Principal takes seat in parliament

TRIBUTES were paid to several Derwent Valley residents by newly-elected Franklin MHA Ross Butler when delivering his inaugural address in State Parliament recently. The former New Norfolk and Glenora school principal was elected on a recount following the recent resignation of state Labor premier Paul Lennon.

In a wide-ranging speech lasting about 25 minutes, Mr Butler reviewed his life’s experiences and his various careers, from teacher and union organiser to real estate agent, taxi driver and ultimately Member of Parliament. He was principal of Glenora District High School in the 1980s and of New Norfolk High School in the 1990s.

Mr Butler recalled what he referred to as an administrative role in the establishment of the Derwent Valley Concert Band in the early 1990s and paid tribute to the band’s director, Layton Hodgetts and the organisational skill of Belle Pearson and many other citizens of the Derwent Valley who were responsible for the band’s success.