It’s not often the Prime Minister of Australia comes to visit!
But the Hon Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia, certainly did so when he dropped into Cleveland on a recent special visit.
And the islands didn’t miss out with our island school children getting to meet the PM, as did our Division 5 councillor Mark Edwards.
The PM was here on a visit to tell us all just how good things are going to be, thanks to the recent budget. We certainly hope so!
He was hosted here by Federal Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming and it was set up in such a way that just about everyone who attended got up close and personal with the Prime Minister.
First cab of the rank were the Redland City Councillors, who were delighted to shake his hand; being introduced by Mayor Karen Williams.
Malcolm Turnbull got to hear about some of the great technology that’s happening in the Redlands, and we wanted to tell him he should come and visit our cluster of islands, but it was difficult to get a word in edge ways!
We did, however, get the PM to pose with our councillors in a special group photo that appears on this page.
The highlight from the islands’ point of view was the Welcome to Country by Brian Coghill from North Stradbroke Island.
It was one of the most thoughtful and best presented Messages to Country we have heard.
It was also very special when two senior students from Macleay Island Public School, Livv Zaster and Thomas Purdy, were introduced to Prime Minister Turnbull in the company of school principal, Glenda Seawright.
The Prime Minister certainly seemed to enjoy his visit, and his address to the public standing above the crowd on a small platform, was reminiscent of political addresses to constituents in days gone by!
It was great to see.
• Prime Minister Turnbull addressing the throng