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Honorable Philip Ruddock

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Honorable Philip Ruddock

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IntervieweeHonorable Philip RuddockInterviewerKaren RichardsonRecorderMary RyderDescriptionSummary of the Honorable Philip Ruddock interviews

Karen Richardson interviewing the Honorable Philip Ruddock in his Mayoral office in Hornsby Shire Council on 20 June 2018 and 11 July 2018 for Hornsby Shire Library.

Philip Maxwell Ruddock was born in 1943 in Canberra, ACT. He is the son of the late Maxwell Stanley Ruddock and Emmie Eileen Chappell. He lived in the ACT town of Turner until the family moved to Pennant Hills in 1949. The family home was situated at 26 Bellamy Street Pennant Hills and it was in this home, growing up with his two sisters, where Mr. Ruddock began his strong connection with the Pennant Hills area.

Philip Ruddock was educated at Pennant Hills Primary School and Barker College, Hornsby before studying Arts Law at the University of Sydney. After finishing his arts degree in 1963 he then attended Sydney University Law School. He finished his law studies in 1967 and went on to become a successful solicitor and politician. He married his wife Heather in 1970. They became the proud parents of two daughters and today Heather and Philip Ruddock are very delighted to be the grandparents of four grandchildren. After spending a few years living in other areas such as Neutral Bay and Dundas, the Ruddock’s returned to live in Pennant Hills and renewed their connection with the Hornsby Shire.

During the first 49 minute interview it became very clear how much of an influence and inspiration his father, Max Ruddock, has been throughout his life. He begins the interview explaining the significant impact a genetic muscular condition has had on his maternal grandfather, father and now his sister’s lives. Philip Ruddock’s memories of growing up in Pennant Hills, the people he knew and the places he fondly remembers all seem to have some association with his father. In the interview, Philip Ruddock describes his Bellamy Street house and neighbourhood, and reminiscences about his school years. He shares memories of many local families who have been involved with the Ruddock family over time.

The quality of the first recording is good, although at times the sound of passing traffic and a helicopter flying overhead can be heard in the background.

During the 53 minute second interview, Philip Ruddock reminisced about his 43 years as a Federal politician and his current position of the mayor of Hornsby Shire. He recalled his time with the Young Liberals during his university years and being elected to the House of Representatives in 1973. He spoke about his first years in politics during the Whitlam government and explained how Whitlam was involved in trying to establish Sydney’s second airport at Galston. Mr. Ruddock conveyed many stories about his long political career, the people he worked with along the way and the many causes close to his heart. He then went on to explain why he became the mayor of Hornsby Shire and what he hopes to achieve for the people of the shire.

The quality of the second recording is good, although at times the sound of passing traffic and people talking outside his office can be heard. Sometimes during the second interview, the Mayor became very animated while describing certain stories and can be heard banging the desk with his hand as he enthusiastically expressed the accounts.

Philip Ruddock was 75 years of age at the time of the interviews. He spoke clearly, considered and confidently during the interviews, as you would expect from a man who has been in the public eye for nearly 50 years, and he shared an amazing wealth of local knowledge. Throughout the first interview memories kept flooding back and, as he mentions in the interview, he could have gone on and on. No doubt an oral history interview conducted on any other day with Mr. Ruddock would have produced yet many other recollections from a man with such an interesting life and long connection to the Hornsby Shire. However, the recollections which were recorded in the first interview give a wonderful insight into the man, his father and their history with the area.

It was not the intention to document the entire 43 years of a political career in the second interview, rather it was an opportunity to record various periods and situations which Philip Ruddock remembered fondly, with passion or amusement, about his career in politics. The second interview delivers an explanation and understanding of what motivates the Honorable Philip Ruddock to dedicate his life to public service.
DateBetween 20th June 2018 and 11th July 2018LocationHornsbySubjectHonorable Philip RuddockKeywordsPhilip RuddockHornsby Shire CouncilPennant Hills

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The Honorable Philip Ruddock standing next to the photograph of his father, Max Ruddock, which is displayed in the Hornsby Shire Council building.

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