Former MLA remembered in beloved Katherine surrounded by hundreds

FORMER Deputy Chief Minister Mike Reed was laid to rest at his “centre of the universe”, flanked by family and friends today

The State Funeral service was held in the grounds of the Katherine Museum before the burial service at the cemetery adjacent to Katherine River. Picture: GREG THOMSON

• Former NT Deputy Chief Minister Mike Reed, Katherine’s longest serving MLA, dies

FORMER Deputy Chief Minister Mike Reed was laid to rest at his “centre of the universe”, flanked by family and friends on the banks of the Katherine River floodplain today.

A crowd of 600 people attended the former Katherine MLA’s State Funeral held at the Katherine Museum which he helped develop during his 16.5 years in NT Parliament, 13 of which he served as a Cabinet Minister until his retirement in 2003.

Mr Reed, 75, passed away following a short illness on November 22.

MORE TOP NEWS

Territorians spark largest retail growth in decade amid COVID-19

Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission cost to taxpayer revealed

His former ministerial colleague and friend Stephen Dunham led the eulogy yesterday with a “highlights reel” of key achievements in office, including Mr Reed’s leadership of the Territory town’s recovery from the disastrous Katherine River flood of 1998.

He described Mr Reed as a minister who lived by the motto: just do it.

Mr Dunham said: “Early in his time as Health Minister, Mike was briefed on a potentially fatal disease called Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib).

Former Cabinet colleague, staff member and family friend Stephen Dunham, delivered part of the eulogy. Picture: GREG THOMSON

“This bacteria was prevalent among Aboriginal children under 5 and the Alice Springs region had some of the highest rates in the world. He was told that immunisation was now available and that a three year program would control and eradicate it.

“The three year timetable was unacceptable to Mike and he directed that vaccination of children was given a high priority status and was to be achieved within a year. “

The program saved lives and prevented long term disability.

Mr Dunham recalled that Mr Reed and his family ignored the devastating loss of one home and extensive damage to their second as the minister worked for months leading the clean-up and rebuilding of town assets lost when the river burst its banks, flooding the roof of shops and homes in the town’s main street and largest suburbs on Australia Day that year.

During his ministerial career, Mr Reed held down nearly all of the major jobs, with the exception of Minister for Education and Minister for Attorney-General.

Mr Reed's daughter Megan (left), wife Ann, and sons Steven and David Reed. Picture: GREG THOMSON

As Treasurer, Mr Reed was respected for his financial discipline – and the legend of the largesse that his home town enjoyed. Anyone who criticised his Katherine expenditure, was routinely offered a megaphone to go and repeat it.

Mr Dunham credited Mr Reed’s political success to the support of his wife Ann who was a frequent political representative at home when her husband was in Parliament in Darwin or travelling as a minister

Mr Dunham told the crowd: “The Katherine people know a good deal when they see one.

“Most worked on the logic of, “Course I’m voting for Reedy. Not only does he deliver, but with the work Ann does for the town you get two for the price of one”.

“In fact in an election victory speech, Mike made no secret of the fact that he was aware if Ann was to run against him that he would lose.”

On behalf of the NT Government, NT Attorney-General Selena Uibo recognised Mr Reed’s support of the expansion of the RAAF Base Tindal, 10km south of Katherine.

Ms Uibo said: “Tindal grew from a population of just 25 people to more than 1000 during the time that Michael was local member.

“He was passionate about Defence and the expansion of Tindal.”

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro paid tribute to Mr Reed career in government and recalled that unlike many of his colleagues, Mr Reed was always first to put up his hand to deputise as acting minister when MLA’s were out of town.

As acting minister, it gave Mr Reed the opportunity to push through difficult decisions or projects for the benefit of Katherine that previously been stalled or ignored under the gazetted minister’s watch.

Opposition Leader Finocchiaro paid tribute to the CLP's parliamentary representative of 16 years and that party's longest serving deputy leader, Mike Reed. Picture: GREG THOMSON

Northern Territory News fishing writer Alex Julius recalled Mr Reed’s pioneering work as Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries – where he took on the commercial fishing sector and banned commercial barramundi harvesting from the iconic Daly and Mary Rivers – and later Shoal Bay on Darwin’s outskirts.

Mr Julius said Mr Reed recognised the conservation principle and greater economic contribution barramundi fishing could play when it came to recreational fishing.

Mr Julius said: “Mike also knew just how important barramundi fishing is to our lifestyle and fisherman will always be in his debt.”

OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1

In closing, Mr Reed’s youngest son David gave an insight in the former MP’s life after politics where he was able to indulge in his passion for nature, the Territory’s wildlife and the great outdoors.

David Reed recalled stopping beside a road as a young boy of four to collect a snake that his father wanted to show him. That experience paved the way for Mr Reed junior’s own business as a snake catcher and wildlife breeder in the region.

Mr Reed is survived by his wife Ann, their children Megan, Steven and David and their grandchildren.

Originally published as Former MLA remembered in beloved Katherine surrounded by hundreds