A new publication that addresses issues of environmental sustainability and social equity in Australia was launched by the Governor-General at the Shine Dome, Australian Academy of Science in Acton.

The publication, Negotiating Our Future: Living Scenarios for Australia to 2050, was inspired by the results of a 2011 workshop involving Australian scientists and Academy Fellows.

On Thursday 21 February 2013, at the Australian Academy of Science, Acton, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Suzanne Cory AC, officially launched the publication ‘Negotiating our future: Living scenarios for Australia to 2050.’

Earlier, at the Australian National Botanical Gardens, Canberra, Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as Patron, addressed a gathering of the Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

The Governor-General officially opened YWCA of Canberra’s Lady Heydon House in Spence, which will provide five elderly clients with safe and affordable housing.

Ms Bryce was escorted through the new home, which was named after YWCA past President, Ms Naomi Heydon, before meeting guests at the opening.

The dance group Wiradjuri Echoes also performed a traditional Indigenous smoke ceremony inside the house.

On Wednesday 20 February 2013, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, received from His Excellency Mr Pasi Patokallio, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Juha Parikka (Minister Counsellor) and Ms Mari Koukonen (Attaché). The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE also received Mrs Raija Patokallio.

The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce met SES, Rural Fire Service and Volunteer Rescue Association personnel during a visit to the Association’s facility in bushfire-affected Coonabarabran, in north western NSW.

BlazeAid volunteers assisting with the bushfire recovery effort in Coonabarabran met the Governor-General during her recent visit to the region.

Ms Bryce and Mr Michael Bryce visited a bushfire-affected farming property and saw the new fencing being built by BlazeAid volunteers.

Later, the Governor-General joined 70 volunteers at the Coonabarabran Showgrounds.

The Governor-General saw the devastating impact of recent bushfires around the Warrumbungle Shire during a visit to Coonabarabran in north west New South Wales.

Ms Bryce and Mr Michael Bryce attended a community barbecue with residents of some of the 51 homes and 113 farm buildings affected by the bushfires.

Later, the Governor-General visit to the Australian Astronomical Observatory at Siding Springs, which suffered damage to buildings but its telescopes were spared from the catastrophic fire.

The Governor-General, as Commander-in-Chief, visited trainees and staff at the Army Recruit Training Centre at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka.

Ms Bryce and Mr Michael Bryce joined new recruits for morning tea before viewing training activities around the Centre with the Commandant, Colonel David Hay.

During a visit to Wagga Wagga, the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce met staff, clients and their families at the Kurrajong Waratah Early Childhood Intervention Centre.

The Centre offers therapy and support programs for children aged up to 6 years who have a disability, or experience delays in development.

On Monday 18 February 2013, in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as guests of the Manager, Mrs Susan Macgillycuddy, met with staff and clients at the Kurrajong Waratah Early Intervention Centre.

Afterwards, at the Kapooka Army Recruit Training Centre, the Governor-General, as Commander-in-Chief, and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Commandant, Colonel David Hay, met with recruits and viewed recruit training activities.