PUBLIC FAREWELL FOR THEIR EXCELLENCIES

2 September 2008

A public farewell is being held for General and Mrs Jeffery when they leave Government House for the last time on 3 September 2008.

At 12.30pm Their Excellencies will arrive at the Front Gate on Dunrossil Drive.

They will be met by Government House staff and members of some of the 200 community organisations with which they have been involved as Patrons.

Members of the Canberra community have also been invited to come along and say their farewells.

When the Governor-General and Mrs Jeffery arrive at the Front Gate of Government House they will walk through an Honour Guard provided by Australia’s Federation Guard and the Band of the Royal Military College Duntroon. The national anthem will be performed by the Sing Australia Choir.

As Their Excellencies walk down Dunrossil Drive a flypast will be conducted by the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Helicopter, one of the organisations of which the Governor-General is Patron.

Once Their Excellencies reach the end of the farewell line a lone piper will escort them to their vehicle which will depart along Dunrossil Drive with a police motorcycle escort.

This event will mark the end of 54 years of service to the community by Major General Jeffery, as soldier, State Governor and Governor-General and the significant contribution made by Mrs Jeffery to Australian society during this time.

Media are invited to attend the event. Please note that the Governor-General will not be available for interviews.

Media contact:

Carly Lusk
Government House
Tel: (02) 6283 3565
Email: carly.lusk@gg.gov.au