Canberra, Australian Capital Territory; Beaufort, Pomonal, Victoria

On Wednesday 6 March 2024, Their Excellencies General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Linda Hurley travelled from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, to Beaufort, Victoria.

On arrival, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Councillor Robert Vance, Mayor, Pyrenees Shire Council, received a briefing on the impact of recent bushfires and the progress of recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Then, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Mr Tony Neville, Captain, met with staff and volunteer members of the Beaufort Fire Station. 

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Councillor Vance, attended a lunch with representatives of the Beaufort community. 

In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Councillor Bob Sanders, Mayor, Ararat Rural City Council, visited the Pomonal Recovery Hub, where they met with service agency representatives, volunteers and bushfire-affected residents. 

Later, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Ms Belinda Wethers, Principal, visited Pomonal Primary School, where they met with teachers, students, and staff. 

Then, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Mr Matt Venn, Deputy Group Officer, visited and met with volunteer members of the Pomonal Rural Fire Brigade.   

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Ms Lynne McKinnon, Volunteer, visited the Pomonal Community Church and met with volunteers and local residents. 

Later, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, as guests of Ms Nadya Miller, Owner, visited and met with staff of the Pomonal General Store. 

In the evening, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, travelled from Pomonal, Victoria, to Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.