When the Belgian government was choosing where to host its exhibition, Warrnambool stood out for its “substantial number” of troops who fought on the Western Front in World War I.
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The international exhibition, The Belgians have not forgotten was opened in Warrnambool by Belgian Ambassador Jean-Luc Bodson on Friday.
Mr Bodson said the Anzac story had “an impact here, a special meaning” and bringing the exhibition to the south-west was a way to say thank you 100 years later.
“We have not forgotten, so we have decided in this exhibition to say thank you and express our gratitude,” Mr Bodson said.
The city is one of just four Australian locations to host the travelling exhibition, which is on at the Lighthouse Studio for two weeks.
It tells the story of the many campaigns in Flanders, in which Australian soldiers took part, particularly the 1917 campaign that became known as “Third Ypres” – culminating in the bloody Battle of Passchendaele.
Wannon MP and Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan helped bring the exhibition to the city and encouraged residents to view the display, which honours the sacrifice made by foreign soldiers.
“Six thousand Australians lost their lives in Belgium during the First World War,” Mr Tehan said.
“That service and sacrifice helped make Australia what it is today,” he said. “For the Belgian government to say thanks to the Australian people in this way is terrific.”
