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.

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.

On Monday 15 October 2012, at Old Parliament House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as Patron, and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as guests of the President of Carers Australia, Mr Tim Moore; and Director, Ms Anne Butorac, attended a reception at which the Governor-General gave an address and officially launched 2012 Careers Week.

Afterwards, at Government House, the Governor-General received the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Mr Shigekazu Sato.

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.

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”.

On Sunday 14 October 2012, at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Forrest, Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as Patron, attended the St John’s annual service and read the Bidding.

On Saturday 13 October 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as Patron, and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, hosted a reception to mark the 21st Anniversary of Palliative Care Australia.

As Patron of Palliative Care Australia, the Governor-General hosted an event for supporters, volunteers and carers to mark the 21st anniversary of the organisation.

Ms Bryce commended the important work of people who give end of life care during the event, which coincided with World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.

On Friday 12 October 2012, at Parliament House, Canberra, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE led the National Commemoration for the 10th Anniversary of the Bali Bombings, at which the Governor-General gave an address and placed a floral tribute on the national wreath with Mr Bryce.

Afterwards, at Government House, the Governor-General received the Australian Ambassador to East Timor, Mr Miles Armitage.

The Governor-General led a National Commemoration marking the 10th anniversary of the Bali Bombings in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra.

Joining victims’ families, official guests and members of the public, Ms Bryce paid her respects to the 88 Australians who were killed in the terrorist attack.

The Governor-General addressed guests and spoke highly of the resilient and courageous spirit shown by those who assisted survivors in the aftermath of the attack.