The cameras clicked fast from those gathered outside The Scots' Church on Russell Street as Julia Gillard stepped out – she was a popular figure at the funeral of former prime minister Malcolm Fraser.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So too was another former Labor prime minister, Paul Keating, who even paused to sign autographs as he strolled down Collins Street for those holding pictures of their favourite political heroes.
Do we appreciate our political leaders more in hindsight? Or is it how they act once they are out of retail politics?
There can be little doubt the warmth towards Malcolm Fraser has only strengthened in the 30 years since he was prime minister.
Those who turned up to pay their respects came from all political, economic and ethnic backgrounds – he had spoken to all corners of society in some way.
The state funeral featured politicians spanning five decades, several former governors-general, foreign dignitaries, family, friends and those who had no hope without the leadership of Malcolm Fraser.
Outside on Collins Street, among all the flags on cars, the heavy security and pin stripe suits, it was the warm and heartfelt dedication from Australia's Vietnamese community that rose above all else.
"You are forever in our hearts, one large yellow sign from the community said.
Phong Nguyen, from the Vietnamese community of Australia, simply held a portrait of Fraser, like he was a family member.
He said Mr Fraser, who was prime minister when large numbers of Vietnamese refugees arrived in Australia, meant "so much to our community".
"We are here today because of Malcolm Fraser," he said.
"Rest in peace our father and saviour Mr. Fraser," another sign from the Vietnamese community said.
Those members of the public waiting outside the chapel only had praise for the former prime minister who grew up in the western district before retiring to the Mornington Peninsula.
One patient onlooker described him as a "true liberal".
From Prime Minister Tony Abbott to former PMs John Howard, Ms Gillard and Mr Keating, from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to former premiers Denis Napthine, Ted Baillieu, John Brumby, Steve Bracks and John Cain – respect for Mr Fraser crossed all divides.
Adam Bandt was among several Greens MPs who attended the funeral.
"Malcolm Fraser proved there is a different and better way of thinking about refugees," Mr Bandt said.
"Multicultural Melbourne and Richmond owe a debt to him and he helped make race a no-go zone for political debate in Victoria and for that everyone can be thankful," he said.
