The day I taught Bob Hawke how to use the internet
Before journalism, Mumbrella news editor Paul Wallbank worked in IT. Here, he recounts his encounter of two decades ago with former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who passed away yesterday
“Love, can you show Bob how to use the internet?”
In my days of running a computer repair business, I’d had many odd requests but this one was unusually intimidating. While I’d been helping Blanche D’Alpuget with her tech travails for a year or so, I’d only had glimpses of Bob Hawke at their sprawling home overlooking Sydney’s Middle Harbour.
What a great story. Vale Bob
I did not expect that ending quote. Bob was such a legend!
magnificent story, Paul
When I wrote a script for Bob, I wasn’t sure whether to put in the ‘aaaarghs’ or not… but the best bit was after we wrapped and he came back on set with a bare chest and told us a fabulous joke, unfortunately NSFW. Great sense of humour. Great bloke. Glad to have met him.
Top anecdote Paul. You had me at the headline, but the punchline is a cracker.