Labor legend and former prime minister Bob Hawke joined the Illawarra's party faithful over the weekend as the Thirroul ALP branch celebrated its centenary.
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The 83-year-old Labor stalwart joined about 175 people for dinner at the Bulli Workers Club on Saturday night, speaking at length about his support for the current government and Illawarra MPs Stephen Jones and Sharon Bird.
Thirroul branch president Chris Lacey said the highlight of the evening was when Mr Hawke led a rousing rendition of union anthem Solidarity Forever.
"In magnificent voice Bob belted out the song and had the whole room singing the chorus," Mr Lacey said.
"The rest of the room was in raptures."
Mr Lacey said it was a privilege to have such a high profile guest at his branch's centenary dinner.
"There was a standing ovation when Bob arrived and he gave very generously of his time.
"To have a national figure like Bob come and spend some time with loyal rank and file members is just a fantastic thing.
"It inspires us to get out there and really talk to the community about Labor's vision for the next election - whenever that may be."
Joining Mr Hawke at the function was Whitlam government minister and former Illawarra MP Les Johnson, whose electorate of Hughes once covered the northern suburbs, including Thirroul.
Mr Johnson helped to compile a 100th anniversary book, Illawarra Agitators - A Centenary History of Thirroul Labor, to be launched shortly.
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