The Governor-General and World War II veterans marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea at Government House.

Ms Bryce joined Australian veterans Mr Gordon Johnson and Mr Derek Holyoake, who served on HMAS Hobart, and United States of America USS Lexington CV-2 veterans Mr Julius Frey and Mr Cecil Wiswell, for morning tea to commemorate their service during the campaign in May 1942.

On Tuesday 8 May 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO hosted a morning tea in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received students from Ormond College, University of Melbourne, Mr John Davis and Ms Lucy Broughton, and former Ormond College student Ms Naomi Wynn.

Later, the Governor-General, as Patron, hosted an afternoon tea for Keep Australia Beautiful, at which the Governor-General presented an award to the Australian Tidy Towns 2012 winner.

The Governor-General marked International Nurses and Midwives Week with nurses and midwives from across the Canberra region at Government House.

Speaking to over 100 guests, Ms Bryce stressed the important and continuing role nurses and midwives play in the health and wellbeing of Australian society.

On Saturday 5 May 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, hosted a reception in recognition of International Nurses and Midwives Week.

In the evening, at Canberra Stadium, Mr Bryce, as Patron, attended the ACT Brumbies versus NSW Waratahs rugby union match.

The Governor-General unveiled a Rats of Tobruk Memorial Wall in front of World War II veterans, school students and teachers at Giralang Primary School in Canberra.

Ms Bryce officially unveiled the Memorial Wall following the school’s Anzac Day assembly where she laid a wreath in honour of the sacrifices of Australian servicemen and women.

The President of the ACT Rats of Tobruk Association, Mr Ken Gillam, also laid a wreath during the assembly.

On Friday 4 May 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE farewelled the Governor of Western Australia, Mr Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC and Mrs Tonya McCusker as house guests.

In the afternoon, at Giralang Primary School, the Governor-General, as guest of the Principal, Mrs Trish Keller OAM, attended an ANZAC Day Memorial Assembly and unveiled the school’s new Rats of Tobruk Memorial Wall.

Earlier, at the Realm Hotel, Barton, Mr Bryce, as Patron, attended the ACT Brumbies State of the Union lunch.

The Governor-General laid a wreath during the Battle of the Coral Sea Commemorative Service held at Sir Thomas Blamey Square in Russell, Canberra. The ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the World War II battle.

Ms Bryce and Mr Michael Bryce joined the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Ms Janet Napolitano, the Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Admiral Scott Swift, the Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr Jeffrey Bleich, and political and Defence representatives at the service.

In a ceremony at Government House in Canberra, the Governor-General invested 39 recipients of the 2012 Australia Day Honours and Awards.

The Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC, was appointed a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia for his service to the people of Western Australia.

The Governor-General also appointed Mr William Bowtell AO and Professor Charles MacKenzie AO as Officers in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

On Thursday 3 May 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE attended, and the Governor-General, as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, conducted an investiture ceremony.

The Governor-General invested 43 recipients of the 2012 Australia Day Honours and Awards during a ceremony at Government House in Canberra.

The Governor of Victoria, His Excellency the Honourable Alex Chernov AC, was appointed a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia for his service to the people of Victoria.

Mr Terence Francis Moran AC was also appointed a Companion for his eminent service to the community throughout his public service career.