26 March 1999
Following Shane Stone’s retirement as Chief Minister members of the community organised a Testimonial Dinner to acknowledge service. The organising committee was chaired by businessman and CLP Financial Life Member Dick Griffiths assisted by his family. The CLP leadership and hierarchy actively agitated against the function that attracted over 450 paying participants at the Kalymnian Hall. Supported by Prime Minister Howard (see Archives Documents PM Message Stone Testimonial), leading national and Territory business identities and with recorded messages from Premiers across the political divide. The NT News ‘Stand Off on Stone’ (31 March 99) editorialised Chief Minister Burke’s boycott as a missed opportunity. MC Andy Bruyn opened proceedings "this is not a CLP function’’ - not lost on the crowd. Shane Stone thanked the CLP for the opportunity to lead, there was never any sniping, leaking or destabilisation. On vacating his seat the timing guaranteed Port Darwin held for the CLP. All was reconciled Annual Conference 2017 when the CLP unanimously conferred on Shane and Josephine Stone on the motion of Suzanne Cavanagh and Barry Coulter Honorary Life Membership, the CLP’s ultimate honour and acknowledgement. Josephine Stoenreceiving bouquete of flowers in appreciation of her contribution.