On 29th June 2022, the Governor of Tasmania, The Honourable Barbara Baker AC (Her Excellency) and the Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers visited the City of Glenorchy, experiencing its vibrant, diverse, resilient community whilst touring key sites and meeting with community groups, schools and businesses to share their achievements and programs.
Her Excellency and the Professor were welcomed by Mayor of Glenorchy, Bec Thomas and Glenorchy Council General Manager, Tony McMullen who both accompanied them on the tour.
“ Glenorchy has so much to offer and many exciting things happening right now. The Vice-Regal visit is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the people and places that make our City great and I was very proud to welcome Her Excellency and Professor Chalmers, on behalf of the people of Glenorchy” said Mayor Thomas.
With a full itinerary ahead, Her Excellency began the day with a visit to the Glenorchy Jobs Hub, followed by a stop to meet the Troublesmiths, a youth social enterprise now with a shopfront and base in Glenorchy. The party then travelled to Montrose Bay High School to meet the Principal, Duncan Groves, who introduced Her Excellency to students who form part of the Happy Program, an initiative run through the school, supported by Council and the Australian Drug Foundation.
At Karadi Aboriginal Corporation in Goodwood, Her Excellency received a Welcome to Country and met with Elders and Dominic College students participating in the Deadly Choices Program. Her Excellency presented students with graduation certificates and enjoyed chatting with Elders, students and the Karadi team.
The group were treated to a special multicultural lunch at the Multicultural Hub, spending time talking with members of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania, members of Council’s reference groups, community organisations and local businesses.
Salvation Army Captain Kim Haworth was then invited to show Her Excellency the Hopkins Street Housing Development for Women and Families – a key area of interest for the Governor.
The afternoon consisted of a visit to the Nyrstar site, meeting with CEO Britt Butler and some new apprentices, a stop at newly established eatery and bar, Brewlab, and finally to Bucaan Community House in Chigwell. Community House Manager, Linda Kemp and Council’s Conrad Gilbey introduced Her Excellency to members of the Full Gear motorcycle program, which seeks to empower young people to learn about road safety while achieving their bike license.
At the evening civic reception, put on by the Moonah Arts Centre team, Her Excellency and Professor Chalmers communicated their appreciation for the visit, and expressed a keen sense of connection and engagement with the City of Glenorchy,
“Don and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage with and learn more about the Glenorchy community. It is truly a diverse city with a strong sense of community and optimism. I am confident about a bright future for Glenorchy” Her Excellency said.
For more information:
For more information on the initiatives and programs mentioned during the Governor’s tour, please contact Council’s Events Officer on 6216 6800 or reach out to the organisations directly.