Townsville, QLD

On Wednesday 16 May 2018, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), as Commander-in-Chief, and Lady Cosgrove, attended a parade at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Coral. At the parade, the Governor-General presented the new Regimental Colours to 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and affixed a Unit Gallantry Citation streamer in recognition of the unit’s actions during the Battle of Coral in the Vietnam War.

Afterwards, as guests of Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin McLennan, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove attended a morning tea with veterans and serving members.

Then, at Townsville Hospital, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of Mrs Amy Cooper, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, unveiled a plaque during the official dedication of the Ronald McDonald Family Room.

Later, as guests of Ms Adrienne Power, Director Reef HQ , Their Excellencies visited the Turtle Hospital where they met with staff members and students from St Patrick’s College, QLD participating in the Reef Guardian Schools program.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove visited students and researchers at James Cook University, Townsville, as guests of Chancellor Bill Tweddell.

In the evening, the Governor-General attended a Mess dinner in honour of Coral Veterans at Lavarack Barracks, as guest of Lieutenant Colonel McLennan.