GOVERNOR-GENERAL TO VISIT MACKAY

19 February 2008

His Excellency, Major General Michael Jeffery, will visit flood affected areas around Mackay tomorrow (20 February).

Mackay is entering the recovery phase and this provides the Governor-General with an opportunity to meet the local community, emergency services personnel and volunteer groups. The Governor-General will arrive in Mackay around 10.30am and be met by the Mayor who will take him on a tour of the city and its immediate environs.

The Governor-General will receive a briefing on the floods and the priorities during the recovery phase. He hopes to meet as many members of the local community and emergency services personnel as possible.

Earlier this week the Governor-General sent the following message to the Mackay community:

“My wife Marlena and I were shocked to hear of the deluge which has caused extensive damage to property and required so many people to evacuate their homes.

On behalf of all Australians I extend my sympathy to those affected and thank the many emergency service personnel and volunteers who are currently assisting with the recovery and supporting those in need.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Mackay community as you take stock of the damage and then begin to rebuild and recover from this devastating flood”.

The Governor-General will extend, on behalf of all Australians, his sympathy to those who have been affected by the floods and acknowledge the outstanding contribution of the various emergency service workers and volunteers supporting those in need of assistance.


Media Contact:
Stephen Jiggins
0408 480 779
Government House
19 February 2008