Source: National Archives of Australia
Gerard van Wezel migrated to Australia from the Netherlands in 1952 under an ex-serviceman assisted passage scheme. In January 1958, he began working as a technical officer with the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority.
During this time, he met fellow Dutch migrant Marretje Ida Sonnenberg, who had also arrived in Australia in 1952. The couple married in 1959 and settled in Cooma, where they raised three children and became active members of the community.
After 14 years with the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority, Gerard transitioned to the Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation, contributing an additional 12 years before retiring.
Marretje, a dedicated pianist and educator, taught piano for decades at the Australian National University, significantly influencing Canberra’s musical landscape. She was a proponent of the “sound before symbol” pedagogy, emphasizing auditory learning before introducing musical notation. Her teaching methods and mentorship left a lasting impact on her students and the broader music community.
The couple’s life and contributions are highlighted in a video portrait by the National Archives of Australia, showcasing their journey from the Netherlands to Australia and their integration into Australian society.
Marretje Ida Sonnenberg-van Wezel passed away in 2019. Her legacy as a music educator continues to resonate within the Canberra community.
