The Governor-General joined leading sport, media, academic and business women for the Capital Women discussion evening at the National Library of Australia in Canberra.
The event was part of the Centenary of Canberra celebrations.
On Friday 8 February 2013, at the National Library of Australia, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Director-General of the National Library of Australia, Ms Anne-Marie Schwirtlich, attended the ‘Capital Women’ Centenary of Canberra event.
On Thursday 7 February 2013, at the Australian Institute of Architects, Canberra, Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as Patron, attended a meeting for the University of Canberra Lodge Competition.
The Governor-General heard residents’ stories of the devastating 3 January fires that razed homes, a school and police station during a visit to Dunalley, Tasmania.
The Mayor of Sorell, Councillor Kerry Vincent, escorted Ms Bryce to properties across the town, including the local primary school, now under reconstruction.
The Governor-General also visited Murdunna and met local fire fighter Luke Millar and his wife Anita and their children, before hosting lunch at the Murraville Golf Club in Dunalley.
On Wednesday 6 February 2013, at St Martin’s Anglican Church, Dunalley, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Mayor of Sorrell Council, Councillor Kerry Vincent, received a briefing on the recent fires and emergency response by Commander Peter Edwards of Tasmania Police, and Chief Officer Mike Brown of the Tasmania Fire Service.
Afterwards, the Governor-General, as guest of the owners, Mr Ray Schwanke and Ms Sue Madden, viewed the fire damage to Blue Lagoon Oysters.
The Governor-General used an ice-pick to break a sheet of ice and unveil a plaque commemorating her Antarctica visit marking the Centenary of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition.
Speaking to expeditioners and Wilkins Aerodrome staff, Ms Bryce praised the work of the world-leading Australian scientists and logistics staff who followed in the footsteps of Australian explorers like Sir Douglas Mawson.
After the unveiling, the Governor-General met the expeditioners from Casey Station and scientists involved in international research within the Australian Antarctic Territory.
The Governor-General met expeditioners at a remote field camp as part of her historic visit to Antarctica.
Ms Bryce received a briefing from Australian Antarctic Division expeditioners on their operations and their methods of survival, including the use of Polar Pyramid Tents.
Later, the Manager of the Wilkins Aerodrome, Mr Jeff Hadley, escorted the Governor-General through facilities used by expedition members and staff at the Antarctic runway.
Marking the Centenary of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, the Governor-General made history as the first Governor-General to visit Antarctica.
Ms Bryce landed at Wilkins Aerodrome in the Casey region and was joined by the Director of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), Dr Tony Fleming.
The Governor-General was welcomed to the southern continent by Casey Station Leader, Mr Allan Cooney and fellow expeditioners, including Australian Antarctic Medal recipients Ms Sharon Labudda AAM and Mr Matt Filipowski AAM.
On Tuesday 5 February 2013, at Wilkins Aerodrome, Antarctica, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Director of the Australian Antarctic Division, Dr Tony Fleming, and Wilkins Aerodrome Manager, Mr Jeff Hadley, met with Australian Antarctic expeditioners.
Afterwards, the Governor-General viewed a remote field camp and met with expeditioners undertaking field operations.
At Government House in Canberra, the Governor-General conducted a swearing-in ceremony for Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries. The Hon.Christopher Bowen MP was sworn in as Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research and Minister for Small Business; the Hon. Mark Butler MP was sworn in as Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion and Minister for Housing and Homelessness; the Hon. Brendan O'Connor MP was sworn in as Minister for Immigration and Citizenship;the Hon.
