The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC made her first official visit to Wagga Wagga this week, welcomed to the city at a Mayoral Reception on Wednesday 11 December.
During her time in Wagga Wagga, the Governor-General attended RAAF Base Wagga at Forest Hill to review the 1 Recruit Training Unit graduation.
At the community reception, held in the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Her Excellency met with members of the general community, First Nations Elders, as well as representatives from local businesses, government and other organisations.
Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Dorothy Whyman conducted the Welcome to Country.
In her speech, Her Excellency described Wagga Wagga as a "very special part of Australia".
"I think amongst other things, you are renowned for your civic pride and the deep community spirit of generosity and volunteering," the Governor-General said.
"Wagga is a unique and successful example of modern, optimistic and diverse Australia.
"The things you celebrate here, the beauty of the collection of the Art Gallery, or the culture that thrives on the landscape and reflects that mighty Murrumbidgee River and the other rivers we've just been speaking about, the FUSION Botanical Multicultural Festival and the Festival of W, both born out of the depth and breadth of what is a diverse population, the projects and programs of Wiradjuri elders and community members to teach language, preserve culturally significant sites, capture stories, celebrate culture and pass on practice.
"You are just simply a community of connectedness and welcoming and warmth."
In his speech, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said it has been just over 10 years since the city last hosted an official reception for a Governor-General.
"Your Excellency, it is such an honour for our city and Council to have you request a gathering of community organisation members to attend here this afternoon," Cr Tout said.
"We greatly appreciate that you have elected to spend time on your visit here to meet and chat with community members.
"The City of Wagga Wagga over the last several decades has developed into a truly diverse and inclusive city, boasting well over 100 nationalities and 100 languages. This continues to grow every year.
"We live in a city and region that is not only diverse and welcoming but most importantly inclusive. We are extremely proud of what we have and continue to build together as a community."
Following the speeches, the Governor-General spent time talking with those who attended the Mayoral Reception, before being taken on a tour of the National Art Glass Gallery by Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Director Dr Lee-Anne Hall and Assistant Curator Michael Scarrone.
