On Monday 8 December 2008, Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC rece...

On Monday 8 December 2008, Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC received the High Commissioner???designate to South Africa, Ms Ann Harrap.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received the Ambassador of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, His Excellency Mr Viktor Gaber and Professor Biljana Sekulovska-Gaber. Later, the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE hosted a reception for 2008 Graduands of the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College of Australia. In the evening, the Governor-General received the Prime Minister, the Honourable Kevin Rudd MP. The Governor-General provided the following message of support to the India Australia Association of Canberra, read at the multi-faith memorial service for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai: As you gather in Peace Park to remember the fallen and find courage in peace and friendship, what lies at the heart of your gathering is a shared humanity: shared across borders, faiths, and families; shared across transgression and loss. Subdued by these violent acts, we nevertheless find hope in our solidarity and promise in the strength of what we share. I think of the words of Indian activist and writer Arundhati Roy, who urged us: To never get used to unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life. To seek joy in the saddest places. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. To watch. To understand. To never walk away. Her words resonate today. My thoughts are with you as you meet in their spirit. Earlier, at Calvary John James Hospital, Deakin, Mr Bryce as Patron, attended the Friends of Calvary John James Hospital Christmas Function.