Welcomed by Museum of Geraldton staff last weekend the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands spent several hours at the Museum exploring the galleries and displays. 

H.E. Ambassador Marion Derckx, her husband Mr Sjef Ijzermans and Ms Annemieke van Soelen, Deputy Head of Mission, enjoyed a tour of the Shipwrecks Gallery, discussing the shared cultural heritage of the Netherlands and Australia, marvelling at the archaeological material from the four Dutch shipwrecks off the Mid West coast, including the infamous Batavia, 1629.

The group also viewed the Museum's 3D film ‘From Great Depths’ featuring the World War Two wrecks of the Australian Navy ship HMAS Sydney (II) and the German raider HSK Kormoran, which had been disguised as a Dutch merchant ship before revealing itself to the unsuspecting Sydney and the deadly battle that ensued. This ended with the loss of both ships, including all the men on Sydney and over 80 men from Kormoran.

Museum of Geraldton Regional Manager Leigh O'Brien said they were delighted to host the honoured guests at the Museum. 

"It was a pleasure to host the two hour Museum visit from the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the Museum being one of their first stops upon arrival in Geraldton," she said. 

"We discussed the shared cultural heritage of the Netherlands and Australia, as well as the 2029 Batavia 400-year anniversary and 2027 Zeewijk 300-year anniversary, whilst touring each of the Museum's galleries," she said. 

Keen to learn more about Geraldton and the Mid West region, the group explored Dutch connections to the area.

Set for a flight over the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and a trip to Kalbarri over the following days Museum staff provided some sound local travel advice.