On Thursday 14 February 2013, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received the Minister for Disability Reform and Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Honourable Jenny Macklin MP.

Later, the Governor-General received the High Commissioner-designate for the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes.

The Governor-General visited an exhibition dedicated to women’s sporting participation at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre in Sydney.

Ms Bryce was welcomed by the Director of the Arts Centre, Ms Kiersten Fishburn, and escorted through Onside. Later, the Governor-General met artists and year 10 students from Westfield’s Sport High School who contributed to the exhibition.

On Wednesday 13 February 2013, at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Sydney, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Director, Mr Kiersten Fishburn, viewed the ‘Onside’ exhibition.

The Governor-General presented ten young Australians with General Sir John Monash Foundation scholarships during a ceremony at Admiralty House, Sydney.

Ms Bryce, as Patron-in-Chief of the Foundation, presented scholarships to Flight Lieutenant Alexander Barbaro, Ms Sarah Bourke, Ms Jillian Kilby, Mrs Jessica Mathie, Ms Kate Mitchell, Ms Alexandra Phelan, Mr Huw Pohlner, Ms Stephanie Pow, Ms Kate Smith and Flight Lieutenant Cavin Wilson.

At Admiralty House, Sydney, the Governor-General launched the Australian and New Zealand Assistance Dogs Inc (ANZAD) with supporters, volunteers, clients and canine companions.

Ms Bryce, who is Patron of ANZAD member Assistance Dogs Australia, and Mr Michael Bryce learned how the dogs help people with disabilities such as hearing and sight loss, epilepsy and diabetes, before the launch of the trans-Tasman initiative.

The Governor-General said the new alliance would promote standards of excellence in all areas of the acquisition and training of Assistance Dogs.

On Tuesday 12 February 2013, at Admiralty House, Sydney, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, hosted a morning tea to officially launch the regional chapter of Assistant Dogs International, Australia New Zealand Assistance Dogs.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce hosted a presentation ceremony for the 2013 General Sir John Monash Foundation Scholarships.

The Governor-General was joined by board members and patrons of the Diamond Jubilee Trust Australia for its official launch at Admiralty House, Sydney.

Launching the Trust, Ms Bryce said it would make a positive difference to the lives of current and future generations of Australians.

The Trust aims to eradicate avoidable blindness in Commonwealth countries, as well as developing young leaders through its leadership awards scheme.

On Monday 11 February 2013, at Admiralty House, Sydney, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, attended a brief for Board Members of The Diamond Jubilee Trust Australia.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, hosted a morning tea for the launch of The Diamond Jubilee Trust Australia.

Later, at Admiralty House, the Governor-General received from SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Miss Louise Godhard and Ms Melissa Potter.

On Sunday 10 February 2013, at St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, attended a service.

On Saturday 9 February 2013, at Old Government House, Brisbane, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Principal of Moreton Bay College, Ms Jennifer Haynes, attended the 2013 Moreton Bay College and Moreton Bay Boys’ College School Captain’s Dinner.