BENDIGO has remembered former prime minster Malcolm Fraser as a man of political courage, compassion and a gentleman who oversaw one of the most politically turbulent periods in Bendigo's history.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Fraser died on Friday, aged 84.
Those who reflected on his years as prime minister from 1975 to 1983 recall "two Malcolms" - the prudent economic manager and the man who valued progressive social ideals.
Former Bendigo Advertiser political and industrial affairs reporter Peter Hargreaves first met Mr Fraser at his cattle property near Hamilton in 1977.
He said he was struck by how at ease the Prime Minister was among farmers and how reluctant he was to step back into the role of politician.
"I found him to be a shy person, he was much more comfortable taking about his Simmenthal-Hereford crossbreeds than he was talking to reporters," Mr Hargreaves said.
In the early 1980s, Mr Fraser's "Razor Gang" became a hot topic in Bendigo, as local institutions were placed at threat of closure.
Mr Hargreaves said the protests in Bendigo against federal government cuts were only matched by anti-Vietnam War protests.
"There were a wave of protest movements, the likes of which Bendigo hadn't seen in years," he said.
"Fraser made his last visit to Bendigo as prime minister during the 1983 election campaign.
"I felt he had grown tired of politics."
While people took to the streets in the early 1980s, Mr Fraser's decisions to allow Vietnamese asylum seekers to settle in Australia and his prominent anti-apartheid stance earned him praise years after his defeat in the 1983 election.
Former Member for Bendigo Bruce Reid was a state member during Mr Fraser's time as prime minister.
Mr Reid said he would always remember Mr Fraser's compassion in the aftermath of the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.
"That day we got a call from his office saying he was coming down to Macedon from Canberra," he said.
"Malcolm and I went to every burnt home we could find. People there were very pleased he had arrived.
"He was just marvellous."
The pair spent as much time in the area as possible, providing comfort to those who had lost their homes.
Mr Reid said Bendigo could thank Mr Fraser for his work in bringing a large scale uniform manufacturer to the city.
He said the former prime minister faced a hostile reception during some visits to Bendigo, but his heart was set for supporting regional Australia.
"Sometimes he used to cop flack from workers at the Commonwealth ordinance factory," he said.
"But he did have his mind always set for the betterment of Australia."
