LORETTA BAKER – RECOGNITION OF HER IMPROVEMENT OF PEOPLE'S LIVES IN THE MAITLAND REGION

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) —Councillor Loretta Baker has proudly represented the community of Maitland for over 30 years. Firstly, through her career as a community health nurse helping support those with mental health and addiction issues, implementing immunisation programs for local schools, and she was bestowed the honour of being Maitland's first ever female Mayor. Loretta is passionate about arts, theatre, and creatives, and was instrumental in gaining much needed traction for Maitland Region Art Gallery during her tenure as Maitland Council Mayor. Her ability to see the possibilities for injection of creative flow into our community has enabled our artistic scene to flourish within the region. Behind her motivation is an unwavering passion to assist people and help them make their lives better through social justice and improving access to facilities, which has been a hallmark of her life. Loretta is a lover of the tight-knit community of Maitland, and her love of our community is demonstrated in everything that she does to continue to enhance the lives of members in our region. I celebrate your achievements Loretta, and thank you for your ongoing, unwavering commitment to our Maitland community.