The Governor-General met the inaugural Prime Minister’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award recipient, Dr Laura Bray.
Dr Bray, a researcher a the Queensland University of Technology, will use the $118,000 post-doctoral assistance award to undertake research in Dresden, Germany over two years with the aim of developing a new clinical therapy for patients with painful eye disorders.
On Wednesday 5 December 2012, in Parkes, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Director, Dr Ron Radford AM, visited the National Gallery of Australia.
Afterwards, at Government House, the Governor-General hosted a Children’s Christmas party for students from schools in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding region.
Later, the Governor-General met with students from Oakleigh South Primary School.
Over 1000 primary school students, their parents and carers from Canberra and the surrounding region enjoyed a day of activities, close encounters and a special visit from Santa Claus during the Governor-General’s Children’s Christmas Party at Government House.
During the day, Ms Bryce joined the students from over 80 schools watching activities including a sheep dog demonstration, pony rides, a petting zoo and a reptile exhibit.
On Tuesday 4 December 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO received the High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, Mr Jon Richardson.
Later, the Governor-General received delegates from Obesity Australia.
The Governor-General met members of a study delegation from Obesity Australia at Government House, Canberra.
On Monday 3 December 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO received Ms Claire Mitchell, Mrs Julie Mitchell and Mr Bill Mitchell.
Afterwards, the Governor-General received the Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Spain, Ms Jane Hardy.
Later the Governor-General received the Ambassador-designate to the Russian Federation, Mr Paul Myler.
On Saturday 1 December 2012, at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as guests of the Ambassador of the White Cloud Foundation, Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC MG, and Patron of the Heart Foundation of the ACT, Mr Richard Rolfe OAM, attended the Cross Your Heart event.
Afterwards, the Governor-General presented the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to Corporal Daniel Keighran VC.
The Governor-General was invited by the Ambassador of the White Cloud Foundation, Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC MG, to attend the inaugural Cross Your Heart event at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
The event raises funds for both the Heart Foundation ACT, which Ms Bryce is the organisation’s National Patron, and the White Cloud Foundation, which provides resources and access support for people living with depression.
The Governor-General presented The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal to Corporal Daniel Keighran VC at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
The medal is awarded to Australians who are living holders of the Victoria Cross for Australia, the George Cross and the Cross of Valour.
The Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, Australian Victoria Cross recipients Cpl Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC MG, Mr Keith Payne VC OAM, and George Cross recipient Mr Michael Pratt GC were present at the ceremony.
The Governor-General, as Commander-in-Chief, presented No. 2 Squadron with their military colours at RAAF Base Williamtown, Newcastle.
Ms Bryce was accorded a Royal Salute and inspected the parade and band before formally presenting the colours to the Colour Bearer.
Describing the squadron as the most highly decorated in the RAAF, the Governor-General said the unit represented “the very finest qualities of the Australian Defence Force”.
