A new chapter of Maitland's political history will be unveiled today when the relocated Maitland Electorate Office is officially opened.
Local MP Jenny Aitchison had to move her Church Street office in May this year when loose fill asbestos was discovered in the building.
The premises had been the office of the members for Maitland for the past four decades.
The late Allan Walsh moved from near Maitland Court House to Church Street in the 1980s after Labor won Maitland back resuming the seat following a break of 51 years.
Church Street housed six members for Maitland including long serving Hunter Labor MP and former Acting Speaker, the Hon. John Price, former Labor Minister Frank Terenzini, former Liberal Minister for Environment and Heritage and first female Member for Maitland the Hon. Robyn Parker and finally Ms Aitchison.
The new Maitland electorate office is now located in Elgin Street just off High Street and a short walk from The Levee which is a vital hub for the community and local businesses.
A significant benefit of the new office is its improved access and inclusion with the premises offering street-level disabled access.
The Maitland electorate office is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm with the exception of public holidays.
Around 120 people are expected to attend the opening including former Members for Maitland, the Hon John Price and Peter Blackmore OAM who also served as Mayor of Maitland. Current Mayor Loretta Baker will also be in attendance.
Quotes attributable to Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison:
"It's great to have a permanent space for my staff and the community after six months of temporary office accommodation."
"I have always been committed to being open, accountable and available to everyone in our community, so the official opening will be a good way to let people know we're open and all is back to normal."
"It's been very difficult for my team as we haven't had space for storing documents and some equipment hasn't been available to us."
"I'm very pleased that local Wonnarua Aboriginal elder Aunty Marg will be doing the Welcome to Country for us, as I sincerely want everyone in our community to feel welcome in our office."
