• Wednesday, 26 February 2025
• Photos supplied by Government House and Lake Cargelligo Darkeye Photography

Big skies, red earth, amazing communities…

The Governor and Mr Wilson spent the first two days of their 4-day visit to Riverina communities in Hillston, Murrin Bridge, Lake Cargelligo and West Wyalong.

First stop, a visit to Australian producer, Mitolo Family Farms, followed by engagements with Carrathool Shire Council, Hillston Creative Arts Council, the local Library and the Lions Club.

Thursday saw a meeting with Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Council, and visits to Murrin Bridge Preschool and Aboriginal Medical Service. It was followed by a tour of Australian manufacturer Durotank and an opportunity to chat to young people at Down the Track Youth Enterprises in Lake Cargelligo.

Then it was off to West Wyalong for a Community Afternoon Tea, a tour of West Wyalong Hospital and a Bland Shire Council Civic Reception.

On Friday, following a tour of Evolution Gold Mine’s Cowal operations, a visit to beautiful Lake Cowal included a meeting with staff and volunteers at Lake Cowal Conservation Centre over morning tea and presentations on important conservation projects. Afterwards, the Governor and Mr Wilson met with staff and students and participated in a Q and A at West Wyalong High School, before travelling on to Coolamon to find out more about the artisanship in cheese-making at Coolamon Cheese.

Next stop, on Friday evening, was a meeting with Junee leaders followed by a Vice Regal Community Reception at Junee’s Licorice and Chocolate Factory. On Saturday, the Governor and Mr Wilson received a tour of the historic collections of Junee’s Broadway Museum before attending a final engagement at Wagga Wagga PCYC – to view the Southern Sports Academy’s Basketball Squad at training.

Thank you to Riverina communities for making this visit so memorable and insightful, for your warm welcome and sharing your stories.