Hazel Hawke donated a first consignment of her papers to the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library in 1999. Identifying herself as a West Australian, Mrs Hawke wanted her papers to come to a university in her home state. These records document her time at the Prime Minister's Lodge (1983-1991) and include a comprehensive set of speeches that she delivered in her role as the wife of Prime Minister Bob Hawke. In 1999 and 2000, the JCPML undertook a series of interviews with Mrs Hawke and some of her family and close associates.
In 2009, a further consignment of papers which Mrs Hawke had previously identified for donation was received from her family. These records cover Mrs Hawke's life before and after her period in The Lodge and provide insights into both her public work in the community and some of her personal interests. Included in this second donation were books from the Hawke family library, many of which contain inscriptions.
The Collection also includes correspondence, personal and official photographs, diaries, scrapbooks, memorabilia, newspaper cuttings and files maintained by Mrs Hawke on a range of subjects.
Accessing the Collection
The Hazel Hawke Collection is housed in the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library on Curtin University's Bentley campus.Selected items, including many of the speeches, photographs, book inscriptions and memorabilia are available for viewing online.
Items in the digital archive are presented as: images (photographs, documents, objects); full text (contents of documents); audio and video (speeches); and finding aids (text containing information about the titles and descriptions of material which has not been digitised).
Researchers are also welcome to access the collection by visiting the JCPML.
Copyright, reproduction and citation information
How is the collection arranged?
The collection is arranged into the following Creators and Series. Clicking on the title of each series will take you into the record in the digital archive where you can look at the files and items in each series.
Creator: Hazel Hawke
Address books and telephone indexes compiled by Hazel Hawke.
The series comprises address books and telephone indexes compiled by Hazel Hawke and includes an address book from her childhood and a telephone directory from her time in The Lodge.
Autograph books kept by Hazel Masterson
The series consists of an autograph book signed mainly by friends and teachers from Perth Central Girls School but also including an entry by Bob Hawke.
John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library. Records of Hazel Hawke. Hazel Masterson's autograph book, 1939-1946. JCPML01269/1.
Awards, gifts and souvenirs presented to Hazel Hawke
The series consists of awards, gifts and souvenirs presented to Hazel Hawke. Included are certificates relating to pianoforte examination results, gifts received as First Lady, and the framed certificate recognising Hazel Hawke as a Living National Treasure.
Diaries, organisers and appointment books kept by Hazel Hawke
The series consists of diaries, organisers and appointment books kept by Hazel Hawke, covering the years 1945-48, and (incompletely) the years between 1973 and 2004
Files re Patronages and Expatronages of Mrs Hazel Hawke
This series comprises an incomplete set of circulars, sometimes accompanied by attachments, sent from the Office of the Premier to ministers of the Lawrence Government between September 1990 and January 1993 (Circular No 68/90 to No 1/93 incomplete). Also included are Circulars to Staff from this period, also incomplete.
General correspondence files maintained by Mrs Hazel Hawke
Originally held by National Archives of Australia at CP586, M3376. The correspondence covers a variety of subjects, including: enquiries and communications from members of the public and different organisations on general subjects; media and information releases from special interest groups and commercial organisations; and copies of personal correspondence.
Hawke family library
The series consists of books kept by the Hawke family, including many presentation volumes that were signed by authors such as Ita Buttrose and Elizabeth Jolley. The 832 books contained in this library reflect Mrs Hawke’s varied interests in areas such as art, music, heritage, welfare, education and the rights of women, children and Indigenous Australians. The library also includes books which belonged to other members of the Hawke family.
Hazel Hawke's wedding photographs
This series contains 34 photographs from Hazel and Bob Hawke's wedding on 3 March, 1956. Photos include shots from the ceremony at Trinity Church, Perth; with best man Alan Barblett, bridesmaid Edith, and various family members. Also included are photos from the reception.
Invitations accepted and declined by Mrs Hazel Hawke
Originally held by National Archives of Australia as CP586, M3370. Correspondence relating to invitations received by Mrs Hawke to attend various functions, ceremonies, exhibitions; to visit institutions; and to make media appearances. The correspondence consists of invitations and associated papers, promotional and explanatory literature, guest lists, itineraries and Mrs Hawke's replies.
Inward correspondence of Clem & Ellie Hawke
This series contains personal letters from Bob Hawke to his parents during the years of 1952-1956. Early letters describe Bob's undergraduate years at Oxford University. Later letters mention Bob's involvement with the A.C.T.U and other general comments on Australian politics. Includes two letters written by Hazel Masterson during her sea voyage to join Bob in England.
Memorabilia collected by Hazel Hawke
This series comprises of memorabilia collected by Hazel Hawke. Included is a certificate of appreciation from the Empowerment of Women Fund launch, a Citizens' Service of Thanksgiving for Victory hymn sheet from 1945 and an itinerary and program for visit by Mrs Hazel Hawke to New York.
Newspaper cuttings collected by Hazel Hawke Family
This series consists of a scrapbook of newspaper articles relating to Hazel Hawke and her family, 1960's - 1990's.
Official photographs maintained by Mrs Hazel Hawke
Transferred in 1999 from the National Archives of Australia: M3375, 1.2-9. Official photographs of Mr & Mrs R J L Hawke at the Lodge, and the Lodge and grounds.
Outward correspondence maintained by Mrs Hazel Hawke
Originally held by National Archives of Australia as CP586, M3367. Copies of Mrs Hawke's replies to personal correspondence and personal representations.
John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library. Records of Hazel Hawke. Pianoforte preparatory grade attainment certificate awarded to Helen Masterson by the Australian Music Examinations Board, 1938. JCPML01273/1.
Passports issued to Hazel Hawke
The series consists of private and diplomatic passports issued to Mrs Hawke.
Personal papers of Hazel Hawke
The series consists of birth certificates, school reports, employment references, etc.
Photographs collected by Hazel Hawke Family
The series comprises of personal family and holiday photos of the Hawkes and Mastersons, as well as Prime Ministerial events such as Bob Hawke with Ronald Regan at the White House, 1985.
Photographs collected by Hazel Masterson Family
This series comprises of photographs of the Masterson family and friends. Included are early photographs of Bob Hawke and Hazel before they were married.
Recordings of interviews, etc of Hazel Hawke & family
This series comprises interviews of Hazel Hawke and members of her family. Included is the National Press Club interview of Hazel Hawke, 1984.
Scrapbooks compiled by Hazel Hawke & family
This series comprises of various scrapbooks created by members of the Hawke family.
Speeches delivered by Mrs Hazel Hawke
Notes and transcripts of speeches delivered by Mrs Hawke at various functions throughout Australia.
Subject files compiled by Hazel Hawke
Files of cuttings, brochures etc., concerning areas of interest to Mrs Hawke.
Subject files maintained by Mrs Hazel Hawke
Correspondence on a large variety of subjects of interest to Mrs Hawke, including: trees and the environment, drugs, AIDS, youth, health education and women's issues. Also included are letters and cards of good wishes to Mrs Hawke following her hospitalisation in 1991. Originally held by National Archives of Australia: CP586, M3387.
Travel notes by Hazel Masterson
This series consists of an account of a trip to Europe undertaken by Bob Hawke & Hazel Masterson, 15 August 1954 - 18 September 1954.
Video recordings produced for the Hawke family
This series consists of a video produced by Network 10 and played for guests at a special Tribute to Hazel Hawke ALP fundraising dinner at Parliament House, Sydney, on 19 August 1999.
Videos collected by Hazel Hawke
This series consists of a video recording of a program from the ABC Television production Australian Story. In this program Hazel Hawke reveals she has Alzheimer's disease.
John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library. Records of Hazel Hawke. Framed certificate conferring life membership of the Australian Republican Movement to Hazel Hawke, n.d. JCPML01273/5.
Other Collections Relating to Hazel Hawke
National Archives of Australia
The National Archives holds material relating to Hazel Hawke in her role as spouse of Prime Minister Bob Hawke. The National Archives holds over 20 photographs of Hazel Hawke.
Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, University of South Australia
The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Library archival collection also contains material on Hazel Hawke during her time as wife of Bob Hawke.
The National Library of Australia
The National Library of Australia holds images of Hazel Hawke throughout multiple collections.
