Republished with permission. Chapter 33 of the book: A Touch of Dutch. For the full pdf of the book click here.
Henk Thijssens (1937–2020) was a cornerstone of the football community in Canberra — a respected referee, coach, and club volunteer whose Dutch-Australian journey reflected a life shaped by resilience, service, and love for the game. Read more…
John Vlietstra is one of the most respected figures in the Dutch-Australian community of the Illawarra region, NSW. A tireless football administrator, community leader, and cultural advocate, his life story reflects the resilience of postwar Read more…
Tony Witschge (1956–2020) was one of Western Australia’s most respected goalkeepers, known for his agility, tenacity, and leadership between the posts. Born in Perth to Dutch migrant parents, Witschge’s life and career embodied the values Read more…