The Governor holds Investiture Ceremonies involving the presentation of honours and awards to citizens of the State of New South Wales included on the Australia Day and King’s Birthday Honours lists. Recipients are principally invested with awards under the Order of Australia, but there are also a number of Meritorious Service Awards and Bravery Decorations. 

Investiture ceremonies for those announced in the Australia Day Honours list are held at Government House Sydney in autumn and ceremonies for those announced in the King's Birthday Honours list are held in spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

When

Ceremonies are held at 10am and 2pm on Investiture days. Light refreshments are served following each ceremony.

Five to six weeks prior an allocated ceremony, recipients will receive an invitation to attend an Investiture Ceremony.

Where

Government House Sydney, Macquarie Street Sydney. Entry is via the Government House Gates, Conservatorium Road (to the left of the Conservatorium of Music).

Arrival

Please arrive 30 minutes before your ceremony start time. 

Recipients are invited to attend their ceremony with three guests. Details are included in the invitation.

It is recommended that guests are 10 years of age or above.

Dress Code

The recommended dress code for Investiture Ceremonies is lounge suit or Service equivalent.

• Women: uniform, day dress, skirt and jacket or pants suit (hats and gloves optional)
• Men: uniform or suit with tie

Recipients attending in uniform are requested to wear service ribbons only. Recipients attending in civilian attire should not wear decorations. This we hope enables newly invested persons to have their most recent honour prominently displayed.

Other guests are encouraged to wear decorations if applicable.

Ceremony Length

Ceremonies including refreshments are approximately 120 mins in length.

Security

Entry to Government House is by invitation only.

Parking

Car parking is available in grounds of Government House Sydney (booking is not required).

Special Requirements

Please contact us to discuss access for those with accessibility concerns or other special requirements.

Photography

No private photography is permitted during the Investiture Ceremony. An official photographer is engaged to capture all official images and information will be provided to you on the day about how you can obtain copies. You are welcome to take photographs during refreshments.

Live Streaming

Ceremonies will be live streamed via the Government House Sydney website on the Investiture Livestream page.

Inability to Attend 

If you are unable to attend following confirmation of your RSVP please advise Government House Sydney as soon as you are able. We will be able to discuss with you alternatives for receiving your insignia.

Contact Details

Protocol Team
Government House Sydney
Macquarie Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 9228 4111
Email: investiture@governor.nsw.gov.au