It is 6pm and the polling booths for the 2007 federal election have closed.
The public line to the National Tally Room winds for several hundred metres, out the gates of Exhibition Park and around the corner. It is one in, one out - and no one seems to mind.
They have come to take part in a piece of Australian history.
Inside, the tally room is buzzing, an expectant atmosphere that intensifies with every minute.
About 650amps of electrical load, enough to power a small town, supplies 84 computer terminals, four major and two minor purpose-built television studios. About 700 members of the media and more than 2400 members of the public mill about.
Seats are falling to Labor as quickly as commentators can call them. The swing is on, and John Howard is fighting to hold Bennelong, let alone government.
John Howard facing a mighty challenge for Bennelong from former journalist Maxine McKew.
The continued almost mythical status of Eden Monaro as a bellwether seat.
Sunrisehosts Mel and Kochie chat with Coalition Minister Joe Hockey, who looks uncomfortable under the hot lights in the Seven Network's makeshift studios. Next door Julia Gillard, set to become our first female deputy prime minister, sits down at the ABC set with hundreds of onlookers standing directly behind.
Ray Martin and Laurie Oakes discuss percentages on the Nine Network.
A cranky Antony Green, the election analyst, suggests the uncontrolled crowd will finally kill-off the tally room, already threatened with closure by the electoral commission. At one point, distracted by the revelry, Kerry O'Brien talks of a big swing "to the ABC".
Finance Minister Nick Minchin, appearing on the national broadcaster, labels the gathering "a Labor rent-a-crowd". George Sanderson, of Melbourne, loves the buzz even if TV presenters find the conditions testing. "This is the people's room, a real chance to get in and be part of the electoral process. It is part of our heritage and culture and it should never be closed, for any reason," he said.
It is 8.10pm and the tally room erupts. A Kevin Rudd-led Labor is set to form government.
As images flash up around the room, the crowd goes up in chants. Maxine McKew is the hero of one: "Maxine, Maxine, Maxine".
Supporters of the Coalition are few and far between.
Sam McGinty, 15, from Sydney, will have to wait until the next election to cast his first vote, but he is content having helped fill out his mother's ballot, a vote for Labor.
"I'm pretty politically conscious, and my whole family votes Labor. For me, though, Kevin Rudd's policies appeal the most to me. There's going to be a new prime minister tonight," he said.
Back outside, the line to enter the tally room has grown longer, and more jubilant.
Small children kick around the legs of their parents, who are engaged in lively conversations. Results are shouted down the line to those who can't see the screens.
Dressed in sartorial style The Chaser's Craig Reucassel strides the room. Asked his prediction for prime minister, Reucassel ponders the question, a smirk playing aroundjl his lips. "Lyn Ellison is in with a strong chance. Tony Abbott perhaps?"
After it is clear Labor will claim victory, Senator Stephen Conroy ambles by the media tables, hoarse, tired, but beaming.
Back by the TVs, in the crush of the crowd, Sam McGinty stands with hands thrust in the air, head thrown back.
"It's a Ruddslide!"
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