Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

On Wednesday 1 April 2020, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), received a telephone call from the Honourable Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia.

Afterwards, the Governor-General spoke with senior representatives of his patronages regarding the impact of COVID-19. This included telephone calls with Ms Sharon McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Stroke Foundation; and Ms Jodette Kotz, Chief Executive Officer, Parkinson’s Australia.

Later, the Governor-General received a telephone call from Councillor Peter Petty, Mayor, Tenterfield Shire Council, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in the wake of the community's bushfire recovery efforts.

Then, the Governor-General received a telephone call from Mr Adrian Sutter, Founder, Swiss 8 Stomp.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley held a virtual story reading for children to assist the community in staying connected during the impact of COVID-19.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received a telephone call from Mr Andrew Penfold AM, Executive Director, The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, to discuss the impact of COVID-19.

Later, Mrs Hurley recorded video messages for her patronages regarding the importance of kindess and staying connected during the impact of COVID-19. This included messages for Hartley Lifecare; The Infant’s Home Child and Family Services; Karinya House; L’Arche Genesaret; and the Good Life Chorus.

Then, the Governor-General received a telephone call from Mr John Landerer CBE AM, Chair, Prince’s Trust Australia, to discuss the impact of COVID-19.