His Excellency Michel Goffin, Ambassador of Belgium to Australia, visited Goulburn on Tuesday, May 7, to engage in a tour of Rocky Hill and explore the current exhibition, “Goulburn 1939 – 1945: A Memoir of Military Service and Home Front Experiences,” alongside Mayor Peter Walker, Councillors Bob Kirk and Carol James, as well as representatives of Goulburn RSL Sub Branch – Gordon Wade and his wife Linda Wade, Richard Woods and Rod McLean.
Mayor Peter Walker expressed his gratitude for the Ambassador’s visit, stating, “It was an honor to welcome His Excellency Michel Goffin to Goulburn and showcase the rich history of our region during World War II.”
The exhibition highlighted a diverse collection of artifacts, stories, and memories from the era, underscoring Goulburn’s significant involvement in the conflict. Notably, the Ambassador and Mayor Walker paid tribute to William Thomas Leggett, believed to be Australia’s first casualty in the defence of Ypres during World War I. Leggett, a native of Lithgow, NSW, who later resided in Goulburn, tragically lost his life on October 14, 1914, while serving with the British in the 1st Life Guards (7th British Cavalry Brigade).
