But the visit developed into something substantially more than a simple unveiling ceremony. Mr Whitlam wanted to meet the people of Lithgow. And the crowd loved it.

People of all ages and backgrounds followed the distinguished guest every step of the way, despite the sleet, strong winds and freezing temperatures. Mr Whitlam made quite an impact that day and spoke on topics such as the future viability of the Small Arms Factory.

He paid tribute to local member Tony Luchetti and spoke of a report about to be released from the Grants Commission. This report was about grant applications by local government authorities for financial assistance from the Australian government.

This was not Mr Whitlams only visit to the area.

He took trips to Rydal quite often with his wife Margaret, who was involved with adult education and spent time with the Wellings family at Rydal Mount.

Lithgow ALP president Neville Castle paid tribute to the life and achievements of former prime minister on behalf of the members of the Lithgow branch of the ALP.

He extended their most sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Gough Whitlam, the 21st prime minister of Australia.

“This is not just a loss for the Labor party and the wider labor movement; it is a loss for the nation,” Mr Castle said.

“Gough was a leader and visionary of almost singular stature and he rightly stands along side such Labor giants as Curtin and Chifley.

“It was the Whitlam government that largely laid the foundations of the social democracy Australians enjoy today.”

Mr Castle noted that universal health care, Aboriginal land rights, gender equity, free and accessible tertiary education were but a few of the considerable achievements of the Whitlam administration.

“It is in communities such as Lithgow that the work of Gough Whitlam and his government can be felt most keenly,” Mr Castle said.

“His commitment to equity, fairness and equality of opportunity gave working class people the chance to participate in Australian society in a way they had never known before.

“As a working class kid myself, I know I would not have had the opportunity to go to university and become a school teacher if it was not for the reforms of the Whitlam Labor government.

“I, like countless other Australians, can never thank Gough enough for that.

“That said, the community must not let sadness overshadow a day like today.

“Rather they must honour Gough's memory with a celebration of his achievements and the achievements of his government.”

Member for Calare, John Cobb has the utmost respect for the former Prime Minister.

“Today Australia remembers and respects the memory of a pillar of Australian politics,” Mr Cobb said

“For the three years Mr Whitlam was Prime Minister he ended 23 years of conservative government. “He was an inspiration for generations of Labor aspirants and was a man of huge intellect, presence and articulation.

“I have met Mr Whitlam in my time in public life and always found him intelligent, genuine and determined.

“As a leader he stood out – he was courageous, confident and when he spoke he knew how to command a room and he always knew what he was fighting for.

“I’ve always felt his place in history was probably determined when he went to China while still opposition leader.

“In a sense he opened relations with China, and I respect that because it took a lot of courage and foresight.

“Gough and Margaret Whitlam will be remembered as two people who gave their all to public life and I pass on my commiserations to their family and friends.”