TENTERFIELD can expect an influx of politicians and security personnel later this month as Prime Minister Tony Abbott comes to town.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The PM has committed to be in attendance for this year’s celebration of the 125th anniversary of Sir Henry Parkes famed Federation speech.
Christine Denis from the Friends of the School of Arts said it was a major coup to get Tony Abbott to come to town for the event.
“This year we are celebrating the 125th year of Henry Parkes speech – Tony will be a guest speaker at the dinner.
“It’s been a bit challenging organising – the PM’s office has been really good. They will be up a few days before to check out the site."
- Christine Denis, Friends of the School of Arts committee secretary
The group’s secretary said they had erred on the side of caution when sending out invites for this year’s special commemoration.
“We’ve been pretty mindful about it – the Parkes family were the first to be invited and then Tony. We have a number of other loyal supporters who have come each year and the high school captains were after that,” she said.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce and wife Natalie will also attend the dinner.
“I think the 26th of October, the morning after will be terrific,” Ms Denis joked.
Tenterfield mayor Peter Petty said it would be a welcome site to see the Prime Minister in town.
“It’s absolutely fantastic – the 125 year celebration justifies his attendance,” Cr Petty said.
With the PM in town the mayor said it could provide council with a unique opportunity to discuss localised issues.
“I don’t know if it will be a blow in, blow out visit but we’ll need to be respectful of what he has on his plate,” Cr Petty said.
“I expect town will be very top heavy with politicians.”
The dinner will be held at the School of Arts Banquet Hall on October 25.
