a leader in parliament, and in the community,” she said.
“I hope also that is a reminder that kindness and compassion are not weaknesses but leadership strengths that must be nurtured.”
Ms Edwards will remain in her role as Speaker until the Legislative Assembly sits for the first time after the election.
“The democratic process is only successful when there is respectful and constructive face-to-face debate, not debate that is driven by algorithms or social media sound bites and misrepresentation,” she said.
Ms Edwards’ 13th grandchild is expected to arrive in the next few weeks.
“I cannot thank my children, their partners and my grandchildren enough,” she said.
“They are my greatest love, my world, and I am so looking forward to spending more time with them.”
The MP thanked her staff and colleagues, and her friends Jacinta Allan and Lisa Chesters.
“As we continue the fight against division and hatred across our communities, I will be standing firm until the election to defend what has been achieved by the Labor Government in Bendigo West, to continue to advocate for what the communities and people in Bendigo West tell me they need, and to ensure Labor is returned to Government in November,” she said.
“After that, if I’m not with my family, you will most likely find me on a bowling green somewhere in Central Victoria.”
There has been an outpouring of thanks and well wishes for Ms Edwards on social media since the news broke. Here are just a few highlights of her time in office from our archives.
