Birthday celebrations for the ABC took place outside the Armadale office of Government Treasurer, Peter Costello, MP.
On Tuesday, 1 July, local shoppers and residents joined comedian Rod Quantock and Friends of the ABC to draw attention to Government cuts to the ABC.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the 65th birthday of the ABC", Rod Quantock announced. "It's obviously old enough to retire. That's why the Government is taking its money away."

Speakers addressed the crowd of several hundred, while a forlorn B1 wandered around looking for B2 - lost due to cuts. Speeches over, a massive birthday cake was unveiled and the crowd burst into Happy Birthday:

Passing motorists tooted their horns in support. Rod weilded the symbolic axe which Treasurer Costello would no doubt have used, had he been there to cut the cake, and Friends of the ABC handed out crumbs of teacake.

Throughout the day there was a steady flow of people delivering letters to Mr. Costello's office. They opposed the cuts and called on the Government to honour its pre-election promise to maintain the ABC.

Local shoppers and traders wrote letters on the spot. Members of the public who had heard about the activity came from all over metropolitan and regional Victoria to deliver their personal letters. Young, elderly, farmers, business people, a church minister - people from all walks of life. They came from as far away as Tyabb, Portsea and Benalla.

It's not too late to join in this activity. People are continuing to drop notes into Mr. Costello's office (or under the door after office hours).

If you wish to join or obtain further information, Friends of the ABC (Vic) Inc. can be contacted at GPO Box 4065, Melbourne, 3001, Phone (03) 9525 0655.

Mr. Costello's office is located at 1027 High Street (Cnr Baldwin), Armadale, 3143.

(Dr) June Factor
President, Friends of the ABC (Vic) Inc.