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Governor-General's program

Governor-General joins veterans to mark Battle of the Coral Sea 70th anniversary

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.

Announcement of the overall winner of Australian Tidy Towns 2012

The Governor-General congratulated 2012 Australian Tidy Towns Award winner Caloundra, Queensland, during an event at Government House in Canberra.

Ms Bryce, who is Patron of Keep Australia Beautiful, presented a trophy to the winners and congratulated all finalists from towns across the country for their contribution, enthusiasm and commitment.

The 2012 finalists included Kyogle, New South Wales, Mornington, Victoria, West Arthur, Western Australia, Mount Gambier, South Australia, Wynyard, Tasmania, and Wugularr (Beswick), Northern Territory.

Giralang Primary School; ACT Brumbies

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.

Governor-General unveils Rats of Tobruk Memorial Wall

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.

Investiture Ceremony at Government House

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.

Governor-General marks 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea

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.

Investiture Ceremony; Governor of Western Australia

On Wednesday 2 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.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce farewelled the Governor of Victoria the Honourable Alexander Chernov AC QC and Mrs Elizabeth Chernov as houseguests.

In the evening, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce received the Governor of Western Australia, Mr Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC and Mrs Tonya McCusker as house guests.