She is as close to royalty as we can get: our very own Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO.
Wherever she goes, much interest, both media and with communities, follows.
On the 16th of December Quentin Bryce was visiting Mutijulu as a guest of Indigenous Elder, Ms Barbara Tjikatu AM.
While there, she visited Frontier Services’ Mutijulu Childcare Centre. Our very own Coordinator of Mutijulu Childcare Centre, Michelle Brownjohn was just one of the very excited locals to meet and chat with the Governor-General.
Michelle says “She was visiting the Aged Care facility next door and they hosted the morning tea.
While she was here she nursed a few of the babies and met with their mothers. She spoke with a few of the mums about their bubs and mentioned that she has 10 grandchildren herself.”
Even though being a Governor-General means heavy security, Ms Bryce was happily shaking everyone’s hands and taking time out to talk with them.
Michelle says “She was asking everyone what their roles were within the community. She asked me about the Childcare centre and was interested to know how many children come to visit the centre.”
With her celebrity status Michelle explained that most people who met the Governor-General were a little nervous, but Ms Bryce made it very easy to speak with her. “It was actually very relaxed and casual. She spoke with a few of the Elders in the community and they exchanged gifts with one another.” The Governor-General was presented with a large painting done by one of the elders in the community.
“I found her to be an elegant lady who spoke to everyone and got the children very excited by handing out three large bags off balls. In fact I think that the whole community was rather excited to have her visit here in Mutitjulu.”
It was a special day for Michelle, “I asked her if I could have a photo taken with her and mentioned that it was my Birthday. Her response was: sure it’s my Birthday on the 23rd of December so let’s have a birthday photo!”