Visit to Cocos (Keeling) Islands

On Saturday 8 November 2014, on Direction Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Shire President of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Mr Aindil Minkom, attended a community event at which the Governor-General officially opened the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Sydney-Emden Gazebo and Direction Island Interpretative Trails, in the presence of families and friends of the descendants of the crews of HMAS Sydney and SMS Emden.

Afterwards, on Home Island, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove met with members of the local community; watched a traditional Jukong Race at which the Governor-General presented medals; and later visited the Home Island Museum.

Later, on West Island, at the Cocos Island District High School, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Principal, Mr Ray Denholm, met with students, local residents and descendants of the crews of HMAS Sydney and SMS Emden.