Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

On Wednesday 22 July 2020, Their Excellencies General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Linda Hurley received Letters of Credence accrediting Ms Satu Mervi Katriina Mattila-Budich as the Ambassador for the Republic of Finland. The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms Katja Karppinen, Deputy Head of Mission.

Afterwards, the Governor-General participated in an Australian Strategic Policy Institute webinar. Keynote speakers included the Honourable John Howard OM AC, Former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia.

Later, Mrs Hurley conducted a phone interview with Ms Debra Vermeer, Sisters of the Good Samaritan Foundation.

Then, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley received a phone call from Cr Greg Campbell, Mayor, Cloncurry Shire Council to discuss the progress of flood recovery efforts and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley received a phone call from Cr Greg Christensen, Mayor, Scenic Rim Regional Council, to discuss bushfire recovery efforts and responses to COVID-19.

Later, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley met with Cr Dominic King, Mayor, and Ms Liz Jeremy, General Manager, Bellingen Shire Council, via video conference to discuss the Shire’s recovery following long-term drought, bushfire and flood.

Then, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley received a phone call from Ms Debbie Locke, Coordinator, 2020 Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Charity Match, to discuss local responses to challenges including bushfire and the Coronavirus pandemic.