Sydney Symphony & Sydney Children's Choir to Honor Hazel Hawke with Musical Celebration, 6/25

The family and friends of Hazel Hawke AO invite Australians to join them in a celebration of Hazel's life. This State Memorial Service will be a musical celebration with some of Australia's finest artists, including performances by the Sydney Symphony and the Sydney Children's Choir.

Hazel, born in Perth in 1929, is the former wife of Bob Hawke, Prime Minister of Australia 1983-91.

After raising three children in Melbourne, influenced by the rise of feminism she returned to work and studied social welfare. She became well known and loved during her years in the Lodge as a hard worker committed to progressive social policy, to improving life for the disadvantaged, supporting the arts community, and advocating for equality of opportunity and social inclusion.

After leaving the Lodge, and the end of her marriage, Hazel continued to build her role as an advocate for tolerance and fairness in the broader community and as a mother and a grandmother within her own family. Hazel was an excellent pianist and an enthusiastic patron of the arts.

Public love and support for Hazel reached a peak when, in 2003, she publicly announced she'd been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She continued working with the aim to raise awareness of the disease and surrounding issues.

Hazel Hawke died on 23 May 2013. The Service will celebrate Hazel's tireless work as a campaigner in social policy areas, her love and patronage of the arts, and her bravery as a dementia advocate.

Hazel's family are extremely grateful to all the people and organisations who are collaborating to make this Service possible.

The Service will be broadcast live on television on both ABC News 24 and SKY News.

Further information concerning artists performing at the Service will be announced in the near future.

Hazel was a Council Member of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Founder of the Hazel Hawke Alzheimer's Research and Care Fund 2003, Patron Kendall National Violin Competition, Chair of the NSW Heritage Council 1996, President of the Australian Fund 1984-1982, Member of Australian Children's TV Foundation Board 1984, Secretary and Personal Assistant to the Associate Director Social Issues Department at Brotherhood of St Laurence (Melbourne) 1978-1980, Volunteer Support Worker Brotherhood of St Laurence 1976-1977.

Ongoing updates and FAQs available at www.celebratinghazel.com

Date Tuesday 25 June

Time 1.30 pm (90 minute duration no interval)

Venue Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Tickets A limited number of free tickets are available for the general public

at (02) 9250 7777 or sydneyoperahouse.com

Available from 12 noon on Wednesday 12 June

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