Visit to Wagga Wagga and Coonabarabran

On Monday 18 February 2013, in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as guests of the Manager, Mrs Susan Macgillycuddy, met with staff and clients at the Kurrajong Waratah Early Intervention Centre.

Afterwards, at the Kapooka Army Recruit Training Centre, the Governor-General, as Commander-in-Chief, and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Commandant, Colonel David Hay, met with recruits and viewed recruit training activities.

Then, in Coonabarabran, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Mayor of the Warrumbungle Shire Council, Councillor Peter Shinton, attended a community barbeque and met with local residents.

In the afternoon, at the Siding Spring Observatory, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Acting Director, Emergency Response and Recovery Team, Mr Andrew Hopkins, viewed the Australian Astronomical Observatory and met with staff and Parks and Wildlife Officers.

Later, at a fire damaged property in Coonabarabran, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Camp Coordinator, Mr Laurie Dawson, met with BlazeAid volunteers.

Then, at the Volunteer Rescue Association, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the President of the Coonabarabran Volunteer Rescue Association, Mr Guy Andrews, met with Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service members and volunteers.

In the evening, at the Coonabarabran Showgrounds, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce attended a dinner with BlazeAid volunteers.