Tribute to John Partridge

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport) (18:11): John Partridge is known to many in my community as the quiet, kind and constant presence behind the counter at McDonalds Booksellers and Stationers in The Levee. For 74 years John served the people of Maitland with humility and grace, working right up until just days before his passing at the ripe old age of 94. John's encyclopaedic knowledge of books, elegant handwriting and remarkable memory were legendary. For decades, students, teachers, writers and readers would visit John's shop seeking a particular volume or novel and he would know either exactly where to find it or how to get it. Despite this beautiful ability to find things, John did not really embrace the internet until just before he died, and his business was cash only until only a few years ago. John was a private man who never courted attention, but his contribution to my city was enormous. On behalf of the Maitland electorate, I honour John and the legacy he leaves behind. Vale, John Partridge.