billrider2013

On  Sunday night I had dinner with an old mate, his wife, son number two and his delightful wife.

My mate has been mentioned in other posts and has been a friend since pre-school.  He is now the media adviser to a senior federal politician.  On Sunday afternoon, he had travelled from his home to to nearby suburb of Northbridge.  There were celebrations for some anniversary- 100 years since something (I can’t find any reference of it on the internet).

Anyway, there were a number of sporting events on the on the oval adjacent to the golf course.  I lived in Northbridge for a year nearly twenty years ago and remember the golf course and the oval well.

My mates’ boss, the senior Federal politician was invited to give out prizes to the winners of the sporting events that were staged as part of the celebrations.  Others at the proceedings included prominent residents of the suburb.  These included Laurie Daley (former Canberra Raiders, NSW and Australian Kangaroos, Rugby League legend) and Bob Hawke the former Labor Australian Prime Minister.

My mate reported that his boss engaged in long conversations with the above mentioned residents.  It was clearly apparent that my mate’s boss has  a great deal of respect for Mr Hawke.

In the context of the event of last week in Canberra and the apparent poisonous nature of politics generally, it gratifying that sort of incident occurs.

Of course everyone likes and respects Daley ,even dyed in the wool Queenslanders.  I think we all should give the same respect to great politicians irrespective of their parties.

After dinner we watched the final 20 minutes of the Raiders beating the St George Dragons.

Great meal, great company and conversation.