STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL - GG TO VISIT SINGAPORE AND THE NETHERLANDS

6 September 2006

The Governor-General and Mrs Jeffery have accepted an invitation from Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands to undertake an official visit to The Netherlands as part of the celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of Dutch contact with Australia.

En route to Europe, Their Excellencies will have a short stopover in Singapore where they will meet the President of Singapore and other senior government leaders.

The Dutch/Australian connection dates back to March 1606 when the Duyfken, a small ship owned by the Dutch East India Company, that had been sent out to explore the unknown waters south of New Guinea, chanced upon an unknown territory. The continent that Captain Willem Jansz “found” was Australia.

Jansz was followed by several seafarers in the service of the Dutch East India Company. To this day wrecks and names on the map of Australia recall Dutch exploration in the region. The years between 1617 and 1644 were the heyday of Dutch exploration of the west, north and south coasts of Australia.

The Governor-General and Mrs Jeffery will depart on Tuesday 19 September 2006 and are expected to return to Australia on Friday 29 September 2006.

The Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, will perform the duties of Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia during the Governor-General’s absence.

Media Contact:
Stephen Jiggins
02 62833519 or 0408 480 779
Government House
Canberra
6 September 2006

Note: For more information about the 400th Anniversary and associated events refer to:
http://www.netherlands-australia2006.com/index.php