Service beyond the parliament: former MP Max Turner remembered as a champion of community

MAX Turner’s passion, strength and drive for the Bendigo region extended beyond his one term as the Liberal MP for Bendigo West in State Parliament.

Turner, who died aged 79 last week after a long battle with cancer, has been remembered for his strong advocacy as a community leader of more than 40 years.

The former carpenter and police detective went into parliament at the historic 1992 election that saw Jeff Kennett become premier. The only Liberal to ever hold Bendigo West since it was created in 1985, Turner was instrumental in transforming the former Bendigo railway yards for the Marketplace and Bendigo Discovery Science and Technology Centre.

Turner also played a key role in transferring the Bendigo livestock saleyards after more than 130 years in Charleston Road to new facilities at Huntly.

Following his defeat at the 1996 election, Turner became an adviser to regional development minister Tom Reynolds and assisted in the development of many country infrastructure projects.

Former premier Denis Napthine served in the parliament with Turner.

“Max was always strong and genuine. He knew his community, he listened to his community, he strongly represented his community and he delivered for his community,” Napthine said.

“In all aspects of his life, Max worked hard and effectively to make his community and our state safer, stronger and better.”

A strident opponent of the City of Greater Bendigo’s decision to sell its municipal offices to the state government for demolition and rent space in the new GovHub, Turner led a community campaign critical of the city losing an asset and saddling future generations with debt.

He was also part of community advocacy over the past decade for better flood mitigation strategies along the Bendigo Creek flowing through Epsom and Huntly.

Turner had told parliament in his maiden speech, using the words of James Freeman Clarke: “A politician thinks of the next election and a statesman thinks of the next generation.”

Turner grew up on the family’s dairy farm at Huntly, was a champion footballer and tennis player, and married his wife Shirley in 1966.

One of his wishes was to reach their 60th wedding anniversary, which they did in May.

First posted to suburban stations after graduating from the police academy in 1965, Turner returned to Bendigo in 1974.

The Bendigo Advertiser article from April of 1982 was titled A Top Crime Fighter Leaves the Police Force.

Det Chief Inspector John Barrow was quoted as saying Turner was a “fantastic policeman” and “I rated him number one” and observed “he has been a great force in fighting crime in this area.”

Turner said the Bendigo team of detectives was one of the best he had worked with.

The Turners bought the Golden Square Newsagency in 1982 and Turner would become secretary of the Golden Square Retail Traders Association (1983–90), president of the Kangaroo Flat Rotary Club (1991–92) and president of the Victorian Authorised Newsagents Bendigo Region.

In later years, Turned continued to farm in the Huntly district.

Former colleagues joined family to farewell Turner on Thursday, praising his life of ethical service and support to family, community and city as a leader, police officer and member of local organisations.

Turner is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Sharon and family.

Funeral arrangements were by William Farmer.

CHRIS EARL