Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, was guest of honour at a Civic Reception on Tuesday, February 13, in the Ararat Town Hall.
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Ararat Mayor, Bob Sanders welcomed Governor Gardner, listing her many academic accomplishments.
Beginning her official speech with acknowledgment of the devastating fires and the impact on the surrounding communities, she said, "This day is difficult for many people due to the fires, and my visit may have been prevented because of this.
"Who wants a governor hanging around when there are so many important things that have to be done under the circumstances?" she said with a smile, wishing everyone in the community remain untouched.
Her Excellency said although it was her first visit to Ararat, she learned recently that an uncle of hers had spent many years there, so she had a connection with the city and wished she had visited when he lived in Ararat.
Governor Gardner said she was particularly impressed with Ararat's rich, diverse history and was pleased to see its future possibilities.
She was also very impressed with her visit to Ararat's Federation University prior to the Civic reception to witness the research into applied issues in and not only agriculture and housing, among other exciting things relevant to Ararat.
The governor's planned visit to the Ararat Windfarm was cancelled due to the Grampians fires and the extreme weather conditions.
She said, "I give particular credit to the Ararat Rural City Council for its partnership with the University and for supporting research into such vital issues."
In addition, the governor said she was impressed by the many partnerships with organisations and between the professional and private sectors.