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Gordon Moyes
Member of the
Legislative Council of New South Wales
In office
3 September 2002 – 4 March 2011
Personal details
Born
Gordon Keith Mackenzie Moyes

(1938-11-17)17 November 1938
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Died 5 April 2015(2015-04-05) (aged 76)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Political party Christian Democratic Party (2002 – 2009);
Family First Party (2009 – 2011)
Spouse Beverley Moyes
Children 3 (m); 1 (f)
Residences Tumbi Umbi, New South Wales
Alma mater University of Melbourne
Occupation Christian minister, politician

Gordon Keith Mackenzie Moyes (1938 – 2015) was an important Australian figure. He was a Christian leader, a well-known broadcaster, and a politician. From 2002 to 2011, he served in the New South Wales Legislative Council. This is like a part of the state parliament in New South Wales, Australia. He first represented the Christian Democratic Party. Later, he joined the Family First Party.

Early Life and Career

Gordon Moyes was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This happened on November 17, 1938. He wrote a book about his early life called When Box Hill was a Village.

He became famous in Australia through his TV and radio shows. His weekly TV program was called Turn 'Round Australia. He also hosted a radio show named Sunday Night Live with Gordon Moyes.

Before 1979, he was a minister in the Churches of Christ in Australia. He worked in churches in Victoria. He also studied at the University of Melbourne. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961. In 1979, he became the leader of the Sydney Wesley Mission. This is a large Christian organization that helps people. He later became a minister in the Uniting Church in Australia. He left the Wesley Mission in December 2005 after 27 years.

Time in Politics

Gordon Moyes joined the New South Wales Legislative Council in 2002. He took the place of Elaine Nile for the Christian Democratic Party (CDP). In the 2003 state election, he was elected to the council himself.

After 2004, Gordon Moyes started to disagree with the CDP leader, Fred Nile. Their disagreements grew after the 2007 election. Both Moyes and Nile wanted to become the president of the Legislative Council. Nile eventually stepped back and supported Moyes. However, Moyes only received two votes.

In December 2007, Moyes openly criticized Nile. He said Nile was making decisions against the party's wishes. Moyes believed Nile's actions were not democratic or Christian. He even called for Nile to be replaced as leader. In September 2008, Moyes said Nile was too old to lead. He also asked for his office to be moved. He claimed his staff were being treated badly.

In February 2009, Fred Nile wrote that he regretted letting Moyes join the council. He said Moyes was disloyal and caused problems. Moyes responded by saying the CDP was "hypocritical" and "anti-democratic". In March 2009, the Christian Democratic Party voted to remove Moyes from the party.

After leaving the CDP, Moyes continued in parliament as an independent member. In November 2009, he joined the Family First Party. He tried to be re-elected in 2011 but was not successful.

Awards and Recognition

Gordon Moyes received several special university degrees. These were honorary degrees, meaning they were given to him to honor his achievements. He received a Doctor of Divinity and a Doctor of Laws from the California Graduate School of Theology. He also received a Doctor of Letters from Milligan College.

He was recognized for his great service to the community. On January 26, 2002, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia. This is a very high honor in Australia. It was for his work in expanding social welfare services through the Wesley Mission. He also received the Member of the Order of Australia in 1986. In 1986, he was named the Australian Father of the Year.

Gordon Moyes lived in Tumbi Umbi, on the New South Wales Central Coast. He passed away in Sydney on April 5, 2015.

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