From the festive atmosphere, one couldn’t tell Labor had recently lost a federal election.
Last week, former prime minister Julia Gillard was farewelled at a civic reception in Altona hosted by Hobsons Bay council.
Among guests at the invitation-only, non-media event was Victoria’s first and only woman premier, Joan Kirner, who had people queuing to wish her well in her battle with cancer.
Ms Gillard, Altona’s most famous resident, spoke warmly of her home of the past 15 years. She said her partner, Tim Mathieson, had taken some convincing to move to Adelaide.
“I am only going to Adelaide; it’s not the end of the world,” Ms Gillard said. “I am referring to it as just a little bit further west.
“When Tim first started travelling with me to Adelaide … you know, he’s a hairdresser, so you would go and do all of your things together and then you’d go and do some things separately. Well, I did family things.
“And whenever I would get him on the phone when we were in Adelaide, I’d ring up, [and ask] where are you, what are you doing now? He would always say, ‘I’m in Rundle Mall counting mullets’.”
Ms Gillard said she had been surprised to discover the Medford Street house in Altona, which she bought for $140,000, had become a destination on tourist walking tours.
“I did come home the other day to find about 20 people outside taking photos of our weed-infested front yard so I’m not exactly sure what mementoes they’re making.”
She vowed to return frequently to Hobsons Bay. “Certainly as prime minister, I did feel a strong continuing sense of connection here but also glad that I brought that sense of excitement to the local community,” Ms Gillard said.
“And then, of course, I have experienced Hobsons Bay, as I have constantly reminded [Hobsons Bay mayor] Angela [Altair], as a ratepayer.
“And I continue to be a ratepayer and what that means is that this has been somewhere that I’ve lived my life and somewhere where I have seen so much change over 15 years.’’
Event organisers requested no questions from the Weekly.
