THIS year's Light on the Hill dinner will celebrate a significant milestone in the life of former prime minister Ben Chifley.
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The annual dinner got its start on the centenary of Chifley’s birth, named after the well-known phrase he used to outline his vision for the future.
Now in its 33rd year, the event continues to celebrate his birthday, the legacy that he left behind and the Labor Party in general.
Bathurst Labor Branch senior vice president Sue West said the event will differ slightly this time around.
“This year, to commemorate the centenary of the Great Strike that saw Ben become actively involved in the union movement and politics, there will be a heritage train bringing many people from Sydney and the Mountains,” she said.
“The train is scheduled to arrive about 3pm and will leave Bathurst at 10am on the Sunday.”
The organisers of the dinner always invite a guest speaker, usually a senior member of the Labor Party, to attend the event and give the formal address.
The likes of Gough Whitlam, Bill Shorten, Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong have previously spoken at the dinner.
This year, deputy opposition leader and shadow minister for Education and Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, will be the guest of honour.
She has been asked to outline her own ‘light on the hill’, or vision for the future, during her address.
Ms West said people will likely find her address “interesting, insightful and thought-provoking”.
The dinner will be held on Saturday, September 23 at Bathurst Panthers Club.
Anyone who would like to attend needs to purchase their ticket before September 15.
Tickets are available from Books Plus via www.countrylabor.com.au/loth_17.
