THE memory and life of Bathurst’s most famous son, Ben Chifley, was honoured during a special ceremony held at the former prime minister’s Busby Street home.
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On Saturday, Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard joined a host of special guests to officially open the new Ben Chifley Education Centre.
Ms Gillard arrived at 12.25pm and was quickly taken in through the back door of the Chifley Home, where she was given a private tour by Mayor Paul Toole and Chifley Home coordinator Sam Malloy.
Australia’s 27th Prime Minister then emerged from the front door of the home which belonged to the country’s 16th prime minster – and received a rock star round of applause from the 300 strong crowd waiting below.
The audience stood unmoved as the guest of honour outlined why Chifley Home and the education centre needed to be visited by all Australians.
“This house is a window to another time, a simpler Australia of modest comfort and sturdy frugal living,” she said.
“The house is a window into the life of it’s owner Ben Chifley, here we can see Chifley’s humility represented in physical form, there is no excess no extravagance.
“His outlet to the wider world was a wireless set [radio] and bakerlite phone, his biggest self indulgence was perhaps a meal of his favourite dish, corned beef and potatoes in jackets.
“It is a place every Australian should visit to learn something about the things that make us truly great.”
Ms Gillard admitted while the job of prime minister may have changed over the years, the goal of building a nation that is decent and fair, in a less partisan and more productive way, remained the same.
“If anyone needs to rediscover the purpose and dignity of politics, as our new parliamentary landscape unfolds, then they need to come here to this house and reflect,” she said.
“One thing that almost oozes from the walls is Chifley’s simply grandeur and unwavering belief in our nation, it’s people and it’s potential.
“For Chifley those possibilities were endless and that same faith inspires me as I begin on my own prime ministerial journey.”
Chifley Home at 10 Busby Street, was the only marital home of Ben and his wife Elizabeth, and to this day still contains the original collection of household furnishings and personal belongings.
The new education centre has been developed to enhance the learning experience of visitors with a particular focus on Chifley’s lifelong passion for education.
And according to Ms Gillard both buildings are in the best possible hands.
“I know that absolutely everything to do with the Chifley Home is a labour of love for the council and it’s staff and the nation is proud that the property has such careful custodians,” she said.
“I’ve certainly seen, as I’ve toured the house, the enthusiasm and care and concern that everyone takes with this property, it is just lovely to see.”
