Committed to the Cause

Community aligned, intrinsically driven and quick witted, longest-serving Independent Northern Territory Parliamentarian and Class of 1967 past student Gerry Wood enters retirement after his 19 years serving the people of Nelson. “To listen and to lead” has been at the core of Gerry’s direct approach to life, authentically connecting to often challenging community topics. Holding space for an opposing opinion and standing up against a popularist view when needed is at the core of his belief system.

For fifty years Gerry has been at one with the land. His connection to the people and community of the Territory is authentic and tangible. Involved in some of the NT’s biggest political moments, he at times was seen as the Parliament’s ‘kingmaker’. When the Paul Henderson Labor Government became the minority after the resignation of MLA Alison Anderson in 2009, Gerry’s vote meant that the government could remain in power. But it’s never been about status or power for Gerry, but rather, good governance. “What is the most responsible thing I can do in this legislative assembly?” has been the objective of his honourable, unwavering commitment, a life lesson that he references learning 55 years ago in Form Four.

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