Governor-General of Australia | Government official
Governor-General of Australia
Phone: +61 2 6283 3533
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24.01.2022 For services to veterans (Mr Robert Auston OAM) to local communities (Mr Bradley Rossiter OAM) as a teacher, researcher and author (Professor Raelene Frances AM) to public history (Dr Adele Chynoweth OAM) and many other examples . as reflected in today’s investiture ceremonies, the Order of Australia recognises the achievement and service of outstanding Australians in almost every field of endeavour. As the Governor-General has said: Their contributions are diverse yet there is a unifying theme: they have dedicated themselves to service. They have worked tirelessly for others, to improve local communities and to make Australia a better place. PO Jake Badior and Sgt Jake Sims
24.01.2022 The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley are delighted to become Patrons of Bus Stop Films. The work of Bus Stop Films, teaching film studies to adults with intellectual disabilities and others from marginalised communities’, is a powerful example of the way creativity and the arts connect people, break down barriers and open up new opportunities, the Governor-General said. In Australia, embracing our diversity is one of our great strengths and I commend all involved in Bus Sto...p Films for their innovative approach to encouraging greater inclusivity in our community. I am delighted to become Patron and look forward to supporting the team, students and partners over the coming years.
22.01.2022 Ahead of a historic investiture ceremony on 1 December, where the Governor-General will present the insignia of the Victoria Cross to Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean’s family, he and Mrs Hurley spent time in Teddy’s hometown - Latrobe, Tasmania. The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley met with Teddy’s descendants and members of the community, hearing about their recollections of Teddy and what the Victoria Cross means to them. Next week’s ceremony will be a celebration of Teddy, his... gallantry and the significance of his legacy to modern Australia. Royal Australian Navy Defence Australia
22.01.2022 "This year, as emergency services personnel and political leaders have had to make so many critical announcements, Auslan interpreters have become a common sight on our national TV screens. They are providing a vital service relaying emergency information. Their presence should also be a reminder to all of us to be aware of those around us for whom Auslan is their primary language. Like other languages it has the power to bring people together, break down barriers and enrich ...communities. We encourage all of you to try and learn some of the basics. This International Day of Sign Languages, lets all embrace Auslan and celebrate the contribution of deaf or hard of hearing Australians." Thanks to The Deaf Society for the Auslan Community Leaders Challenge 2020! A wonderful initiative to raise awareness.
21.01.2022 It is National Stroke Week - an opportunity to raise awareness and for all of us to become F.A.S.T heroes. A F.A.S.T hero is anyone who can help save a life simply by knowing how to recognise the F.A.S.T (Face. Arms. Speech and Time) signs of stroke. Stroke Foundation
21.01.2022 This week has been an opportunity to recognise outstanding members of the community. Their stories, achievements and contribution are diverse. Each deserves to be recognised for what they do for the community and for Australia. As the Governor-General said to recipients and the families:... (At these ceremonies) We see a microcosm of the great endeavour by Australians. It makes me very proud to be the Governor-General and, more than that, very confident in the future of this country. Leading Seaman Kieren Whitely, Petty Officer Jake Badior, Sergeant Jake Sims
20.01.2022 He was a very, very brave man who gave his life, in the long run, for others who will come after him and hopefully pattern some part of their lives on him. We’ve got everything to gain by perpetuating his memory. Dr Ray Leonard, shipmate of Teddy Sheean, talks about why it is important that we remember Teddy, honour his memory and reflect on his sacrifice.... Royal Australian Navy Defence Australia Australian War Memorial Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs
20.01.2022 Always Was, Always Will Be. NAIDOC Week is a time for all of us to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme speaks to the vast and rich history of the oldest continuing living culture on the planet, the contributions and courage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders of generations past and the boundless opportunities for the future that current generations are working towards.... The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley encourage all Australians to get involved in NAIDOC Week. Later this week, they will be welcoming a group of emerging Indigenous leaders to Government House to talk about their connection to country, leadership and reconciliation. There are some fantastic events and resources available go to www.naidoc.org.au to find out more. #NAIDOC2020
19.01.2022 Over the next two weeks the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley will welcome outstanding Australians to Government House for Australian Honours and Awards investiture ceremonies. These ceremonies are an important opportunity to recognise, thank and celebrate people who have made significant contributions to the community. As the Governor-General said when announcing the Queen’s Birthday Honours List:... We see all the positives that are in our community we see the great ideas, we see the hard-work, we see the love and compassion for fellow human beings it’s a microcosm of Australia.
19.01.2022 He went back to his gun Dr Ray Leonard served on HMAS Armidale with Teddy Sheean. He was there on the 1st of December 1942, when Armidale was sunk and Teddy turned his back on the opportunity to survive, returned to his gun and fired on the enemy to try to save his mates. In the lead up to the Investiture Ceremony on 1 December, in which the Governor-General will present the Sheaan family with Teddy Sheean's Victoria Cross, Dr Leonard remembers that fateful day, the exper...ience and what Teddy did. Royal Australian Navy Defence Australia Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs Australian War Memorial Australian Army Royal Australian Air Force
19.01.2022 From measures to make sure events are COVID safe, preparing delicious food, to welcoming recipients and their guests warmly, every step possible is taken to make sure that investiture ceremonies are a memorable experience. The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley and their team strive to ensure that the day is celebration of the outstanding members of the community being recognised.
18.01.2022 On 1 December, the Governor-General will present the insignia of the Victoria Cross for Australia to the family of Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean. Ahead of the historic investiture ceremony, the Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan AO RAN, reflects on Teddy Sheean, his legacy and what it means for today’s sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen. Teddy did not choose sacrifice in an attempt to win a war. He did it to save his friends, his ship...mates, his Navy family. Chief of Navy Australia Royal Australian Navy Royal Australian Air Force Australian Army Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs Australian War Memorial
17.01.2022 The Canberra Hospital Foundation supports patients at any age, for any illness. They bring hope, comfort and understanding to patients and their families in their time of need. Mrs Hurley serves as their Patron. Today she and the Governor-General supported ‘Cangiveday’, visiting Canberra Hospital and meeting volunteers, supporters and staff. A huge amount of fun was had in support of a terrific cause. To find out more about the foundation, go to www.canberrahospitalfoundation....org.au/ Canberra Hospital Foundation
17.01.2022 The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley attended the National Remembrance Day Service at the Australian War Memorial before visiting Campbell Primary School to meet with students, talk about the service of previous generations, what that service means today and salute the school’s ‘Their Service Commemorative Mural’. On Remembrance Day we honour the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation. We also recognise the support and sacrifice of their families and loved o...nes. We think of their individual stories who they were and the impact of their service, or their loss, on loved ones and what their service has contributed to who are as a nation today. We remember, we give thanks and we reflect. Lest we forget.
16.01.2022 This morning the Governor-General will launch the Anzac Memorial’s new book 'In That Rich Earth'. 'In That Rich Earth' written by the Memorial’s Senior Historian and Curator, Brad Manera, with contributions by Craig Wilcox and Chris Clark, tells the story of the 100 sites of NSW military significance chosen to commemorate and honour Australian service and sacrifice in the Anzac Memorial's Hall of Service. The 100 sites are represented by samples of soil set into plaques in t...he floor of the Hall. 26 September marks the anniversary of the Great War Battle of Polygon Wood, one of the 100 commemorated sites. The Governor-General collected the Polygon Wood soil with a group of Premier's Anzac Memorial Scholars in 2017.
14.01.2022 In the last installment of this series, Dr Leonard, Teddy Sheean's shipmate on HMAS Armidale, remembers the days following the sinking as survivors pondered what Teddy had done. "(we asked) What was going on his mind as he made up his way up that sloping, slanty ship to his Oerlikon ... in which he must have known he was about to die. "We thought and thought about that. It really didn't make sense. ... "It was so unbelievable that anyone could do it, but we knew he did do it." You can watch the Investiture Ceremony for Ordinary Seaman Edward 'Teddy' Sheean live on this page. Royal Australian Navy Defence Australia Australian War Memorial
14.01.2022 Over the next two weeks the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley will host 22 investiture ceremonies at Government House. Extensive measures are in place to ensure the events are COVID safe, including: temperature checks on arrival, strict physical distancing (there will be less than 40 people in attendance at each session compared to ‘normal’ where there would be 200), thorough cleaning between sessions and changes to the format of the ceremony and informal parts of the event. Th...e Governor-General and Mrs Hurley have also extended invitations to anyone who would have otherwise travelled to Canberra to be invested to attend an alternate ceremony when conditions allow. The investiture ceremonies will be live streamed on the Governor-General’s YouTube page www.youtube.com/governorgeneralofaustralia
12.01.2022 Recipients in the Order of Australia are representative of and nominated by the community. Their stories are inspiring and their humility striking. They are outstanding but they are not alone - all of us know people who give and serve tirelessly and make remarkable contributions in ways big and small. You can nominate them at any time. The process is simple but the impact is profound.... Go to www.gg.gov.au to find out more
12.01.2022 Every day of the year I see Australians doing great things for each other and today is a bit of a microcosm of that the tip of the ice berg as we recognise recipients. I am an optimist about Australia and the character, the strength and the goodness of Australian people on display today will see us through a very difficult time. The Australian Honours and Awards system gives us all a chance to recognise and celebrate the selfless service, contributions and achievements... of people from our community. To find out how you can nominate someone in the Order of Australia, go to www.gg.gov.au
12.01.2022 The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, and their team at Government House, are delighted to support Lifeline Canberra who supports people in crisis and works to save the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide. Today they handed over boxes of books, collected and donated by staff at Government House, to support Lifeline's Book Lovers Lane. Lifeline's services are critical to the community and the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley thanked the Lifeline staff for their comm...itment, compassion and hard work. Lifeline Australia
11.01.2022 The investiture ceremonies being held this week (and next) at Government House include recipients of awards including meritorious service awards, distinguished and conspicuous service decorations. Collectively, these awards (and others such as the Order of Australia) form the Australian Honours and Awards system. Recipients of the different awards have all made an outstanding contribution in their field - be it in our Defence Force, a police, ambulance or fire service or the ...public service, and their investiture ceremony is an opportunity for the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley to, on behalf of all Australians, say ‘thank you and well done’. More information about the honours and awards system is available at www.gg.gov.au. Royal Australian Navy Australian Army Australian Federal Police
11.01.2022 With summer fast approaching, the Governor-General reflects on the year we’ve had, the importance of staying connected and, where possible, spending time with loved ones. In this contribution to Australian Traveller, he also reflects on the extraordinary contribution our fire fighters, lifesavers, emergency services personnel, the police, medical professionals and volunteers make at this time of the year. One of the things I think we have learnt through the bushfires and the pandemic is how to be a good neighbour. It’s an easy thing to do and helps build stronger and more compassionate and inclusive communities.
10.01.2022 This morning the Governor-General opened the National Archives of Australia National Office, named murrulangalang. The ceremony, held on the International Day for Universal Access to Information, was an opportunity to recognise the important role of our archives and the hard working team whose mission is to hold the memory of our nation. In his remarks, the Governor-General spoke about the very real human value to the archives, noted the emotional response of people when they uncover links to their own family history amongst the records and his belief that the new information galleries will further help bring the collection to life for all Australians.
10.01.2022 The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley were delighted to welcome Australia’s newest citizens in a ceremony in Mount Isa yesterday. During the citizenship ceremony, the Governor-General reflected on the choice that each had made to become Australians, the values that bind us and the strength that our diversity brings. Together with their families, friends and other members of the community, he congratulated each on receiving their citizenship. Mount Isa City Council
10.01.2022 A conversation can change a life. It is a simple concept and it, and R U OK Day, have never been more important. At today’s investiture ceremonies, while celebrating the outstanding Australians recognised through the Australian Honours and Awards system, the Governor-General spoke about the importance of asking R U OK, and understanding that there’s more to say after asking.... The Governor-General encourages all Australians to stay kind to each other, stay connected to those around them and look out for their own and others wellbeing.
09.01.2022 Investiture ceremonies are a celebration of the outstanding people being recognised and, collectively, a testament to the strength and diversity of our community. Ours is a uniquely Australian system and affords all of us the opportunity to put forward unsung, selfless people for recognition. The joy and pride on people’s faces as they receive their insignia from the Governor-General speaks to the power and impact of the awards. The moment can serve to inspire all of us to re...cognise achievement, service and selflessness around us. Australian Honours and Awards
07.01.2022 Today, National Police Remembrance Day, is an opportunity to recognise the service of our police men and women and, in particular, to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty. The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley attended the remembrance service at the National Police Memorial and, on behalf of all Australians, laid a wreath to commemorate the fallen. On behalf of the nation they extended their condolences to the families of Leading Senior Constable Lyne...tte Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney and Constable Glen Humphris who were tragically killed in the line of duty in Victoria earlier this year. On this day, especially, we thank our police men and women and recognise the difficult and dangerous situations they sometimes operate in to serve our community. AFP Legacy Australian Federal Police NSW Police Force Victoria Police South Australia Police Queensland Police Service Western Australia Police Force Tasmanian Police Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services
06.01.2022 Hard working, committed, selfless the individuals honoured in today’s investiture ceremonies at Government House are a microcosm of our community. Recipients were recognised for their service in a wide range of endeavours, including to education, women, people with a disability, industry, their local community and many more. The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley were delighted to host recipients and their loved ones at Government House to recognise their contribution to Austr...alia. The ceremonies are an opportunity to thank and celebrate people who serve not to be recognised but to help those around them. Australian Honours and Awards
06.01.2022 The Battle For Australia is commemorated on the first Wednesday of September each year. To mark the day, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley attended the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. It is an important moment to remember all those who served and sacrificed for Australia during the Second World War.... Lest we Forget.
05.01.2022 Devonport is a vibrant community with residents that are passionate about their city and optimistic about the future. The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley spent the day thanking those who led the response to COVID-19, talking about the future with students at Devonport High School and acknowledging the work of members of the community who are committed to supporting and helping each other. They enjoyed a visit to the historic Home Hill - the home of former Prime Minister Josep...h Lyons and Edith Lyons, the first woman elected to the House of Representatives and the first to serve in federal Cabinet. This year has brought many challenges but, as the Governor-General noted, shone a light on the strength of people and our communities. Devonport is an outstanding example of this richness of spirit that exists across Australia. Devonport City Council Devonport High School
05.01.2022 In the lead up to tomorrow’s National Remembrance Day Ceremony, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley have welcomed Canberra Legacy War Widows to Government House. Remembrance Day is an opportunity to think about the legacy of service, what it looks like and what it means. It is a time to honour the sacrifice of both those who served and that of their families and loved ones.... Speaking to the groups, the Governor-General spoke about the personal element of Legacy: people reaching out, caring and supporting others, and reflected on the contribution that attendees had made to our community. Legacy Australia Legacy Canberra
03.01.2022 The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley spent the morning in Mt Isa, Queensland, meeting with youth and community groups to learn about the vibrant culture of the remote outback city. They kicked off with a brisk walk with the Gecko Walking Group before meeting staff at Glencore Mines Mt Isa - a central part of the town’s identity. They wrapped up their visit by chatting with local senior school leaders about leadership and the students’ aspirations for the future.
03.01.2022 The Governor-General reflects on Teddy Sheean's sacrifice and what it means for us today. "We should sit back and say what does that mean to us today, what's the impact of that legacy and service and how has it impacted Australia... and how do we respond to that? "Teddy was a young man who displayed the values of courage, mateship and sacrifice to the enth degree, left us a better country for it and now we should be saying 'okay what's our equivalent to that?'. We're not aske...d to do what Teddy did but how do we respond in a similar way to the issues that face our country." On Tuesday the Governor-General will present the insignia of the Victoria Cross for Australia to Teddy Sheean's family at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House. The event will be live streamed on this page. Royal Australian Navy Defence Australia Australian Honours and Awards Australian War Memorial Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs
01.01.2022 The residents of Karumba and Normanton exemplify many quintessential Australian characteristics: proud of their town and community, supportive and caring of each other and hard working. The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley have enjoyed spending time with the communities over the last two days, listening to people’s stories including how they have coped with the challenges of 2020 and hearing about their plans for the future. Like anywhere there are challenges, but there is... also optimism and a commitment to each other and to the community. Carpentaria Shire Council Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre Gulf United Rugby League Club
01.01.2022 On 1 December, 78 years to the day after Teddy Sheean gave his life trying to save his shipmates, the Governor-General will present his family with the insignia of the Victoria Cross for Australia. Teddy Sheean chose certain death over the chance of survival, to try and save his mates in the water. None of us can know what he was thinking or feeling but in this video, Brad Manera, the Senior Historian at the Anzac Memorial, talks about life on a ship like HMAS Armidale, the r...isks they faced and the bonds between shipmates. Anzac Memorial Royal Australian Navy Defence Australia Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs Australian Army Royal Australian Air Force
