During her five-and-a-half years as Governor-General, Quentin Bryce has met thousands of Australians, travelled to dozens of countries, and played host to scores of foreign dignitaries and today marks her final day occupying the nation’s highest post.
This morning during his final visit to see the governor-general at her official residence of Yarralumla, Prime Minister Tony Abbott praised Ms Bryce as a “gracious and warm presence”.
“I think Australians will be very happy to see Peter Cosgrove come to Yarralumla; I think they’ll be sad to see Quentin Bryce leave Yarralumla,” he told the Governor-General.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Quentin Bryce at Yarralumla today.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Quentin Bryce at Yarralumla today.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Quentin Bryce at Yarralumla today.
Ms Bryce, 71, is the first female to hold the office, says that she has found her years of service inspirational.
“It has truly been an honour to serve our community as governor-general,” she said.
“I’ve been utterly inspired by the experiences, they certainly have changed me in many ways and I’ve been inspired by what I have learned, what I have observed from my fellow Australians.
When Bryce first took up the post in 2008 she swore to “honour” the position and her exhausting efforts to stay true to her word leave no room for any detractors to say otherwise.
Apart from her official obligations in the nation’s capital cities, Bryce spent much of her time trekking to the most remote parts of the country to meet ordinary people.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Honourable Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia and her husband Michael Bryce at Buckingham Palace in June, 2013.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Honourable Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia and her husband Michael Bryce at Buckingham Palace in June, 2013.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Honourable Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia and her husband Michael Bryce at Buckingham Palace in June, 2013.
Bryce’s track record can attest that as Governor-General she gave more speeches, attended more official engagements, hosted more meetings and championed more organisations than any of her predecessors.
She will be honoured at a farewell reception at Parliament House tonight.
Tomorrow morning, after paying her respects to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Quentin and her husband, Michael will return to Brisbane to resume their lives as private citizens ready to enjoy the company of their five children and 10 grandchildren.
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