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Opinion: The first time Leon Goldsworthy tried to enlist in the Navy in Perth, he was rejected for being too short.
But like many at the time, he tried again and entered service in March 1941 as a probationary sub-lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy’s volunteer reserve.
By the end of World War II, then Lieutenant Commander Goldsworthy had become Australia’s most decorated naval officer of the war, a winner of the George Cross and a clearance diver of legendary status around the military world.
His was a life of courage, tenacity, ingenuity and genuine care for his colleagues.
A New Chapter in Rockingham
Today, with the opening of the Goldsworthy Veterans’ and Families’ Centre in Rockingham, the extraordinary contribution of this remarkable Western Australian will continue to offer inspiration to ADF veterans and their families.
The attachment of his name to the place where Perth’s veteran community can get support and care close to home is more than symbolism.
As our country confronts the most challenging strategic circumstances since Leon Goldsworthy’s time in service, the values his life embodied are as important today as ever.
The Albanese Government’s record investment into the ADF is reshaping our capabilities to respond to that challenge.
Perth’s Defence community is central to that uplift, with Western Australia at the forefront of AUKUS, continuing its proud tradition as the home of Australia’s submarines in the West.
Meanwhile, we’re establishing a consolidated Commonwealth-owned Defence precinct at Henderson - the critical next step in delivering continuous shipbuilding in Western Australia.
Power of the People
People are our most important capability as we undertake these generational investments into our national security.
It’s therefore vital we support the wellbeing of those who, through their service and sacrifice, protect us - from when they first don the uniform to well beyond the day they hang it up for the last time.
We expect the Goldsworthy Centre, made possible by a grant of more than $5 million from the Albanese Government and operated by RSL WA, to be an important lynchpin in that mission.
The veteran community in Rockingham and surrounds is one of Australia’s biggest.
Some 4,000 men and women serving in the ADF work (and often live) at HMAS Stirling, with another 4,000 former serving veterans and their families calling the Rockingham area their home.
Located near HMAS Stirling, the Goldsworthy Centre will offer our veterans and families a range of services, from mental health and wellbeing support to expert advice on housing and claims for treatment and compensation, and opportunities for social connection.
The Centre will operate hand-in-glove with the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency and our expanding network of Veterans and Family Hubs across the country, linking the individual needs of veterans and their families to the specific services in their local area that can help support them best.
Final Thoughts
Leon Goldsworthy may not be surprised to see that Perth is again central to projecting Australia’s naval power in confronting today’s national security challenges.
We trust he would be pleased to also see that a Centre named in his honour will ensure those in our community who serve our nation, and their families, are well supported as they deserve.
***Matt Keogh is the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel.***
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