Hawke's Brewing's Labor of love

One of the first guests through the door of Marrickville’s Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre last Saturday was Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

While the Prime Minister has shifted residences from Marrickville to The Lodge, he did take a moment to honour his political hero at The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre, sharing a few Hawke’s Lagers with locals and some of Bob Hawke’s immediate family, including Blanche d’Alpuget, his daughter, Sue Pieters-Hawke, granddaughter, Sophie Taylor-Price with her partner, Rupert Taylor-Price and their newborn son, Hugo.

Prime Minister Albanese said, “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 and Leisure Centre is the latest addition to the long list of venues that bring the community together.”

Mr Albanese also donated a framed photograph of himself with Mr Hawke capturing the moment he first the two met in 1986. It's gone straight to the venue’s pool room which also houses the former Prime Minister’s golf clubs and a treasured cigar humidifier.

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 and 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 Mr Albanese.