Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

On Thursday 2 April 2020, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), presided over a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received a telephone call from the Honourable Darren Chester MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, and Ms Liz Cosson AM CSC, Secretary, Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Then, the Governor-General spoke with senior members of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service regarding the impact of the 2019/20 fire season, including telephone calls with Mr Paul Johnston, Captain, Nymboida Rural Fire Brigade; Mr Richard Dillon, Captain, Ewingar Rural Fire Brigade; and Ms Jane Hollier, Coordinator Operations.

The Governor-General also received a telephone call from representatives of the Bravery Trust, including Mr Peter Fitzpatrick AO AM (Mil), Chair, and Ms Belinda Wilson, Chief Executive Officer.

Later, the Governor-General received a telephone call from representatives of The United Nations Association of Australia, including Mr Mario D'Elia, National President, and Mr Lachlan Hunter, National Executive Director, and Ms Louisa Minney, National Secretary.

Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley also spoke with her patronages regarding the impact of COVID-19, including a telephone call with senior representatives of Paint the Town REaD, Ms Kate Arthur, Board Chairperson, and Ms Barbie Bates, Executive Director. Later, Mrs Hurley received a telephone call from Ms Tanya Cameron, National President, Country Women’s Association of Australia.