The Bordertown community in South Australia has come together to mourn the passing of its most high profile son.
Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke died peacefully at home on May 16, at the age of 89.
Born in Bordertown, Mr Hawke was known as one of Australia's best and most eccentric leaders, something that the town is proud of to this day.
Speaking on behalf of Tatiara District Council Mayor Graham Excell, Cr Liz Goossens expressed how "special" it was for Bordertown to be the birthplace of a former prime minister.
"He was extremely special to us here in Bordertown and every time he has come back here he has managed to charm all the residents," Ms Goossens said.
"He was an amazing prime minister and the fact that he was born here in Bordertown is something that we should be really proud of.
Cr Goossens added that even though Mr Hawke was a Labor leader, he still managed to win the hearts of a historically strong Liberal electorate.
"Barker is one of the strongest Liberal seats in Australia and because of his charisma people are still happy to call him one of our own," Ms Goossens said.
Mr Hawke only lived in Bordertown for the early stages of his childhood, however some of the older residents recalled that he would constantly get into trouble and cause mischief.
Bordertown local Nancy Mattinson described her connection with the Hawke family, along with countless stories about the former prime minister.
"I had a grandmother and aunt who lived close to the Hawkes and we were very close to the family," Ms Mattinson said.
"Bob as a toddler used to come around to the house on Sunday afternoons to entertain my aunt, which they all loved.
"Bob was a precocious and adorable toddler, but he definitely had a streak of mischief in him."
When asked what impact Mr Hawke's legacy has had on Bordertown, Ms Mattinson said his whole family had left their mark.
"I reckon there is a greater legacy for Bob's parents, because they did some fantastic things for the people who were struggling during the Great Depression," Ms Mattinson said.
"I knew girls who said that they wouldn't have had a trousseau when they were married if it wasn't for Mrs Hawke teaching them how to sew."
In the wake of Mr Hawke's passing, Ms Mattinson described him as a "statesman" and a good prime minister, regardless of a voter's political persuasion.
Australia has lost one of its greatest and most entertaining political figures, and his home town of Bordertown is proud to call him one of its own.
