Bob Hawke was fondly remembered today as a friend to the Hunter.
Whether on official business, or launching a book on the coalfields, the Labor icon frequently showed his affection for the region.
Mr Hawke saw the transformation of old railway shunting yards to what is now Newcastle’s Foreshore Park and as Prime Minister, rushed to the city just hours after the 1989 earthquake.
(AUDIO IN PARTS)
text will be replaced
