FORMER FRENCH MAYOR DR PATRICK SIMON HONOURED

As a lasting legacy to a man who has done so much to preserve the memory of Australian First World War veterans and for Franco-Australian relations, former Mayor of Villers-Bretonneux, Dr Patrick Simon AO, has had a room dedicated in his name at the Sir John Monash Centre (SJMC).

Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Liz Cosson AM CSC, said this is a fitting tribute at the centre of Australia’s Anzac Centenary legacy on the Western Front, the SJMC. 

“Former Mayor Simon was known fondly as a friend to Australia, going above and beyond to strengthen relations between our two countries, with much of his efforts focussing on ensuring Australian service on the Western Front is never forgotten,” Ms Cosson said.

“He led and participated in numerous activities including the renovations of the Franco-Australian Museum in Villers-Bretonneux which holds a significant collection of Australian artefacts; signing of the twinning charter between Villers-Bretonneux and the Australian town of Robinvale; and most recently before his passing, fundraising for the victims of the Australian bushfires.” 

At an official ceremony, the Australian Ambassador to France, H.E. Gillian Bird, unveiled the ‘Patrick Simon AO Room’ in the presence of his widow, family members and local French dignitaries.  

Ambassador Bird, in paying tribute to Patrick Simon, acknowledged “his commitment to the Franco-Australian friendship and to the memory of the Anzacs in France.”

“The Patrick Simon AO Room will be the location of hands-on and engaging activities for visiting school children, as they come to the SJMC to learn of Australia’s involvement in the First World War, and how the nearby town of Villers-Bretonneux was saved,” Ambassador Bird said. 

“The name of Patrick Simon will oversee the continuing education of younger generations and ensure the historical links of this region of France, one he proudly called home, and of the Australian soldiers who fought there, live on.”

Learn more about the SJMC at Home I Sir John Monash Centre I Sometimes harrowing, often moving (sjmc.gov.au)