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Governor-General's program

Governor-General visits Kiribati

As part of her visit to several Pacific nations, the Governor-General arrived in Kiribati, to be welcomed by the Police Service Guard of Honours, some enthusiastic schoolchidren, and the presentation of a traditional headdress. Later in the day, Ms Bryce attended a State reception, followed by a meeting with the President of Kiribati, His Excellency President Anote Tong. The Governor-General toured the Marine Training Centre and watched a simulation at sea, before visiting the Kiribati Institute of Technology and laying a wreath at the Betio Coastwatcher's Memorial.

St Vincent's Private Hospital Young Adults Mental Health Unit Opening; State Funeral of the King of Tonga

On Tuesday 27 March 2012, at Government House, Sydney, the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, received the Honorary Consul-General and Trade Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mr Ron Wakil. The Administrator also received Mrs Wakil.

Afterwards, at the Consulate-General of Kingdom of Tonga, North Sydney, the Administrator signed a condolence book for the late King of Tonga, His Majesty King George Tupou V.

Tonga: Funeral for the late King of Tonga, His Majesty King George Tupou V

The Governor-General represented Australia at the funeral for the late King of Tonga, His Majesty King George Tupou V. Ms Bryce joined the Kingdom of Tonga’s Royal Family members, international and diplomatic representatives, and the Tongan people during a funeral service in the nation's capital, Nuku' Alofa. The late King’s casket, covered in the Tongan Royal Standard, was carried to the Tombs on a large black platform, following the slow-march of members of the Tongan Defence Force and band.

Administration Proclamation; Jeremy Bowdler Service; Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology; Academic Dinner at Sancta Sofia College

On Monday 26 March 2012, following the departure of the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO on a regional visit to the Pacific, the Proclamation assuming the Administration of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia was signed by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO.

In the afternoon, at Magnolia Chapel, Macquarie Park Crematorium, Sydney, the Administrator attended a funeral service for the late Mr Jeremy Bowdler.

Afterwards, at Government House, Sydney, the Administrator received Mr Peter Bassett.

Memorial Service for the late Mrs Margaret Whitlam AO

On Friday 23 March 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO received the Shadow-Attorney General, Shadow Minister for the Arts, and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator the Honourable George Brandis SC.

Later, at St James Church, Sydney, the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE attended a Memorial Service for the late Mrs Margaret Whitlam AO.

Credentials

On Thursday 22 March 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO received from His Excellency Mr Maris Sangiampongsa, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Saksee Phromyothi (Minister Counsellor), Group Captain Suksom Sukasam (Defence and Air Attache) and Ms Tachaphorn Suntrajarn (First Secretary). The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE also received Mrs Kokan Sangiampongsa.

Federal Executive Council; Swearing-in Ceremony; Investiture Ceremony

On Wednesday 21 March 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE attended a ceremony at which the Governor-General administered the Affirmation of Office to the Administrator-Designate of the Territory of Norfolk Island, Mr Neil Pope.

Later, the Governor-General, as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, and Mr Bryce hosted an investiture ceremony.