Look who’s in Sydney for the fireworks: [1 All-round Country Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 31 Dec 2007: 5.
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Abstract
“Hey, Ruddy” and “Good on ya, [KEVIN Rudd]”, locals shouted when they realised they had unexpectedly come face-to-face with their newest neighbours.
While much of the rest of the country has adopted a “wait and see” approach to Mr Rudd’s prime ministership, he and his wife easily won over the staff at Garfish. “They were really good, just normal people,” one waitress said. Another described Mr Rudd as “nice and polite, just a very lovely guy”.
Now ensconced beside the harbour, the Rudds may have finally discovered the ultimate truth of Sydney life, as so aptly described by David Williamson in his play Emerald City: “No-one in Sydney ever wastes time debating the meaning of life — it’s getting yourself a water frontage. People devote a lifetime to the quest.”
Full Text
KEVIN Rudd has made much in recent weeks of eschewing the trappings of power, choosing for his new family home the stodge of The Lodge rather than theglitz of Kirribilli.
Still, if being Prime Minister gives you access to the best seat in the house for the best show in the country, why not use it?
Just days after moving into The Lodge in Canberra, the Rudd-Rein clan yesterday descended on John Howard’s preferred residence, Kirribilli House in Sydney, to take advantage of its million-dollar views of the harbour and bridge, to be lit up with fireworks tonight.
The family spent the weekend settling into Kirribilli House, the heritage-listed harbourside mansion that, for the Labor faithful, came to symbolise Mr Howard’s Sydney-centric view of Australia during his 11-year reign.
The Rudds are expected to stay for at least a fortnight. And while refusing to reveal exactly who is invited for tonight’s celebrations, trays of food being unloaded from catering vans at Kirribilli yesterday suggest a fine time will be had by all.
The Prime Minister began exploring his new home away from home, attending a local church yesterday before breakfasting with his wife, Therese Rein, at one of the area’s most popular upmarket eateries, the award-winning Garfish.
Acting for all the world like any normal couple, Mr Rudd waited patiently while his wife pulled out the plastic to pay for breakfast. The pair then emerged on to the street looking happy and relaxed, holding hands and cuddling like a young couple inlove.
“Hey, Ruddy” and “Good on ya, Kevin”, locals shouted when they realised they had unexpectedly come face-to-face with their newest neighbours.
Mr Rudd beamed at well-wishers before heading for his government limousine to be whisked back to Kirribilli House.
While much of the rest of the country has adopted a “wait and see” approach to Mr Rudd’s prime ministership, he and his wife easily won over the staff at Garfish. “They were really good, just normal people,” one waitress said. Another described Mr Rudd as “nice and polite, just a very lovely guy”.
The Rudds have found Kirribilli House looking its best. Purple, mauve and white petunias in full bloom line the drive to the front door of the 1855 twin-gabled Gothic-style home.
How John and Janette Howard must miss it all. Particularly tonight.
Now ensconced beside the harbour, the Rudds may have finally discovered the ultimate truth of Sydney life, as so aptly described by David Williamson in his play Emerald City: “No-one in Sydney ever wastes time debating the meaning of life — it’s getting yourself a water frontage. People devote a lifetime to the quest.”