One of the first guests through the door of Marrickville’s Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre last Saturday was none other than Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who spent some of his final weekend in Sydney [prior to moving to The Lodge] honouring his political hero while enjoying a few Hawke’s Lagers at the recently-opened brewery venue alongside locals and some of Bob Hawke’s immediate family.

With The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre located inside Albanese’s electorate of Grayndler, the local MP didn’t have far to travel from home, and he didn’t come empty handed, donating a framed photograph of himself and his political hero to the venue’s pool room. The photograph itself shows the would-be PM meeting then PM, Bob Hawke, in 1986. The piece now hangs alongside other iconic photos and pieces of previously Hawke-owned memorabilia, like the former Prime Minister’s golf clubs and a treasured cigar humidifier.

Welcoming Albanese into the venue, alongside a horde of inner west locals, were Bob Hawke’s wife, Blanche d’Alpuget; daughter, Sue Pieters-Hawke; and granddaughter, Sophie Taylor-Price, who was accompanied by partner Rupert Taylor-Price and newborn son, Hugo.

Says Prime Minister Albanese, “This venue is an incredible tribute to Bob. Having a beer

there with four generations of the Hawke family on the weekend, you couldn’t help but think just how much Bob would have loved the event and the vibe the owners have created. I’m proud to represent the Inner West in our national parliament. The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre is the latest addition to the long list of venues that bring the community together.”

Says Hawke’s Brewing co-founder, Nathan Lennon, “The Hawke’s journey started in 2017, off the back of the question – ‘Who would you most like to have a beer with?’ Never in our wildest dreams did we think that conversation would set us on course to starting a beer company with one of Australia’s greatest Prime Ministers, Bob Hawke, let alone welcoming Prime Minister Albanese into our own brewery venue some five years later. We’re incredibly appreciative that Albo spent some of his weekend in Marrickville to enjoy a few beers at the Beer & Leisure Centre.”

When asked who he’d “most like to have a beer with”, Prime Minister Albanese nominated Jacinda Ardern.

“The best beers are enjoyed with close friends and family. Prime Minister Ardern is a close friend and Kiwis are our family,” said Albanese.