SATURDAY’S visit from Prime Minister Tony Abbott marked another special moment in Tenterfield’s storied history.
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With the 125th anniversary last Friday of Henry Parkes’s oration calling for the formation of an Australian federation, Mr Abbott’s speech calling for wide reform could become the latest call to arms that Tenterfield is fondly remembered for.
Not since George Reid’s visit in 1905, when he too stood in the halls of the School of Arts, has a Prime Minister converged on Tenterfield.
Despite rumour Mr Abbott would fly in, fly out, it’s understood he spent two nights in town where he took his customary early morning run before greeting the faithful later in the evening.
Descendants of Parkes were welcomed with great-great grandson Ian Thom delivering his own address in the build up to the PM’s.
Mr Thom spoke of Parkes’s coining of the term ‘Commonwealth’ and recanted stories of his time as a radical journalist by night and political luminary by day.
Parkes was often subjected to criticism and “suffered the caustic stroke of the cartoonists’ pen” he said to Mr Abbott.
Tenterfield High School played an integral part in the evening’s proceedings with students preparing a two course meal while next year’s high school captains, Josie McIntyre and Joshua King, delivered heartfelt speeches.
“He was a visionary man ahead of his time who courageously changed the landscape of our country,” Joshua King said of Parkes.
Mr King said it was breathtaking that the Oration and the change that followed “was not brought about in Sydney or the hustle and bustle of Melbourne but on the steps of this building”.
Over 80 people listened in as speakers gave their own versions of Parkes’s legacy.
With the PM at the head of the table, flanked by Barnaby Joyce on his left and chief of staff Peta Credlin to his right, the night proceeded too it’s inevitable climax.
The PM gave a 10 minute address, a speech that has been piled over in the ensuing days.
Standing in the sight that stirred federation into reality, Mr Abbott delivered a plea for new reform.
“Reforming the federation does matter, it is worth trying to achieve and the government is determined to make a case for change,” Mr Abbott said.
Following the address the Prime Minister mingled before retiring to the Commercial Hotel for another drop of red.
Master of Ceremonies Harry Bolton said the time the PM gave to each person at the event made for a relaxed affair.
“His relaxed attitude made for a brilliant night,” Mr Bolton said.
“I’m not sure what we’re going to do next time.
“I really thought he honoured the occasion and acknowledged the importance of Parkes.
“What the Friends of the School of Arts achieved was magnificent – what they wanted to achieve was to create discussion and I think with all the talk in the media over the last few days it has worked,” he said.