Tim Mulherin funeral: Daily Mercury editor Rae Wilson pays tribute to former Mackay MP

He dedicated his life to serving the people of Mackay and he was good at it, writes Mercury editor Rae Wilson

HE dedicated his life to serving the people of Mackay.

And he was good at it.

Everyone knew Tim Mulherin and he knew them.

He knew their family, their background and often their links to various clubs around town.

A visit to the hospital, Harrup Park or even down the main street would usually take longer for Tim than most as he stopped to check in with people along the way.

He was forbearing, magnanimous, merciful and compassionate.

 

State opposition deputy leader Tim Mulherin visiting Gladstone, describing the region as an economic powerhouse not only for Queensland but Australia. Picture: Tom Huntley

But he was no wallflower; he innately knew what needed to be done for his home town and how to achieve it.

Tim understood the machinations of government and how to make politics work for the city he called home.

He had a helping hand in many developments and industries in the Mackay region but on retiring in 2015 he cited Bluewater Quay, the MECC, Showgrounds redevelopment and the courthouse expansion among his biggest legacies as the Mackay MP since 1995.

He also tirelessly lobbied a succession of premiers to improve the hospital and eventually $480 million was committed.

In 2015 at the official opening of the redeveloped hospital, he told media: "I recall when we had the floods at Glenella in 2008 and the then Premier Anna Bligh came to town, I took her to the hospital first because we had water coming into the theatres and she was just astonished. She gave me her personal commitment that day that we would build a new hospital."

 

Mackay Hospital and Health Service board chair Tim Mulherin, outside the Mackay Base Hospital.

Most recently he fought to expand Harrup Park's Great Barrier Reef arena and make the facility a community venue for events and sport.

Tim was Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's right hand man when Labor in Queensland was decimated in 2012 and elected MPs could fit in a Tarago.

Then she was Opposition Leader and he the Deputy Opposition Leader.

I was new to state politics then and new to the press gallery in Brisbane.

I started in that role the week Campbell Newman claimed victory from Labor after the March election.

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A little out of my depth as political reporter for APN's regional newspapers like the Daily Mercury, Tim's guiding hand helped me quickly grasp issues that mattered to the cities and towns outside of SEQ.

He essentially became the Opposition voice for regional Queensland and his passion was clear in every conversation.

Tim seemed to be able to bridge the gap between both sides of politics, now seemingly impossible as we again near a state election.

But beyond the politics, he was a family man and a true gentleman.

His love for his wife Erin and his children Declan, Liam and Rory was always at the forefront of his mind.

 

Tim Mulherin with his wife Erin and three boys Declan, Liam and Rory. Picture: Facebook

From all accounts, he has instilled that passion for family and community in his boys too.

And even when he was given the news no one wants to hear late last year, Tim was a hopeful man who fought until the end, believing he could be the miracle recovery from the disease attacking his body.

He wanted to see his children realise their full potential, succeed in their careers and to be a loving grandfather when that honour arrived.

Like many in this city, it breaks my heart to know we will tomorrow farewell this Mackay stalwart.

But the legacy he leaves behind is evident in not only his bricks-and-mortar achievements, it's in his passion for this city and zest for life.

His spirit will long live on in Mackay and his legacy in the history books.

The world needs more people like Tim Mulherin. Vale Tim.

 

 

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FUNERAL DETAILS

Tim Mulherin's funeral on Tuesday will be invitation-only at St Patricks Church because COVID rules restrict the final farewell to 100 people.

But the funeral also will be livestreamed to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre for those not attending the church.

People will need to register online before the event with all their details to meet COVID requirements.

 

Mackay MP Tim Mulherin played an integral role in upgrading the Mackay Showgrounds. Picture: Lee Constable

 

Tickets will be issued and people will be able to sit in their social groups.

Doors will open at 9am Tuesday so everyone is seated for the beginning of the service at 10am.

Harrup Park Country Club will host a wake from noon but it will be limited in stages over the afternoon to meet COVID regulations.

Immediate family and invited attendees will take precedence, followed by those who registered to attend at the MECC.

A State Funeral is held to honour prominent people, usually high-ranking public officials, who have given long and outstanding service to the state.

Mr Mulherin's family has accepted the State Government's offer to hold a State Funeral.

Originally published as Tim Mulherin funeral: Daily Mercury editor Rae Wilson pays tribute to former Mackay MP