On Wednesday 8 August 2012, at the Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Parkville, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Executive Director, Professor Patrick McGorry AO, officially launched the Orygen Youth Health Family Peer Support Manual, and met with staff and clients.
The Governor-General, on her second visit to Orygen Youth Health (OYH) Research Centre in Parkville, Melbourne, was invited by Executive Director Professor Patrick McGorry AO to officially launch their Family Peer Support Manual.
Ms Bryce congratulated principal writer Dr Margaret Leggatt and contributors for creating a publication that offers practical advice, expertise, experience and wisdom to readers.
After the launch, the Governor-General met Orygen Youth Health staff members and clients.
The Governor-General and veterans of the 39th Infantry Battalion joined together to reflect on the 70th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Kokoda at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
Addressing the commemorative service, the Governor-General spoke of 39th Infantry Battalion’s selfless and courageous actions before laying a wreath in The Sanctuary. The 138 names of the Battle’s fallen were then read by veteran Mr George Cops.
After the service, Ms Bryce met veterans and family members in the Shrine’s Visitor Centre.
On Monday 6 August 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE hosted the annual Winston Churchill Memorial Trust ACT Presentation Ceremony, at which the Governor-General, as Patron-in-Chief, presented fellowships and medallions.
Earlier, Mr Bryce received the President of the Australian Celtic Arts Fund, Mr Clem Rook, and the Commissioner-at-Large of the Clan Johnston/e Association Australia, Mrs Dorothy Rook.
The Governor-General, as Patron-in-Chief of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, presented 2012 Churchill Fellowship Awards and Medallions to ACT recipients during a ceremony at Government House, Canberra.
This year’s recipients included Dr Alex Bahar Fuchs, Mr Terence Eveston, Mr Bruce Ferrington, Mr. David Finnigan (represented by his mother Mrs Margaret Finnigan), Ms Robyn Forester, Miss Laura Elizabeth Jellins, Mr Dax Liniere, Ms Dianna Nixon, Mr Paul Thorpe, Ms Josephine Alchin, Dr Amber Beavis, and Dr Haylee Weaver.
On Friday 3 August 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO received the Principal of Julie M White and Associates, Ms Julie White.
Afterwards, at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, Yarramundi, the Governor-General, as Patron and guest of the Founding Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Waverley Stanley, attended the 2012 Yalari Graduation Ceremony and presented certificates to graduating students.
The Governor-General, as Patron of Yalari, presented graduation certificates to 20 indigenous students from around Australia during a ceremony at the Australian Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, Canberra.
Mr Waverly Stanley, Founding Director and CEO of Yalari, welcomed Ms Bryce who later met each student and commended them on their efforts at school.
The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce welcomed ten Permanent Representatives to the United Nations to Government House, Canberra.
Ms Bryce and Mr Bryce hosted an afternoon tea for the delegation, which has been engaged in meetings across Australia.
The afternoon tea was also attended by Canberra-based Heads of Mission, as well as United Nations and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade representatives.
On Thursday 2 August 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.
Afterwards, the Governor-General received the High Commissioner-designate to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Todd Mercer.
Later, the Governor-General received the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic, His Excellency Mr Alexios Christopoulos.
The Governor-General launched the book The Forgotten Holocaust: A Gypsy’s Journey from Auschwitz to Freedom at the National Library of Australia, Canberra.
Written by Ms Caroline Cooper MVO, the book is a fictional story about an English Gypsy who survives internment in a Polish concentration camp and migrates to Australia.
Ms Bryce congratulated Ms Cooper on her achievement, describing it as a labour of love, dedication and determination.
