Vice-Regal Notes

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, attended the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards for Victoria at the Arts Centre Melbourne, where she gave an address and presented awards to finalists and winners in the four categories: Australian of the Year for Victoria, Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria, Young Australian of the Year for Victoria and Local Hero for Victoria.

In the morning at Government House, members of the public visited for a guided tour of the State Apartments. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, provided Royal Assent before presiding at a meeting of the Executive Council.

Later, the Governor received the welcome call of Tokuro Furuya, Consul-General of Japan, and Natsuko Harada-Miguchi, Deputy Consul-General of Japan.

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, attended the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup, Flemington Racecourse, where she met with Vin Cox, Board Member, Victoria Racing Club, and Nic Cox.

Then, the Governor attend the Chairman’s Melbourne Cup lunch.

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, hosted a reception on the eve of the 2024 Melbourne Cup and gave an address to mark the occasion. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, attended the 2024 Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, Flemington Racecourse, where she met with Neil Wilson, Chairman, Victoria Racing Club, and Stephanie Wilson.

In the Mounting Yard, the Governor received the Vice-Regal Salute before meeting with Victoria Racing Club Board Members.

Then, the Governor attend the Chairman’s Derby Day lunch. Following lunch, the Chairman escorted the Governor on a tour of the Birdcage Enclosure, where Her Excellency visited the Penfolds, Lexus, G.H. Mumm and Channel Nine marquees.

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, returned to Victoria, concluding her official visit to China. 

In the morning at Government House, members from Western Melbourne English Programs at Victoria University visited for a guided tour of the State Apartments. 

While on an official visit to China, the Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, represented Victoria at the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education, where she gave a keynote address at the plenary session.

In the afternoon, the Governor visited the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office in Beijing, where she met with staff and received an in-country briefing.

In the morning at Government House, members from Meadows Gardening Group visited for a guided tour of the State Apartments. 

While on an official visit to China, the Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, made a visit to the Palace Museum, where she met with Dr Wang Xudong, Director, Palace Museum and Chiu Yung, Chairman, Hong Kong Fu Wah Group, before touring the museum.

Following this, the Governor attended a luncheon in her honour hosted by His Excellency Mr Scott Dewar, Ambassador for Australia to China, at the Ambassador’s Residence at the Australian Embassy in Beijing. 
 
In the afternoon, the Governor attended a ‘Friends of Victoria’ event in Beijing, hosted by Victoria’s Commissioner to Greater China, Brett Stevens, where she gave a speech to an audience of business stakeholders, alumni, and members of the Australian and Victorian community in Beijing.

While on an official visit to China, the Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, received a briefing from Meaghan Shaw, Australian Consul-General in Chengdu.

Later, the Governor visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the Dujiangyan Field Research Center for Giant Pandas, a key institution in Victoria’s sister-state of Sichuan.

In the evening, the Governor concluded her official visit to Sichuan Province and departed Chengdu for Beijing.

In the morning at Government House, participants from City of Frankston 2024 Senior Festival's 'Friends at First Sight' initiative visited for the Kitchen Garden Program.

While on an official visit to China, the Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, received a briefing from Brett Stevens, Commissioner for Victoria to Greater China.

Following this, the Governor visited the Sichuan International Tennis Centre where she met with officials and players for the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off. 
 
In the afternoon, the Governor made a visit to Qinci Games Studios, where she toured the studios and received a briefing on the company’s expansion into Victoria.
 
Later, the Governor was received by Madame Tian Xiangli, Chairperson, Sichuan Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). 

In the evening, the Governor attended a dinner in her honour hosted by Madame Tian and senior representatives of the Sichuan Provincial Government. 

In the morning at Government House, members of the public visited for a guided tour of the State Apartments with the National Trust.