Nowra, Milton, Conjola Park, Lake Conjola, HMAS Albatross, New South Wales

On Wednesday 15 January 2020, Their Excellencies, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Linda Hurley travelled to Nowra, New South Wales.

On arrival, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Superintendent Mark Williams, District Manager, received a briefing at the Fire Control Centre on bushfire recovery activities, and also met with Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as Joint Patrons of the Country Women’s Association and guests of Ms Jenny Coulson, President, and Ms Carol Wingley, Secretary, visited the CWA Milton Branch and met volunteers assisting with bushfire recovery.

Later, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Councillor Amanda Findley, Mayor, Shoalhaven City Council, visited the Milton Disaster Relief Centre at the Milton Showgrounds.

Then, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley travelled to Conjola Park and Lake Conjola where they met local residents, MAJGEN Peter Dunn AO (Retd) and Mr Shane Allen, and inspected bushfire damage to residential areas.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley visited Tilly & Mo Café in Lake Conjola and met community members and local business owners affected by the bushfires.

Later, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of MAJGEN Dunn (Retd), visited the Lake Conjola Community Hall and met with community members and Ms Patricia White, Deputy Mayor, Shoalhaven City Council.

Then, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Mr Brad and Mrs Hayley MacDougall, Owners, visited the Holiday Haven Caravan Park in Lake Conjola.

In the evening, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of CDRE Donald Dezentje CSM RAN, Commander Fleet Air Arm, visited ADF units from Joint Task Force 1110 supporting Operation Bushfire Assist, including elements of 7 Royal Australian Regiment, 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, 808 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Airforce and the Broadspectrum Fire Station at HMAS Albatross.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley returned to Admiralty House in Sydney.