Residence of the Governor
Government House was purpose-built as a residence for the Governor in 1876. It continues to fulfil that purpose today as the residence of the Governor.
Events
The Governor hosts events at Government House which contribute to the Governor's four main areas of responsibility: constitutional, ceremonial, community and international.
All events at Government House are hosted by the Governor. Government House is not available for political, commercial or fundraising purposes, and is not hired as a function venue to members of the public.
A diverse range of events
Government House hosts up to 200 events annually for up to 900 guests at a time, including Order of Australia investiture ceremonies and receptions to mark significant milestones for community organisations.
Other events include:
- Numerous community awards ceremonies, including the Victorian Senior of the Year, the Victorian Multicultural Awards and the Volunteering Awards
- Annual Open Days that attract up to 20,000 visitors into the grounds, offering live performances and free self-guided tours of the State Apartments
- Free concerts in the Ballroom featuring acts such as the jazz trio ‘Torio!’ and performers from Opera Australia, as part of the Governor’s Performance Series
- The transformation of the Ballroom into a card house for a Victorian Bridge Playing Community Game
- The ASEAN Leaders’ Lunch and Retreat for eleven Heads of State as part of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit
- A reception and dinner in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium and a delegation of business representatives from Belgium
- A Treaty and First Peoples morning tea to bring together First Peoples representatives in the State.
Other types of events at Government House include morning teas to thank patronage organisations for the work they do; receptions to welcome delegates visiting Victoria as part of major international conferences; and hosting presentations to recognise the service and achievement Victorians.
Government House, Victoria, has hosted meetings of both the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN).
Business offices
The Governor conducts their daily work, holds meetings and receives callers at Government House. Staff from the Office of the Governor, who support the Governor to carry out their official duties and who are responsible for maintaining the house and its grounds, also have offices at Government House.