Download Annual Report 2011-2012 - Governor-General of the ...

Chapter TwoPatronagesThe Governor-General is patron of a diverserange of organisations that reflect contemporaryAustralian society and contribute to the nation’ssocial and cultural wellbeing. Among approximately320 organisations with Ms Bryce’s patronage aregroups and charities operating in the areas of childrenand families, health, sport, education, science andresearch, history and the arts. By maintaining contactwith office bearers, staff, volunteers and clients ofthese organisations, visiting their operations or hostingevents for them, the Governor-General is able toencourage their endeavours and assist in raising theirnational profiles.In 2011–12, the Governor-General visited patronageorganisations in metropolitan, rural and regionalcentres, and hosted functions for some markingspecial anniversaries, launching new initiatives andhonouring the vital work of volunteers and generosityof supporters. For example, she launched the newwebsite for Cerebral Palsy Australia; visited Yalaristudents in Adelaide; met with student members ofthe Clontarf Academy in Karratha; joined Surf LifeSaving Australia volunteers to assist with Clean UpAustralia Day activities at Coogee Beach; hosteda reception for Foodbank; and met participants ofthe International Women’s Development Agency’sLeadership Forum in Solomon Islands.Regional centre visitsDuring 2011–12, the Governor-General visited arange of regional centres, including the following:• from 7 to 12 August 2011, she visited the Pilbaraand Kimberley regions where she undertook25 events in Newman, Karratha, Dampier,Roebourne, Port Hedland, Broome, FitzroyCrossing and Leopold Downs (see despatch)• on 19 August 2011, she opened a new trainingand administration complex in Bundaberg andattended a civic reception in her honour• on 3 September 2011, she unveiled an AustralianNational Flag at the Lockyer Valley CulturalCentre in Gatton in recognition of NationalFlag Day• on 8 October 2011, she attended a series ofevents in Forbes and Parkes, including the inaugural‘Opera at the Dish’ at the CSIRO Radio Telescope• on 15 October 2011, she opened the SnowyScheme Museum in Adaminaby and hosted anafternoon tea in recognition of the InternationalDay of Rural Women• from 5 to 6 November 2011, she visited KingIsland, and officially opened the Cape WickhamLighthouse in its sesquicentenary year• on 6 November 2011, she visited Ballarat toinaugurate the restored Arch of Victory andattend an event celebrating the centenary ofBallarat District Nursing and Healthcare• on 19 November 2011, she opened the newlybuilt Community Centre in Marysville, Victoria,following the bushfires of 2009.The Governor-General greets members of Dragons Abreast ACT at the Government House jetty on 12 November 201132 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL