Biography

Mark Coulton MP 

Mark was born in Sydney on 3rd February, 1958, the son of Jack and Nancy Coulton of “Avondale” Gravesend.

Mark went to Warialda Public School then Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School as a boarding student. He participated in a range of activities, and his favourite sport was rugby league. Riding and working with horses has always been a big part of his life.

After completing the HSC, Mark returned to the family farm. In 1981, he married Robyn, who had arrived from Sydney to teach at the small primary school at Gravesend.

Their first child, Claire, was born at Warialda Hospital in 1983 and is now a teacher working in London. Sally, born in 1985 is a Doctor at Tamworth Base Hospital, and Matthew, born in 1989, is currently studying at ANU in Canberra.

Mark was the Mayor of the new and progressive Gwydir Shire Council from 2004 until 2007, and has also been a member of a wide variety of community organisations, including Warialda Pony Club, the local Bush Fire Brigade and the Warialda Rotary Club. He is a life member of Warialda Apex.

In 1996 Mark and Robyn started farming on their own. In 2006 they sold their properties to give a 100% commitment towards representing the new electorate of Parkes, and in 2007 Mark was elected as the Federal Member for Parkes. Since his election Mark has also served as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Aging & Volunteers, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Water Resources and Conservation and is currently Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Emerging Trade Markets.

He has also served on the Joint Standing Committee for Health and Aging and is currently a member of the Joint Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade.

Family and community are two things Mark values above all else. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends

Delivering services and good economic management requires experience, care and commitment. Mark’s strong track record of community service shows he has those qualities.

As a Federal Member Mark continues to work hard to improve local roads and infrastructure. He is passionate about providing opportunities for people of all ages to further their education and to develop practical skills. Mark has helped deliver positive results, including the Gwydir Learning Region, a successful partnership between Gwydir Shire Council, local schools, TAFE, universities and businesses.

You expect a lot from your politicians - and you should. The Nationals have a proud tradition of representing the interests of country. Mark’s skills, experience and his love of our region will continue that tradition and see him give the people of the Electorate of Parkes a real voice in Canberra.

Mark Coulton and the Nationals are committed to putting the families, small business operators and workers of the Parkes Electorate first.