The Prime Minister Visits / September 09

Last Updated on Monday, 12 October 2009 23:30 Written by Andrew Lai Thursday, 24 September 2009 03:49

Kevin Rudd was elected the twenty-sixth Prime Minister of Australia on 4 November 2007 and  a year later on 22 November 2008, Barack Obama was elected the forty-forth President of United States of America.

Both of these elections have signaled changes in their respective countries international and domestic policy agendas. The leaders met at the G20 in September the two great issues confronting the world today climate change and how to assure a sound and sustainable recovery from the global financial crisis. Both Rudd and Obama have a sense of urgency and a commitment to action and as a result their working relationship will grow even stronger. They are the new generation of leaders who understand the importance of uniting the world to face the challenges we confront in the current environmental, economic and political climate. At all levels of interaction between our two countries these relationships must remain strong and our University systems is one of many places where this can occur.

Chelsey Muroda and Sarah Wigman elected to study at Australian National University and stayed at Burgmann College. To celebrate their Alumni Burgman College organized a formal dinner the guest speaker was the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. This is their story.

The night

The residents of Burgmann College gathered in the courtyard dressed in their evening casual attire. As everyone ate traditional Australian pies for dinner, the students eagerly awaiting the chance to listen to the lecture by the Honorable Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The dining hall was filled to capacity by 7 o’clock with students, college staff and board members.

As soon as the Prime Minister finished his dinner with a few select Burgmann residents, another resident, who had the honor of being Master of Ceremonies, welcomes the guests and had the honor of emceeing the night. Before the PM’s address, another Burgmann resident entertained the audience by naming all of the former Prime Ministers.

The Master of Ceremonies introduced the Prime Minister in fluent Mandarin the PM promptly responded in Mandarin and the audience laughed with amusement. Then the PM stepped up to the microphone and addressed a hushed audience. The PM reminisced on his time spent in the college.  He told us about his room on the third floor of the Barassi wing of the college and about his experiences.  Being from Queensland he was in the minority. He also told the story of how he met his wife in the dining hall of Burgmann. After these lighthearted anecdotes the PM continued on a more serious note speaking of his future plans and current policies on education.

Following his speech the PM accepted gifts from the Burgmann Residents’ Association. As well as the Honorary Fellowship and medal from the college, he was presented with a Burgmann sports jersey and two goblets. The PM wished the boys’ soccer team luck for their upcoming match against sports rival John XXIII College.  This must have been the luck that the team needed as they defeated their rival the following day.

After the lecture the crowd and the PM moved freely into Burgmann’s common room for tea and biscuits and he socialized with a wide group of people who asked for his photo. The sense of excitement was in the air and the PM was relaxed and amenable. He was happy to pose for a photo with Chelsey and Sarah.  Most students would not expect an opportunity to hear the Prime Minister speak live let alone meet him personally.

IFSA-Butler would like to thank Dr Philip Dutton the Principle of Burgmann College for making this opportunity possible.

By Chelsey Muroda and Sarah Wigman