Skip to main content

Commonwealth Day Celebration Service; Centenary of Canberra ‘Canberra Bells' Planting Ceremony

On Monday 12 March 2012, at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Barton, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE attended the Commonwealth Day Celebration Service ‘Connecting Cultures’, at which the Governor-General read Her Majesty The Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message.

Afterwards, in the gardens of Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce hosted a planting ceremony, at which the Governor-General planted the ‘Canberra Bells’ in recognition of Canberra’s Centenary in 2013.

Canberra Bells planting ceremony

In recognition of the centenary of Canberra in 2013, the Governor-General and the ACT Chief Minister, Ms Katy Gallagher, planted two "Canberra Bells" correas in the native garden at Government House. The "Canberra Bells" correa is a native hybrid developed especially to mark the anniversary of the national capital. Ms Bryce was joined in the planting ceremony by Ms Gallagher's daughters, Abby and Evie. She was welcomed by the Creative Director for the Centenary of Canberra Unit, Ms Robyn Archer AO.

2012 Cooma Show

On Saturday 10 March 2012, at Cooma Show Grounds, New South Wales, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE attended the 2012 Cooma Show, at which the Governor-General, as Patron of Australian Year of the Farmer, officially opened the show.

Official Opening:Cooma Show

After a week of rain, the sun came out in time for the Governor-General to open the 137th annual Cooma Show, at the foot of the Snowy Mountains. The town's Showground was teeming with farmers enjoying a good season. Ms Bryce and Mr Michael Bryce caught up with showgoers while viewing some of the displays in the pavilion and the sheep judging. The Governor-General awarded the coveted blue ribbon to an 18 month old ram carrying the superfine wool for which the region is renowned.

Governor-General marks International Women's Day

The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce joined multicultural community representatives, women leaders, veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force in celebrating the 101st International Women’s Day at Admiralty House, Sydney.

On March the 9th, Ms Bryce met guests from a variety of ex-service organisations, including the Australian Women’s Land Army, the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service, the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and military Nursing Corps.

International Women's Day Breakfast; Older Women's Network Australia

On Wednesday 7 March 2012, at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO attended the United Nations Women Australia Sydney International Women’s Day Breakfast.

Then, at Admiralty House, the Governor-General, as Patron, and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, hosted an afternoon tea for the Older Women’s Network Australia, to mark International Women’s Day 2012.