This week, the Governor and Mr Howard met with representatives from the sporting, charity and performing arts sectors.
On Tuesday, the Governor and Mr Howard hosted a variety show produced in collaboration with the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) as part of the Governor’s Performance Series. Over the last eight years, the Governor’s Performance Series has provided the opportunity to promote many of our State’s finest creative industry organisations to a large and diverse audience. Previous performances have included shows by Circus Oz, Japanese Wallpaper, The Australian Ballet and Short Black Opera Company. This week, Dance, Theatre, Opera and Musical Theatre students from VCA performed an exciting program including pieces from Chicago and Les Misérables, excerpts from Tang Dynasty Poets and Romeo & Juliet, and a contemporary dance piece. Speaking to guests, the Governor reflected on the history of the Government House Ballroom and congratulated VCA students on becoming a part of that history. Read more of the Governor’s speech here.
On Wednesday, the Governor and Mr Howard attended the Committee for Melbourne’s Annual Dinner. The Committee for Melbourne is an apolitical, not-for-profit, member-based organisation that brings together over 150 organisations from Greater Melbourne. It encourages collaboration across industries and sectors to support Melbourne’s growth as a leading global city. As Patron of the Committee, the Governor has previously attended the annual dinner and received the call of Committee members at Government House. Speaking to guests, the Governor reflected on her time as Patron and what had changed in Melbourne across the last eight years. Read more of the Governor’s speech here.
On Wednesday, Mr Howard also hosted the 2023 Australian Red Cross Victoria Awards Ceremony at Government House. As Patron of Australian Red Cross Victoria, Mr Howard has hosted these awards across previous years. The awards recognise special achievements by volunteers and staff of the Red Cross and are given to individuals who display exceptional leadership, service or performance through their contributions. Speaking to guests, Mr Howard reflected on the work of Red Cross Victoria and thanked recipients for their role in relief initiatives following recent bushfires and floods. Read more of Mr Howard’s speech here.
On Sunday, the Governor and Mr Howard attended the Dreamtime at the ‘G football match. Dreamtime at the ‘G is an annual AFL game played between Richmond and Essendon which aims to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Prior to the game, supporters from both sides embark on The Long Walk from Federation Square to the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The walk is in tribute to Michael Long and his walk from Melbourne to Canberra in 2004 that aimed to promote Indigenous Affairs. The Governor and Mr Howard have participated in both the Long Walk and Dreamtime celebrations in previous years. Learn more about Dreamtime at the ‘G here.
Ceremonial duties are an important component of the Governor’s contemporary role. This includes presiding at investitures for the Order of Australia and other awards. On Thursday, the Governor and Mr Howard hosted an Order of Australia Investiture for Major General Andrew Bottrell AO CSC and Bar DSM, Senior Army Officer for Victoria and Head Land Systems, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group. Major General Bottrell was invested as an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Military Division. Learn more about the Australian Honours System here.
During the week, the Governor was delighted to receive the call of outgoing Artistic Director of the Victorian Opera, Richard Mills AM, to thank him for his artistic leadership prior to his departure.