Weipa, QLD; Thursday Island, QLD

On Thursday 9 August 2018, at RAAF Base Scherger, North Queensland, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove, met with ADF personnel from the 5th Aviation Regiment and their family members.

Afterwards, Their Excellencies travelled to Thursday Island and were welcomed by Councillor Vonda Malone, Mayor of the Torres Shire Council and Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority.

Later, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove attended a welcome to country ceremony at Tagai State School, and met with staff and students, as guests of Ms Suberia Bowie, Head of Campus.

Then, Their Excellencies visited Queensland TAFE’s Thursday Island campus, where they met with staff and students as guests of Executive Principal, Mrs Judith Ketchell.

In the afternoon, Their Excellencies visited Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, where they presented awards to students as guests of the Principal, Mrs Majella Lynch-Harlow.

Afterwards, Their Excellencies visited 51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment – a Regional Force Surveillance Unit – at Sarpeye Barracks. During the visit, Their Excellencies received a briefing on current operations and met with patrol members as guests of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Rutherford.

Later, Their Excellencies visited the Green Hill Fort and Museum, where they viewed historical displays, as guests of Ms Lesley Peddell, President of the Torres Strait Museum and Historical Society Association.

In the evening, Their Excellencies attended a civic reception at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, where they met with members of the community, as guests of Councillor Malone.