After 12 years, Maitland MP Robyn Parker has spent her last day in State Parliament.
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The final sitting of Parliament for the year took place on Thursday ahead of the state election next March.
While Ms Parker will continue to represent Maitland until the election, Thursday was her last day working as a politician in Macquarie Street.
“It feels a bit like the end of year 12,” she told the Mercury.
“I have all the emotions of not knowing what the future holds and nostalgia.
“A lot of my life has been wrapped up in this job.”
Ms Parker announced in October that she would not recontest the seat of Maitland.
She spent eight years in the upper house before she was elected to the lower house, as the first female Maitland MP, in 2011.
“I have had a close bond with other women MPs on both sides of the chamber,” Ms Parker said.
“There was a range of things we have in common.”
Her achievements include gaining $45 million for New England Highway roundabout improvements, $20 million for a new public hospital for Maitland with site selection confirmed and planning well under way, and a new Hunter River Community School built at Metford.
She was also minister for the environment and heritage minister in the O’Farrell government.
The city’s mayor, Cr Peter Blackmore, also a former Liberal state member for Maitland, said it was disappointing that Ms Parker would not be the community’s representative beyond March.
He said Ms Parker had achieved a lot for the city during her time in office.
“She has been tenacious, but she has always maintained a smile,” Cr Blackmore said.
“She has juggled her roles as a wife, mother and leading politician who led from the front.”
During her valedictory speech in Parliament last week, Ms Parker said it had been an honour to be a member of Parliament.
“I tried really hard not to take this opportunity for granted,” she said.
“I have stayed strong, I have maintained my integrity and I leave with my head held high.”