Governor General David Hurley to present Goulburn veterans with medallions

His Excellency David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and wife, Linda, have become good friends of the city. Both visited several times when Mr Hurley was NSW Governor.

They will present the Department of Veterans' Affairs medallions and commemoration certificates to seven World War Two veterans at a special ceremony on Thursday. Mayor Bob Kirk, Hume MP Angus Taylor and Goulburn RSL Sub Branch president, Gordon Wade and National Servicemen's Association president, John Bill, will attend.

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Later, they will attend a wreath laying ceremony to mark the 75^th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

The veterans are: Roger Penman, Albert Privett, Peter Allen, Lance Cooke, Ron Butterworth, Vincent McMahon and Marshall Piggott.

Kathleen Mace, who served in the Australian Air Force, was a Goulburn RSL Sub Branch member for a time, though she hailed from Seaforth. Now living in Dubbo, she would be unable to attend the event to receive her medallion and certificate, Mr Wade said. Her daughter, Linda Mace, will accept them on her behalf.

Similarly, another well-known Goulburn Air Force veteran, 99-year-old Peter Lloyd AO OBE, now lives at Basin View. He will also receive his medal and certificate in the mail.

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Mr Wade said these were the veterans whom the Sub Branch was aware of but the Department would contact any others.

"It's outstanding to think that the Governor General can make time in his busy schedule to come to Goulburn and honour these veterans," he said.

"They will be delighted to have their service recognised by him."

Gunning man, Lance Cooke, who served in the Australian Air Force, has also been invited to commemorate the 75^th anniversary in Canberra.

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Mr Wade said he was one of just four WWII veterans representing the services at the Australian War Memorial event on August 15.

It will remember the 39,000 servicemen and women who lost their lives, the approximate 30,000 taken as prisoners of war and those who made their contribution on the home front.

The commemoration will be televised nationwide. Mr Cooke will also attend a lunch afterward at Parliament House.

"I'm looking forward to it," he told The Post last month.

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Mr Hurley and his wife have visited Goulburn several times over the years, including in 2015 for the Kangaroo March re-enactment.

Mayor Bob Kirk will also host them on a tour of the city on Thursday.

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