On Saturday 17 January 2009, following the departure from Australia of the Governor-General Ms Quent...

On Saturday 17 January 2009, following the departure from Australia of the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE on a visit to the Republic of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Proclamation assuming the Administration of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia was signed by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO.

Afterwards at Jigamy Farm, Pambula, NSW, the Administrator and Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE, as guests of Pastor Ossie Cruise, attended a ceremony, at which the Administrator planted a tree in the grounds of Jigamy Farm. In the afternoon, at Eden Killer Whale Museum, Eden, the Administrator and Sir Nicholas attended a Community Reception hosted by the Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Council, Cr Tony Allen. In the evening, at the Bega Downs Motel, Eden, the Administrator and Sir Nicholas attended the Bega Valley Shire Youth Leaders Dinner at which the Administrator, as Guest of Honour, delivered an address. Later, in Singapore, at the Residence of the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Doug Chester, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce attended a dinner hosted in their honour by the High Commissioner.