Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service; President of Malta

On Friday 18 March 2011, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC departed Australia on an Official Visit to New Zealand.

Earlier, in Sydney, the Proclamation assuming the Administration of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia was signed by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO.

In the afternoon, at Government House, Sydney, the Administrator and Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE hosted a lunch in honour of the President of Malta, His Excellency Dr George Abela BA LLD and Mrs Margaret Abela.

Afterwards, the Administrator received United Nations Ambassadors to discuss Climate Change and Energy.

Earlier, at the George Hotel, Christchurch, the Governor-General met with the Governor-General of New Zealand, His Excellency the Right Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand GNZM QSO.

Afterwards, at Hagley Park, Christchurch, the Governor-General led the Australian representation at the Memorial Service for those that lost their lives in the Christchurch earthquake on 22 February 2011.

Later, the Governor-General met with families of the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Then, the Governor-General met with Australian Police and other personnel involved in the recovery effort.