Peter Knox, vice president of the local branch, said he was inspired to join the Labor Party followed an impassioned speech by Whitlam at the Yoogali Club in 1972.

“Gough Whitlam was the reason I joined the Labor Party in 1972,” Mr Knox said.

“I think he’s the best leader we’ve ever had.”

Mr Knox said he met Whitlam on several occasions and was “in awe” of him.

He said Whitlam achieved great things in his political career.

Mr Knox heard the news early yesterday morning.

“It was a very big shock, even at his age,” he said.

The former prime minister died at the age of 89 yesterday.

Whitlam joined the Labor Party in 1945, completed legal studies, joined the bar in 1947 and used a war service loan to build a house at Cronulla.

He saw government as an instrument to improve life for all Australians.

Whitlam was the 21st prime minister of Australia from 1972 to 1975.

He was leader of the Labor Party from 1967 to 1977.