Gooch grave

In 1877 Walter Gooch moved to Belair, in the Adelaide hills eight miles from Adelaide. He decided that the 'setting apart of the property then known as Government Farm at Belair as a recreation ground for the people of Adelaide would be a great benefit'.

Thus was founded the Belair National Park, after a long and protracted battle.  As a consequence, an Act was passed in 1883 which prevented the government from selling the farm without parliament's sanction.

Finally a new Act was passed in 1891. Gooch was a foundation commissioner of the National Park and actively fostered its good management and development. This area at Belair was the second national park established in Australia.

Walter Gooch was a modest man who was admired for his integrity and straightforward dealing as a businessman and never retired. He died at Belair, on 10 October 1918 and was buried in the Anglican cemetery at Mitcham. My photo shows the general area of his refurbished grave, with the Gooch headstone in the background.

In October this year our Friends of the Belair Park group will be celebrating his wonderful life on the 100th anniversary of his passing.