Visit to Vanuatu

On Thursday 2 July 2015, at Mala Base, Port Vila, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of Acting Commissioner, Vanuatu Police Force, Assistant Commissioner Job Esau and Maritime Surveillance Adviser, Lieutenant Commander Bobby Lewis RAN, met with members of the Vanuatu Police Force Maritime Wing and viewed an Australian sponsored Pacific Patrol Boat.

Afterwards, at the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Coordinator, Ms Merilyn Tahi, met with volunteers and staff, and were briefed on women’s empowerment programs.

Later, at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove met with the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, the Honourable Sato Kilman.

Then, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove attended a meeting with the Director General of the Vanuatu Reconstruction Authority, Mr Johnson Naviti, to discuss the recovery and rebuild following Cyclone Pam.

Afterwards, in Tanna, Vanuatu, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, accompanied by the Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, His Excellency Mr Jeremy Bruer, hosted a lunch at White Grass Resort and met with community members affected by Cyclone Pam.

Later, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Principal, Mr Sebastian Larapia, met with students and teachers at Lenakel Harbour View Primary School.

Then, at Lenakel Hospital, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Acting Administrator, Mr Lui Naling, met with medical staff and viewed Australian funded medical programs and infrastructure refurbishments.

Afterwards, the Governor-General, as Patron, and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Program Director, Ms Inga Mepham, met with representatives of CARE Australia and received a brief on Australia’s response efforts following Cyclone Pam.

In the evening, at the High Commissioner’s Residence, Port Vila, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove attended a reception hosted by the Australian High Commissioner for the Australian community volunteering, working and living in Vanuatu.