On behalf of the Victorian Government, I am saddened to learn of the death of former Governor of Victoria, Sir James Gobbo and offer my condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Sir James Gobbo led a life of service – as Governor of Victoria, Lieutenant Governor of Victoria and a Victorian Supreme Court Judge.
Born in Melbourne to Italian parents, he was the first person from a non-English speaking background to ever be appointed a state governorship.
After graduating from the University of Melbourne, he received a Rhodes scholarship and left Oxford with a BA, and MA.
He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1978 and was knighted in 1982 for his services to the community.
His continued contribution to the law, multicultural affairs and hospitals was recognised in 1993 when he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia.
After retiring from the bench, he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Victoria, and Governor of Victoria in 1997.
Sir James Gobbo served as the Chairman of the Council of the National Library of Australia, the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the National Advisory Commission on Ageing and served on the Council for the Order of Australia.
His family have accepted a state funeral where we can pay tribute to his legacy and contribution to the Victorian community. The funeral will be held on the afternoon of Tuesday 16 November at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Further details will be available shortly.
