Vice-Regal Notes

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, as Patron, visited the Country Women’s Association of Victoria headquarters, Toorak, where she received a briefing from Jennifer Nola, State President, Marie Vassallo, State Treasurer and other Board Members. Following the briefing, the Governor toured the CWA homestead, ‘Umina’, and met with CWA staff and volunteers over morning tea.

Later, the Governor hosted a roundtable lunch with leading industry experts from the mental health sector to mark National Mental Health Month.  

In the afternoon, the Governor, as Patron, received the call of David McNamara, CEO, Foodbank Victoria. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, presided at a meeting of the Executive Council. 

Later, the Governor visited the State Library Victoria where she met with Christine Christian AO, President, and Paul Duldig, CEO. The Governor toured the Searching for Sanctuary, World of Book and Melbourne Out Loud exhibitions, and visited the Redmond Barry Reading Room and Herald Weekly Times Newspaper Room. The Governor also met with State Library Victoria conservationists, curators and staff.  

In the afternoon, the Governor hosted an afternoon tea for the Victorian recipients and alumni of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia Awards, where she gave an address to congratulate the 2024 scholars on the completion of their studies. 

In the morning at Government House, members of a delegation of Congressional Staff from the United States of America visited for a guided tour of the State Apartments. 

Later, members of the public visited for a guided tour of the State Apartments with the National Trust.

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, visited Bishopscourt, East Melbourne, where she met with The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier, Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne and Joy Freier OAM. Following the meeting, the Governor toured  the historic Bishopscourt homestead.   

In the afternoon, the Governor received the call of Emeritus Professor Dennis Altman AM, Vice-Chancellor's Fellow, La Trobe University. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, visited the Ravenhall Correctional Centre and received a briefing from Col Caskie, General Manager. Following the briefing, the Governor toured the facility, accompanied by Larissa Strong ACM, Commissioner Corrections Victoria, and Dr Lindsay McMillan, Chair and Carolyn Morris, CEO, YMCA Victoria. 

During the tour the Governor visited the Library and the Kulin Yulendj Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The Governor also visited and received a briefing on the ReBuild Workshop and sport and recreational programs run by the YMCA’s ‘Bridge Project’.  

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, presided over the presentation of the Australian Sports Medal to Victorian athletes, coaches and sports administrators who participated in the 2023 Virtus Global Games, where she gave an address congratulating recipients. Following the medal presentation, the Governor hosted a reception for recipients.  

In the evening, the Governor attended a dinner hosted by Junji Shimada, Consul-General of Japan and Kaoru Shimada, at the Official Residence of the Consul-General of Japan, Toorak. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, presided at a meeting of the Executive Council. 

Later, the Governor visited the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, where she received a briefing from Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson, Chief Minister, Quentin Miller, President and Emi Slade, Vice President, Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. Following the briefing the Governor toured the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and the Herscu Shule. 

In the evening, the Governor hosted a reception to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Victorian Heritage Register, where she  gave an address to mark the occasion. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, and Professor Glyn Davis AC attended the  AFL Commission Grand Final lunch, followed by the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final match, MCG, between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, participated in the 2024 National Police Remembrance Day March. Then, the Governor attend the National Police Remembrance Day Service, where she laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Victoria. 

In the evening, the Governor as Patron, accompanied by Professor Glyn Davis AC, attended and gave an address at the Friends of The Royal Botanic Gardens ‘The Art of Botanical Illustration Exhibition’. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardener AC, as Patron, toured and met with exhibitors at the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show.   

Later, the Governor attended the Melbourne Royal President's luncheon where she gave an address and officially declared  the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show Open.