Mr Iemma was speaking at the Civic Reception hosted by Parkes Shire Council for members of the State Cabinet. In his opening address he commented that for the first time in 23 years the words Robert Wilson and Mayor `or shire president’ no longer occur in the same sentence.

Referring to him as Bob throughout his address, Mr Iemma said how during a visit to Parkes two years ago he had had joked about Cr Wilson being appointed Mayor for life.

`Today, that comment doesn’t seem too far from the truth,’ Mr Iemma said.

`It’s amazing to think that when he started in local government some 40 years ago Bob Menzies was Prime Minister, Vatican II was just coming to an end, the Vietnam War was escalating, and the Beatles were causing teenage girls all around the world to scream and faint.

`Not that I want you to feel old. Anyway, well done Bob. Thanks for 43 amazing years of service and leadership.

`You have been the finest servant of local government a region could wish for – the Don Bradman of local government,’ Mr Iemma said.

The Civic Reception was attended by council and community representatives from throughout the region.