Clients and staff at the Benevolent Society’s Liverpool office met the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce during their visit to the organisation.

The CEO, Ms Anne Hollonds, welcomed Ms Bryce and Mr Bryce before introducing them to clients who receive assistance through the Society's support programs.

Later, the Governor-General addressed staff and clients and praised the organisation's ongoing dedication to assisting vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals in Australia.

The Governor-General recognised the work of carers for family members and clients with cerebral palsy during a visit to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Centre at Prairiewood in south-west Sydney.

The visit coincided with Carers Week 2012, which the Governor-General launched at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

On Thursday 18 October 2012, at Cabramatta Public School, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as guests of the Principal, Mr John Rice, attended the school’s community day, at which the Governor-General gave an address and met with students and families.

Afterwards, at the Benevolent Society, Liverpool, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Chief Executive Officer of the Benevolent Society, Ms Anne Hollands, met with staff and clients.

The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce joined Father Chris Jenkins and volunteers of St Canice Kitchen in Kings Cross for the daily lunch service for homeless people.

After lunch, Ms Bryce and Mr Bryce heard from some of the homeless men and women about living on Sydney's streets.

The visit to St Canice Kitchen coincided with the United Nations International Anti-Poverty Day.

In Surry Hills, Sydney, the Governor-General heard personal stories of women who had experienced homelessness during a visit to the Women's and Girls Emergency Centre.

The independent community-based service supports clients who have faced domestic violence, addictions and mental health issues.

The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce marked the United Nations International Anti-Poverty Day with representatives of Sydney-based community welfare organisations at Admiralty House, Sydney.

Speaking to the organisations' staff members, volunteers and supporters, Ms Bryce expressed her admiration for the vital roles they played in supporting people facing hardship and disadvantage.

On Wednesday 17 October 2012, at St Canice Catholic Church, Elizabeth Bay, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as guests of Father Chris Jenkins, assisted with the lunchtime meal service at St Canice Kitchen.

Afterwards, at the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre, Surrey Hills, the Governor-General, as guest of the President, Ms Sarah Hiley, met with staff and clients.

Later, at Admiralty House, Sydney, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, hosted an afternoon tea to mark UN Anti-Poverty Day.

On Tuesday 16 October 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, received the Australian High Commissioner-designate to Singapore, Mr Phillip Green.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received the Australian Human Rights Commission Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Ms Elizabeth Broderick.

Later, the Governor-General received the Australian Ambassador-designate to Croatia, Ms Susan Cox OAM.

The Governor-General, as Patron of Carers Australia, launched Carers Week at Old Parliament House.

Ms Bryce joined carers, their families and supporters to recognise the work of 2.6 million unpaid family carers in Australia.

The Governor-General described the week as a “wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude and reflect on the work that is so often done quietly, in corners of our community that are unlit and unsung”.

A map of the Great Artesian Basin was presented to the Governor-General by Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee (GABCC) Chairman, Mr Jeff Austin, GABCC Facilitator, Mr Peter Davey, and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities’ Mr Greg Manning.