Opening of the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre, Penrith; Welcome of the 18th Chancellor of the University of Sydney; The 50th Edition of Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Awards; State Visit to Papua New Guinea

On Tuesday 23 April 2013, at Government House, Sydney, the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Special Visits Program, received the Advisor to the President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Lebanon, Mr Ziad Mikati.

Afterwards, in Penrith, the Administrator, as Patron, officially opened the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre.

Later, at the New Law School Building, University of Sydney, the Administrator, as Visitor and Immediate Past Chancellor, and Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE, attended the Welcome of the 18th Chancellor, Ms Belinda Hutchinson AM.

Then, at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park, the Administrator and Sir Nicholas attended the 50th Edition of Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Awards, at which the Administrator delivered an address.

Earlier, at Tokua Airport, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Governor of East New Britain, the Honourable Ereman Tobaining Jr, attended a ceremonial welcome, and as guest of the Commander of East New Britain Provincial Police, Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr, inspected a guard of honour.

Afterwards, at Butuwin Urban Clinic, Kokopo, the Governor-General, as guest of the Sister in Charge, Ms Connie Wuki, viewed the facilities and handed over medical supplies funded by the Australian Government.

Later, at Kokopo Primary School, the Governor-General, as guest of the Board Chairman, Mr Rex Novolu, met with students and teachers at a school assembly and presented books for the school library. Then, the Governor-General planted a tree to commemorate the visit, viewed the Australian funded classrooms, and read to the Grade 4 children.

Then, at Kokopo Beach Bungalows, the Governor-General, as guest of the Governor of East New Britain, attended a lunch hosted in her honour attended by the former Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Grand Chief Sir Paulias Matane GCL GCMG OBE.

Afterwards, at the Kokopo Magistrate’s Court, the Governor-General, as guest of the Senior Provincial Magistrate, Mr Samuel Lavutul, met with counsellors and victims of sexual violence.

Later, the Governor-General, as guest of the Officer in Charge of the Family Sexual Violence Unit, Senior Constable Edina Tinnie, received a briefing on the programs offered by the unit.

Then, at Bita Paka Commonwealth War Cemetery, the Governor-General, as guest of Lieutenant Colonel Steve McConnell, laid a floral tribute at the headstone of Australia’s first casualty of World War 1, Able Seaman William Williams. Afterwards, the Governor-General laid wreaths at the Cenotaph and the Montevideo Maru Memorial.