On Wednesday 25 February 2026, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, received Letters of Credence, accrediting His Excellency Mr Nicola Lener as the Ambassador of Italy. The Ambassador was accompanied by his spouse Ms Giovanna Mastandrea, Mr Robert Rizzo, Counsellor, Mr Ciro Carroccio, First Secretary and Colonel Vincenzo Ruggiero, Defence Attache.  

Then, the Governor-General received Letters of Credence, accrediting Her Excellency Mr Carla Manuela Lourenco Saragoca as the Ambassador of Portugal. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mrs Sophia Rodrigues Guerra, Deputy Head of Mission and Mrs Teresa Alvarenga, Consul-General, NSW.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received Letters of Credence, accrediting His Excellency Dr Hillel Newman as the Ambassador of Israel. The Ambassador was accompanied by Her Excellency Ms Ayala Newman, Mr Amir Meron, Deputy head of Mission, Mr Gil Alphia, First Secretary and Ms Ilana Lenk, First Secretary.

Later, the Governor-General hosted a lunch for newly accredited Heads of Missions. Guests included: His Excellency Mr Nicola Lener and his spouse Ms Giovanna Mastandrea, Her Excellency Mrs Carla Manuela Lourenco Saragoca and Mrs Sofia Rodrigues Guerra, His Excellency Dr Hillel Newman and his spouse Mrs Ayala Newman. Also in attendance were Her Excellency Ms Betty Pavelich, Dean of the Diplomatic Corp, Mr Jamie Isbister, representing the Foreign Minister and Mr Jonathan Muir, Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General travelled from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, to Darwin, Northern Territory. 

In the evening, the Governor-General received a Saltwater Welcome to Country from Mr Trent Lee, Larrakia Man at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. 

Then, the Governor-General hosted a dinner for members of the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation at Wharf One, Darwin Waterfront Precinct.