Governor of Tasmania

Governor of Tasmania Welcome to the official page of Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania, and Government House Tasmania

Recently the Governor has been delighted to attend a range of events marking significant milestones and celebrating Tasm...
15/09/2026

Recently the Governor has been delighted to attend a range of events marking significant milestones and celebrating Tasmanian achievement across a diverse range of fields.

From joining with Patronage organisations on their important occasions to applauding sporting success and recognising those who work to care for our community, these engagements have highlighted the many positive impacts being made across our State.

Over the past few days, the Governor has:

🎂 As Patron, officially opened the Country Women’s Association in Tasmania CWA in Tas State Conference in Pontville, continuing celebrations for the organisation’s 90th year

💚 Hosted an afternoon tea at Government House for Thrive Group, to celebrate 50 years of the organisation providing education and care across the State

🏆 Presented awards at the Hockey Tasmania Southern Hockey League 2026 Awards Night at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre

🏏 As Patron of Cricket Tasmania, presented shirts to Tasmanian Tigers Men’s and Women’s Team players at the season launch at Ninja Stadium, and received a shirt of her own

In 2026 we mark a significant milestone in our State’s history: the bicentenary of the Legislative Council of Tasmania.V...
11/09/2026

In 2026 we mark a significant milestone in our State’s history: the bicentenary of the Legislative Council of Tasmania.

Van Diemen’s Land became an independent colony in December 1825, which was administered by the Lieutenant-Governor and a Legislative Council consisting of between five and seven members.

The Legislative Council met for the first time on 12 April 1826 at Old Government House, which was located on the site of what is now Franklin Square and the Hobart Town Hall.

Earlier this year, current and past members and staff of the Council celebrated 200 years since this first meeting at a reception at Government House.

Today, the Governor was pleased to continue the celebrations as she delivered a very special Royal message to the Honourable Craig Farrell MLC, President of the Legislative Council and Mr Craig Muir, Usher of the Black Rod.

The message from His Majesty King Charles III to the people of Tasmania to mark the bicentenary reads, in part:

“In a world of constant change, the Legislative Council continues to stand as a testament to the enduring strength of parliamentary democracy and the importance of upholding the traditions of responsible government.

“I remember most fondly my many visits to Tasmania over the years, where I have always been touched by the warmth of your welcome, and by your optimism and strength.

“It is my fervent hope that you will join me in this bicentenary year in reflecting with pride on the achievements of the past, and looking ahead to a harmonious future.”

His Majesty’s full message may be read in the attached image.

Encouraging kindness and compassion to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Australian young people is at the ...
10/09/2026

Encouraging kindness and compassion to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Australian young people is at the core of The b kinder foundation’s work.

Through its school program, the Foundation combines prevention and early intervention, providing evidence-based wellbeing programs and resources to equip children with skills that help stop harmful behaviours from developing.

It works with student leaders, empowering them to implement kindness initiatives in their schools and inspire their fellow students to become kinder, more compassionate and more empathetic, thereby reducing the impact of mental illnesses, bullying and su***de.

This week, student leaders from primary schools across southern Tasmania are coming together to learn how they can take positive action in their communities and become ambassadors for a kinder world.

As Joint Patrons of the Foundation, the Governor and Dr Walters were delighted to attend today’s b kinder summit at Lansdowne Crescent Primary School, meeting student leaders, teachers, principals and Foundation staff.

More than 80 student leaders from nine primary schools attended today’s summit, with further summits to take place tomorrow in Hobart and next week in Sydney.

Recently at Government House, the Governor and Dr Walters have had the chance to connect with people across a broad rang...
08/09/2026

Recently at Government House, the Governor and Dr Walters have had the chance to connect with people across a broad range of sectors in our community.

From spending time with Patronage organisations to meeting with groups to find out about issues affecting Tasmanians, these events have been an opportunity to mark significant milestones and learn more about important work taking place in our State.

This has included:

✈️ Hosting a reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, of which the Governor is honoured to serve as Honorary Air Commodore

🚸 Meeting with Danny Mayson-Kinder, CEO and Founder, and Christopher Fleming, National Charity Coordinator, of The b kinder foundation, which works to improve children’s mental health and wellbeing through kindness programs. The Governor and Dr Walters are joint Patrons of the organisation.

❤️ Receiving a call from Mark Green and Jillian Coe, committee members of SCAD Research Inc. Australia, a national charity dedicated to raising awareness of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and improving outcomes for SCAD heart attack sufferers

🏠 Meeting with Domonee van Heerden, President and Benjamin Price, Executive Director of the Housing Industry Association in Tasmania, to discuss the organisation’s work

This afternoon, the Governor was delighted to continue celebrating the outstanding Tasmanians recognised in the 2026 Kin...
04/09/2026

This afternoon, the Governor was delighted to continue celebrating the outstanding Tasmanians recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List.

Each recipient has made a meaningful contribution to their community and to our State, and has been recognised for their exceptional service, achievement and dedication to others.

Congratulations to recipients at this afternoon’s Investiture Ceremony:

🌟Bruce Corbett AM AFSM
🌟Margaret Chilcott ASM
🌟Michelle Izard ASM
🌟Garry White ASM
🌟Janet Drummond OAM
🌟Peter Dunphy OAM
🌟Steven Fisher OAM
🌟Gillian Forsyth OAM
🌟David Hill OAM
🌟Patricia Kent OAM
🌟Craig Leeson OAM
🌟Robin McKendrick OAM
🌟Emeritus Professor Peter Muirhead OAM
🌟John Pugh OAM

Nominations for Australian Honours and Awards are open year-round, and anyone can nominate someone for an award. If you know an outstanding Tasmanian who deserves recognition, visit gg.gov.au to find out more and submit a nomination.

Every day around our State, ordinary Tasmanians are making extraordinary contributions across a diverse range of fields,...
04/09/2026

Every day around our State, ordinary Tasmanians are making extraordinary contributions across a diverse range of fields, strengthening their communities and making a lasting impact.

The Australian Honours and Awards system provides an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and thank those who make a difference, those who achieve their best, and those who serve others.

Today the Governor was pleased to present insignia to Tasmanians recognised in the 2026 Australia Day, King’s Birthday and Midwinter’s Day Honours Lists at two Investiture Ceremonies at Government House.

Congratulations to recipients at this morning’s ceremony:

🌟The Honourable David Bartlett AO
🌟Geoffrey Fader AM
🌟William (Bill) Lark AM
🌟Dr Andrew Mulcahy AM
🌟Scientia Professor Emerita Rosemary Rayfuse AM
🌟Terrence Roe AM
🌟Damon Thomas AM
🌟Frances Underwood AM
🌟Brett Walker AM
🌟Commander Damien George APM
🌟Assistant Commissioner Douglas Oosterloo APM
🌟Jane Edwards OAM
🌟Graeme Foale OAM
🌟Roger Viney OAM
🌟Dr Clive McMahon AAM

Nominations for Australian Honours and Awards are open year-round. If you know an outstanding Tasmanian who deserves recognition, visit gg.gov.au to find out more and submit a nomination.

As part of her commitment to connect with communities across our State, yesterday the Governor was delighted to spend a ...
03/09/2026

As part of her commitment to connect with communities across our State, yesterday the Governor was delighted to spend a jam-packed afternoon in the municipality of Clarence.

The visit was a chance to find out about businesses and attractions driving economic impact and to meet with organisations dedicated to improving the lives of their fellow residents, showcasing the importance of connection to community, place and each other.

During the afternoon, the Governor and Dr Walters:

☀️ Heard about the many interesting things happening around Clarence during a lunch at the City of Clarence Council chambers

🎨 Headed to Rosny Farm to visit the new Youth Clubhouse, see exhibitions being installed at The Schoolhouse gallery, hear about plans to expand the arts and cultural precinct and view the work underway to rewild the Rosny Parklands

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Spent time at the Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre, having a chat at the community café, visiting the community garden and finding out about the many valuable programs it offers

🏍️ Visited members of the Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club Tasmania South at the Risdon Vale Hall and learned about how they are supporting veterans and their families

⛳ Toured the new 7 Mile Beach Golf Course, which has added to Tasmania’s outstanding reputation for golf tourism

🥃 Ended their visit with a Civic Reception at Killara Distillery in Richmond, which is continuing the State’s tradition of producing award-winning wh**ky and spirits

The Governor and Dr Walters enjoyed meeting many members of the community throughout the day and thanked everyone who hosted them during their visit.

Today is National Wattle Day, marking the first day of spring and honouring Australia’s national floral emblem.On this d...
01/09/2026

Today is National Wattle Day, marking the first day of spring and honouring Australia’s national floral emblem.

On this day we also recognise and celebrate the bravery and courage of members of our community, with the announcement of the Australian Bravery Decorations List.

The Governor congratulates the 54 people who have been awarded the Bravery Medal, the Commendation for Brave Conduct or the Group Bravery Citation.

These honours recognise those who, without thought of personal risk, displayed courage and bravery to protect or defend others.

The full list of recipients is available at the Governor-General’s website: https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-bravery-decorations-list-wattle-day-2026

Anyone can nominate someone for an Australian Bravery Decoration, so if you know a worthy Tasmanian who deserves recognition, see the above website for more information.

📸: Wattle growing in the Government House gardens.

Say hello to Gus! 🐈While the Governor and Dr Walters have been busy welcoming guests and meeting members of the communit...
31/08/2026

Say hello to Gus! 🐈

While the Governor and Dr Walters have been busy welcoming guests and meeting members of the community, the other new Government House resident has been having an altogether more relaxing time.

As you can see the Governor’s beloved 17-year-old ginger cat has settled nicely into his new home.

While visitors are not likely to see him in the State Rooms, the curious feline enjoys exploring the hidey holes of the Governor’s apartment upstairs where he can often be found having a snooze.

Facilitating diplomatic relationships is an important part of the Governor’s role, and this month she has been pleased t...
28/08/2026

Facilitating diplomatic relationships is an important part of the Governor’s role, and this month she has been pleased to host representatives from several countries at Government House.

From morning and afternoon calls to an official visit incorporating a formal dinner, these meetings have been an opportunity to promote Tasmania and support international engagement with the State.

This month the Governor and Dr Walters have welcomed:

🇨🇭 Ambassador of Switzerland, His Excellency Mr Nikolas Stürchler to stay at Government House and attend an official dinner with Tasmanian business leaders and industry representatives Embassy of Switzerland in Canberra

🇺🇸 Consul General of the United States of America in Melbourne, Mr Colin Crosby, who has recently arrived in Australia to take up the role U.S. Consulate Melbourne

🇪🇺 Ambassador of the European Union, His Excellency Mr Gabriele Visentin, to say farewell as his tenure in the role concludes European Union in Australia

🇯🇵 Consul General of Japan in Melbourne Mr Tokuro Furuya, who returned to Government House to say goodbye as he also finished up in the post Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne 在メルボルン日本国総領事館

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7 Lower Domain Road
Hobart, TAS
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