As Patron-in-Chief of Kidney Health Australia (KHA), the Governor-General presented Professor David Harris with the Priscilla Kincaid-Smith Medal during a visit to Westmead Hospital in Sydney.

On arrival, KHA’s CEO, Mrs Anne Wilson, and Medical Director, Dr Tim Mathew, escorted Ms Bryce through the hospital’s renal unit where she met patients and researchers.

The Governor-General later joined KHA staff and supporters for the medal presentation where she praised Professor Harris’ continuing contribution to the field of nephrology in Australia and around the world.

The Governor-General, as Patron of the Salvation Army, and Mr Michael Bryce met young staff undertaking vocational training at Café Horizons in Cabramatta.

The General Manager of the Salvation Army’s Youthlink, Mr John Drew, greeted Ms Bryce before she joined the young people for an informal lunch and discussions about their involvement with the café.

Café Horizons was opened in 2001 to cater for a need to provide vocational training to local young people who had dropped out of school.

The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce made a special visit to Cabramatta Public School to meet students and their families during the school’s annual Community Day.

Ms Bryce and Mr Bryce watched several musical performances during a cultural assembly before being escorted through the school and stalls by the Principal, Mr John Rice, Assistant Principal, Mr Rob Webster, and Deputy Principal, Ms Margaret Creagh.

The multicultural school has over 765 students from over 40 different cultural backgrounds.

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.

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.

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 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.