Celebrating 80 Hawke Years
by Heather Leggett
It
was a jovial crowd that gathered in early November to attend a
celebration for former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, held in honour of
his upcoming 80th birthday.
Bob Hawke AC was in attendance at the 80 Hawke Years event, hosted by the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre to recognise the man and his legacy, just over a month before his official birthday on December 9.
Guests ranged from those who would have been just infants when Hawke first became Prime Minister in 1983, to distinguished members of his former cabinet. But all gathered with the common goal of celebrating the man remembered for his commitment to peace, reconciliation and economic reform.
More than 150 guests attended, among them former Hawke cabinet members Nick Bolkus, Barry Jones, Neal Blewett, Gordon Bilney, Brian Howe, John Dawkins, Chris Hurford and Hawke Government Senator, Rosemary Crowley.
Others guests included 12th Annual Hawke Lecturer, Professor Ross Garnaut; WWF Chief Executive and former Hawke Lecturer Greg Bourne; Business SA Chief Peter Vaughan; and patrons, Lowitja O'Donoghue, Dr Basil Hetzel and Mrs Imelda Roche.
SA Premier Mike Rann and Minister for Climate Change and Senator for South Australia, Senator Penny Wong delivered warm congratulations to a gratified Hawke. Written birthday messages were received from former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, former Leader of the Opposition Kim Beazley, former politicians Geoff Gallup, Gareth Evans, and Susan Ryan and patrons of the Hawke Centre, Michael Kirby, Sir Ninian Stephen and Sir Zelman Cowen.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recorded a personal video reciting Bob's standout achievements, which delighted the audience.
In the spirit of the occasion, Mr Hawke donned a replica of the famous jacket he wore for the America's Cup in 1983 during a cappella performance by the 'Silver Budgies' of the song Happy Birthday, with a distinctly Australian flavour.
The popular former Prime Minister expressed his delight at being a part of the earlybird celebrations.
"(The event) brought back so many happy memories of my career generally and my association with South Australia," he said.