STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL - MESSAGE TO THE MAYOR OF KATHERINE, NT

10 April 2006

My wife Marlena joins me and all Australians in expressing our admiration of the stoicism of the people of Katherine and surrounding communities affected by the recent floods. Their calm demeanour under very difficult circumstances has been widely praised.

We applaud the efforts of the Red Cross, RAAF, police, fire, other emergency and community workers and volunteers who are providing such wonderful assistance to your communities, and welcome the natural disaster relief arrangements that have come into effect to provide emergency food, clothing and temporary accommodation.

Whilst there still exists some risk of further flooding, we hope that the worst is now over.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with you all.