Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Dinner suits were dusted off and martinis well shaken, but not stirred. Goulburn hosted the inaugural SPYfest festival a couple of weeks ago, and it was a big kick to be there to welcome back former James Bond, George Lazenby. Many of us had forgotten that George was a Goulburn boy. At 76, I can assure you that he is in great form. He did not drop down in a parachute, but he came in style, in an open-top Aston Martin, for the festival parade. Thousands lined Auburn Street to cheer him on. The Aston Martin actually driven by George in 1969 in the movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service was also in the parade. There was a Moneypenny, lots of spy kids, Austin Power look-alikes and some glittering Bond girls.

Many Goulburnites have remembered going to school with George. Others recalled the Lazenbys living in Faithfull Street. Goulburn's mayor presented George with the keys to the city, and a gala ball was held in his honour. Council events manager, Sarah Ruberto, deserves a special mention, as does local identity Chris Gordon, whose idea it was to have a festival in honour of George.

Congratulations especially to the SPYfest committee of volunteers—Mark Simon, Wendy Antony and Julie Judd—who are already planning a sequel. We will be sure to let everyone know when Sean Connery is in the bag.