Governor's Program

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, as Patron, attended the Melbourne Athenaeum’s 185th anniversary afternoon tea reception, where she gave an address to mark the milestone.

In the afternoon at Government House, members of the public visited for a guided twilight tour of the gardens. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, visited the Port of Melbourne, where she met with Saul Cannon, Chief Executive Officer, Leigh Petschel, Chief Financial Officer, and Sarah Browne, Executive General Manager, Corporate Relations, Port of Melbourne.

Following this, the Governor was escorted on a tour of the Port, where she received a briefing on its operations and visited several precincts, including Victoria Dock and Webb Dock East.

Later, the Governor received the call of His Excellency Mr Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, and Scott Bradford, Acting Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Victoria State Office.

In the morning at Government House, members of the public visited for a guided tour of the gardens.

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, visited Dandenong Magistrates’ Court where she received a briefing from the Honourable Justice Lisa Hannan, Chief Magistrate of Victoria, Magistrate Frances Medina, Dandenong Regional Coordinating Magistrate, and Jane Craig, Executive Director, Court Operations.

Then, as Patron of Court Network, the Governor met with Court Network volunteers and received a briefing on the supports provided by the Network at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

Following this, the Governor received a briefing from Magistrate Jacinta Studham and practitioners on the Assessment and Referral Court and Koori Court operations.

Then, the Governor was escorted on a tour of the Specialist Family Violence Court where she received a briefing on courtroom upgrades designed to support the safety and wellbeing of people affected by family violence.

In the afternoon, the Governor visited Dandenong Primary School where she met with Terri Truscott, Assistant Principal, and School Captains. The School Captains escorted the Governor on a tour of the School’s campus, which is marking its 150th anniversary year.

Then, the Governor met with parents from Dandenong Primary School’s Community Hub and shared in a traditional Afghan lunch.

Following this, the Governor visited A.W. Bell, where she received a briefing from Sam Bell, Chief Executive Officer, and Jo Murtagh, Head of Sales and Marketing.

Then, the Governor toured the facility and met with staff, including Levi Konnerth, Winner of Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, provided Royal Assent before presiding at a meeting of the Executive Council.

Later, the Governor received the call of Magistrate Pauline Spencer.

Then, the Governor welcomed Kitchen Garden Program participants from the McAuley Community Services for Women to Government House.

In the afternoon, the Governor received the call of Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN, Chief of Navy, and Commodore Greg Yorke AM CSC RAN, Senior Naval Officer of Victoria. Following this, the Governor was conferred the rank of Honorary Commodore in the Royal Australian Navy by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.

In the evening, the Governor attended the opening night of Melbourne Theatre Company's 'My Brilliant Career' at the Southbank Theatre.

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, attended the 2024 Victorian State Remembrance Service where she met with Captain Stephen Bowater OAM, Chair, Shrine of Remembrance Trustees, before conducting an inspection of the Australian Defence Force Tri-Service Guard.

Following this, the Governor laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Victoria and gave the annual Remembrance Day Address.

In the morning at Government House, participants from the City of Greater Dandenong visited for a guided tour of the State Apartments. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, attended the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards for Victoria at the Arts Centre Melbourne, where she gave an address and presented awards to finalists and winners in the four categories: Australian of the Year for Victoria, Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria, Young Australian of the Year for Victoria and Local Hero for Victoria.

In the morning at Government House, members of the public visited for a guided tour of the State Apartments. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, provided Royal Assent before presiding at a meeting of the Executive Council.

Later, the Governor received the welcome call of Tokuro Furuya, Consul-General of Japan, and Natsuko Harada-Miguchi, Deputy Consul-General of Japan.

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, attended the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup, Flemington Racecourse, where she met with Vin Cox, Board Member, Victoria Racing Club, and Nic Cox.

Then, the Governor attend the Chairman’s Melbourne Cup lunch.

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, hosted a reception on the eve of the 2024 Melbourne Cup and gave an address to mark the occasion. 

The Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, attended the 2024 Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, Flemington Racecourse, where she met with Neil Wilson, Chairman, Victoria Racing Club, and Stephanie Wilson.

In the Mounting Yard, the Governor received the Vice-Regal Salute before meeting with Victoria Racing Club Board Members.

Then, the Governor attend the Chairman’s Derby Day lunch. Following lunch, the Chairman escorted the Governor on a tour of the Birdcage Enclosure, where Her Excellency visited the Penfolds, Lexus, G.H. Mumm and Channel Nine marquees.