AUSTRALIA'S Prime Minister Tony Abbott made a special visit to Bunbury's 2014 Relay for Life event on Sunday, walking a lap with the public to show his support for the city’s biggest community event.
The visit marked the first time a sitting Prime Minister had visited the city since Bob Hawke in 1988.
Mr Abbott arrived at Payne Park just after 10am and was greeted by Member for Forrest Nola Marino.
He joined local Relay team, Todd and Marshy’s Mob, in walking a lap of the oval.
Todd and Marshy’s Mob were named the highest fundraising team in the Super Singles category, collecting $21,170 for the Cancer Council.
Relay teams waved from their tents and shouted their support as the procession moved around the oval.
One woman dressed in a t-shirt which claimed that Mr Abbott had “failed” on climate change, asylum seekers and marriage equality was promptly escorted away from the Prime Minister by a security guard.
Mr Abbott then took the stage with Mrs Marino to be welcomed by event host and Radiowest presenter Cliff Reeve, who apologised for being dressed in a zombie outfit in the spirit of the event.
When asked how his trip was, Mr Abbott got his first laugh from the audience.
“Look the trip was okay, it was a bit of a drive down the highway but the highway’s in not good shape...uh, is in okay shape,” Mr Abbott said.
He then went on to congratulate the city on its Relay for Life effort.
“The thing about Australians is that we have a go, we have a go in good causes, and we don’t forget the people that are important to us,” Mr Abbott said.
“Todd and Marshy were very important to everyone here today, we never forget our friends and we do what we can to help after they are gone so this is a very Australian event.
“We are here to remember good people and we are here to work for good causes and I’m delighted that Nola Marino, your hard-working local member has got me down here and thank you for letting me get away with just one lap of the oval.”
We are here to remember good people and we are here to work for good causes and I’m delighted that Nola Marino, your hard-working local member has got me down here and thank you for letting me get away with just one lap of the oval.
- PM Tony Abbott
Mr Reeve then announced the winners of the Hero Award, presented to the Summit Realty Summit Super Stars.
The team have been supporting Relay For Life for ten years, and in that time have raised more than $500,000, setting a new record for Relay in Australia and making them the highest fundraisers in the country.
Mr Reeve then presented Mr Abbott with his own Relay for Life t-shirt as he became an “honorary” Relayer for the day.
As Mr Abbott slipped off his jacket to don the shirt, someone yelled out “take off your shirt!”
Mr Abbott replied “Don’t tempt me, I don’t need much encouragement!”
Many people asked Mr Abbott if they could have a photo taken with him and he happily obliged, posing for many "selfies" taken on mobile phones.
About 200 people attended a morning tea in the Bunbury Football Club clubrooms, where Mr Abbott was presented with gifts from the City of Bunbury.
He will go on to attend a luncheon at the Lighthouse Beach Resort, where guests have paid $350 a seat.
More to come.
