Visit to the bushfire affected areas in Tasmania

On Wednesday 6 February 2013, at St Martin’s Anglican Church, Dunalley, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Mayor of Sorrell Council, Councillor Kerry Vincent, received a briefing on the recent fires and emergency response by Commander Peter Edwards of Tasmania Police, and Chief Officer Mike Brown of the Tasmania Fire Service.

Afterwards, the Governor-General, as guest of the owners, Mr Ray Schwanke and Ms Sue Madden, viewed the fire damage to Blue Lagoon Oysters.

Later, the Governor-General, as guest of the Principal, Mr Matt Kenny, met with teachers and builders at Dunalley Primary School and viewed the reconstruction efforts.

Then, the Governor-General met with Mr Noel Young and Mrs Judy Young at the site where their house had been destroyed by fire.

Afterwards, in Murdunna, the Governor-General met with Mr Luke Miller, Mrs Anita Millar and their children at the site where their house stood before the recent bushfires.

Later, at the Murraville Golf Club, Dunalley, the Governor-General hosted a community lunch for those residents, volunteers and emergency workers affected by the fires.

Earlier, at Sydney International Airport, the Governor-General was represented at the transit through Australia of the President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency the Honourable Anote Tong MP, by Commander Paul Doble ADC RAN, Honorary Aide-de-Camp.