By Peter Douglas
EVELYN MP Christine Fyffe has announced her present term in the seat will be her last.
With preselection for sitting members due to open next month, Ms Fyffe needed to make a call on her future.
Ms Fyffe told the ‘Mail’ she felt that her time was up because she couldn’t commit to another term, which, with state elections in 2018, would mean a further six years in the role.
The Liberal MP first won the seat of Evelyn in 1999 and has enjoyed strong support over that time, though she did lose the seat in 2002, only to win it back in 2006.
Ms Fyffe said the decision was entirely hers and not driven by party pressure.
“Matthew Guy left the decision entirely up to me, he’s a terrific leader and been very supportive,” she said.
“I just felt that six years was going to be too much for me … the time is right.”
While Ms Fyffe still has two years to serve, and plenty of work ahead, she was happy to reflect on her many years of service.
“I’ve been exceptionally privileged, and it’s been very satisfying, to have represented Evelyn for such a long time,” she said.
“The highs have been the small changes in individuals or groups, I’ve gained immense satisfaction in helping people negotiate the bureaucracy to achieve positive change.”
Ms Fyffe said one of her most rewarding achievements had been improving service access for those dealing with eating disorders.
“I worked closely with Martin Foley … many of the things we helped to implement are still in place … that all started from communications I’d had with my electorate,” he said.
Ms Fyffe’s contribution over the years runs deep.
In addition to her many involvements with local groups and committees, one of her major roles was as Commissioner of Yarra Ranges Shire from 1994 to 1997.
In this role, she helped to oversee the amalgamation of the shire.
“At the time, I was president of the winegrowers and on the regional tourism board,” she said.
“I’d come to the attention of Jeff Kennett and was appointed as Commissioner.
“Some might not see it that way, but I think it has worked really well.”
She said some of the challenges during that time included managing some councils with minimal budgets and managing the duplication of services, which meant a reduction in staff.
Ms Fyffe could only have dreamed of such contributions when she arrived in Australia as a ‘Ten Pound Pom’ from the United Kingdom in 1967.
She started life in Australia in migration housing in Nunawading, before developing the award-winning Yarra Burn Winery and Restaurant at Yarra Junction.
“Incredibly, I came to Launching Place during only my second day in Australia and I fell in love with the scenery. I thought, ‘how beautiful is this place’,” she said.
“There is incredible opportunity in Australia and one of the amazing joys of my job is attending citizenship ceremonies.”
While it’s a little too early to fully contemplate life in retirement, Ms Fyffe said she planned to indulge in gardening and watch her beloved Essendon Bombers more often.
