Warragul resident and long-time supporter of The Nationals, Betty Heywood, was made a life member of The Nationals at the party’s state conference in Shepparton over the weekend.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, said it was a privilege for the party to honour the service of Betty Heywood who has been a staunch supporter of the party for something like 45 years.
“Betty has been a fantastic trooper for our party as well as a great ambassador for West Gippsland for many decades.
“Whether it’s baking a sponge for our regular meetings, helping to man the booth at Farm World or taking up the cudgels on behalf of country people in public debate, Betty has been a true champion.
“She may be diminutive in stature but what she lacks in height she makes up for in ferociousness on behalf of country people, in particular the people of Gippsland.
“It was a great pleasure for the party to confer life membership on her.
“True to her humble nature, Betty had no idea that the State President was even speaking of her until her name was announced.
“It’s people like Betty that give us the grassroots contact that keeps our MP’s and party official’s feet on the ground.
“At 87 Betty Heywood continues to attend party meetings and conferences and I am sure her life membership will be welcomed by many people throughout West Gippsland.”
