Bill leaves a lasting legacy

Late Wimmera parliamentarian William ‘Bill’ Mcgrath will be farewelled today.

Mr Mcgrath, 81, originally from Minyip, died at his home at Lower Norton, west of Horsham, on Wednesday night last week after a long battle with illness.

He died peacefully surrounded by members of his family.

Mr Mcgrath was a National Party Member for Lowan between 1979 and 1992 and Member for Wimmera between 1992 and 1999.

In government, he had ministerial responsibilities for agriculture, corrections and police and emergency services.

A dedicated sportsman, he pursued football – playing at VFL level with South Melbourne – tennis and golf.

He was also a farmer and a longterm Wimmera Legacy advocate.

Nationals leader Peter Walsh said Mr Mcgrath had left a lasting legacy.

“My deepest condolences to Bill’s family – the Mcgrath family and western Victoria have lost a true statesman,” he said.

“Bill was an absolute champion for western Victoria, taking his tough and resilient attitude to his involvement in sport, politics and life.

“Bill embodied the true values of the National Party with his unwavering advocacy and commitment to regional Victoria.”

Victorian Nationals state president Neil Pankhurst said Mr Mcgrath advocated for the best interests of regional Victoria, both as a Member of Parliament and minister.

“Bill was a passionate community member and family man,” he said.

“As a Member of Parliament, his first priority was always standing up for the best interests of the people he represented.”

A state funeral service for Mr Mcgrath, recognising his previous position as a government minister, will be at Horsham’s Ss Michael and John’s Catholic Church at 10.30am today, with a community gathering in the church hall after the service.

A family burial service will be at Minyip cemetery at 3.30pm.