Mer Island; Badu Island; Thursday Island, QLD

On Friday 10 August 2018, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove, met with the ship’s company of ADV Cape Inscription during the ship’s logistics visit to Thursday Island, as guests of Lieutenant Commander Luke Weston RAN.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove travelled to Mer Island, and were welcomed by the Mer Island community during a traditional ceremony as guests of Mr Aven Noah, Member for Mer, Torres Strait Regional Authority.

Then, Their Excellencies laid a wreath at the grave of Eddie Koiki Mabo, as guests of Mr Alo Tapim, a Senior Elder of the Mer Island community.

Later, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove visited staff and students at Tagai State College Mer Eruer Uteb campus, as guests of Head of Campus, Mr Peter Hincks.

In the afternoon, Their Excellencies travelled to Badu Island and were officially welcomed by Mr Horace Baira, Member for Badu, Torres Strait Regional Authority, at Badu Island airport.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove visited Tagai State College Badhulgaw Ngurpay Lag campus, as guests of the Acting Head of Campus, Mr Stephen Foster. Then, Their Excellencies visited the Badu Arts Centre, where they viewed works produced by local artists, as guests of Councillor Laurie Nona, Torres Strait Islands Regional Council.

Later, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove visited the Torres Strait Regional Authority Ranger Station, Badu Island, as guests of Mr Troy Stow, Senior Ranger Supervisor.

In the evening, Their Excellencies returned to Thursday Island before attending a dinner hosted by the Torres Strait Regional Authority, as guests of Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM.