The Governor-General to Visit Southern Downs

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The Southern Downs region is set to host special dignitaries, The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove, when they visit Warwick and Stanthorpe next week, as part of a tour including the Southern Downs and neighbouring regions.

During their tour of the Southern Downs, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove will be attending a number of events including:

  • The official opening of the Warwick Show’s 150th Anniversary celebrations on Friday, 24 March 2017;
  • The official re-opening of the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, Saturday, 25 March 2017; and
  • A Civic Reception and commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery Building, Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery, Saturday, 25 March 2017.

Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said it is a great privilege to welcome the Queen’s Representative in Australia, the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and wife, Lady Cosgrove, to the Southern Downs region.

“There is much excitement about Their Excellencies’ impending visit and our region is most honoured to have the Governor-General officiating at several events.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase all that is wonderful about our diverse region and to raise the profile of the Southern Downs on the national stage,” said Cr Dobie.

This year marks a major milestone for the Warwick Show, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

“I’m sure that the army of enthusiastic, hardworking and dedicated exhibitors, entrants and volunteers, will serve-up a feast of thrills, entertainment and fabulous exhibits to enthral Their Excellencies, and everyone that plans to attend the Show,” she said.

The Governor-General will officially re-open the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, which was extensively damaged by fire last year. This ceremony will begin at 11.30am at the Civic Centre, 61 Marsh Street, and will include the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

“The public are very welcome to come along to the re-opening, and they will also have the opportunity to preview the newly restored and improved facility, which should serve the community for decades to come,” Cr Dobie said.

“For children and young people in particular, this visit is a wonderful opportunity to gain an understanding of the role of the Governor-General first-hand.

“Sir Peter is an impressive and engaging man and he and Lady Cosgrove are very keen to meet as many residents as possible during their visit.

“So I would encourage residents and visitors to head along to the Warwick Show on the Friday evening for the opening and to the Stanthorpe Civic Centre re-opening on March 25,” she said.

Following the re-opening of the Civic Centre, invited guests will attend a Civic Reception at the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery, with the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove to unveil a plaque commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery Building.

Their Excellencies will undertake a number of other activities during their tour including a visit to a Warwick Wolves Academy training session, Stanthorpe’s Australian Vinegar, and a proposed Naval Memorial in Stanthorpe.

Peter Cosgrove came to national attention in 1999 when, as Commander of the International Task Force East Timor, he was responsible for overseeing that country’s transition to independence. For his leadership in this role he was promoted to Companion in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (AC). Promoted to Lieutenant General, he was appointed Chief of Army in 2000. After further promotion to General, he served as Chief of the Defence Force from 2002-2005. He retired from the Australian Defence Force in 2005. He was named Australian of the Year in 2001. On 25 March 2014, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that General Cosgrove would become Principal Knight in the Order of Australia when sworn in as Governor-General.

Lady Cosgrove has been actively involved in the welfare of partners in the veterans’ community. She has also worked in support of disabled people, and of endangered Australian wildlife.

17 March 2017




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