It’s thank you and goodbye to Matheson and Ferguson

Laurie Ferguson had the best line at last night’s civic reception to farewell him and Russell Matheson.

“The truth is that I won’t ever see most of you ever again, so this is goodbye,’’ said the former member for Werriwa.

It was the best line because locals had finally accepted him because of his honesty.

Ferguson was parachuted into Werriwa in 2010, forcing the very popular local member and resident Chris Hayes to the seat of Fowler.

There was a lot of resentment but eventually there was a grudging respect from locals, both in and out of the Labor Party, that Laurie Ferguson wasn’t such a bad bloke.

After around 20 years in Canberra he decided he would retire at the 2016 election.

Werriwa stayed in Labor hands, with Liverpool Councillor Anne Stanley easily winning on July 2.

Ms Stanley attended last night’s function at the Campbelltown Arts Centre.

But the man who ended Russell Matheson’s political career, Dr Mike Freelander was in Canberra and did not attend.

Mr Matheson did have some advice for the new MPs in Werriwa and Macarthur.

“I’d like to wish both Anne Stanley and Dr Freelander well,’’ Mr Matheson said.

“I went from a 9 to 5 job to being a federal member where you work non stop day after day and right up until Christmas eve.

“It’s a tough gig.’’

The Mayor of Camden, Lara Symkowiak, State MP Greg Warren, a number of Campbelltown councillors and other local identities were present last night as Mr Matheson and Mr Ferguson were presented with community service awards by the mayor, Paul Hawker.

“Russell Matheson and Laurie Ferguson were two of the finest politicians we have seen in the Macarthur region, and both were highly respected representatives who achieved many great things for our city during their terms of office,” Cr Hawker said.

“Since their election in 2010, both men have served our area with passion, advocating for improved services and infrastructure on behalf of the people of their electorates, and ensuring Campbelltown was on top of the Federal Government’s agenda.’’