It was the first oration dinner in Tim’s honour since his sad passing on August 22 last year, aged 73 years.
Rotary Club of Corowa President Paul Miegel described the former Deputy Prime Minister so aptly to the 60 attendees at this year’s oration.
“From political leader, to diplomat, to farmer, consultant, company director, author, broadcaster, and multiple patron with a love for trains, military history and Akubra hats, Tim was a man of the highest integrity, compassion and dedication with a phenomenal memory as well as being an engaging speaker,” the Rotary President said.
“He has generously allowed the use of his name to be associated with this Federation Dinner since its inception in 2016.”
Mr Miegel had the audience stand and toast, in true Aussie fashion, the late Tim Fischer AC.
Love for the mentor who warned her
Special guest speaker at the 2020 Tim Fischer Oration, Cathy McGowan AO said she loved Tim, “not in the romantic way – let me reassure you – he was married to my cousin Judy Brewer and from the early days of that romance – he became a trusted friend”.
“When I was president of Australian Women in Agriculture he was Minister for Trade and was a great supporter to we farming women as we organised international conferences all around the world,” Cathy explained.
“When I first considered the idea of politics and running as an independent he cautioned me strongly against it – there may have been a natural bias against Independents - but on winning the election in 2013, he became one of my strongest mentors – not so much on the politics, rather his advice was couched more often around how to be an effective representative, and strategies for community engagement – turn up, speak up and let people know what you are doing.
“He was courageous. He had vision. He was a great and good leader. He was a mentor. He reached out across the political divide.”
One of strongest themes at Tim’s funeral last August was his commitment to community according to Cathy.
“The boy from Boree Creek never forgot his roots and his knowledge that it is a community which is a key building block for a successful nation,” she said.
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