More than 50 local first responders were joined by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, for a breakfast in honour of Thank a First Responder Day at the Bairnsdale Fire Brigade on Wednesday.

Representatives from the CFA, Victoria Police, Coast Guard, VICSES and DEECA came together to share their stories, enjoy breakfast, and connect with Her Excellency, who made time to speak with everyone, ask questions, and offer her personal thanks for their service.

In her opening address, the Governor-General said:

"Today, the most important people for me are the first responders. You epitomise everything that is good about this place. When I became your Governor-General, I promised to place care, kindness and respect at the heart of all I do.

“Today is about chatting with you and saying thank you. You are some of the most important people I get to meet across this country. Whether you are paid or volunteers, you epitomise everything I think is great about Australia."

Mayor Cr John White, Deputy Mayor Cr Sonia Buckley, Cr Jodie Ashworth and CEO Fiona Weigall also attended the breakfast. The Mayor spoke on behalf of a grateful region, stating:

"Today, on Thank a First Responder Day, we come together not just as officials or representatives, but as grateful members of a community that knows all too well the value of our first responders.

“Here in East Gippsland, we’ve faced fires, floods, a pandemic, and hardship. In those moments – and every day in between – it has been our first responders who have stepped forward with courage, compassion and unwavering commitment."

After breakfast, Her Excellency toured the fire station with Bairnsdale Fire Brigade Captain Aaron Lee, taking a genuine interest in the brigade’s rich history and community ties. She paused to reflect at the honour boards and historic photographs lining the walls, sharing a light-hearted moment about the changing dress styles over the decades. In a gentle nod to the evolving community, she noted the absence of a ladies’ auxiliary today – though the spirit of the brigade remains as strong as ever.

In a memorable and joyful final moment, Her Excellency climbed aboard one of the brigade’s fire trucks and hit the streets of Bairnsdale alongside members of the CFA. In what could be seen as a symbolic gesture of her desire to walk – or ride – in the shoes of those who serve, her enthusiasm was warmly received by the crew and onlookers alike.

This gathering was just one of the many personal and community-focused moments from Her Excellency’s multi-day tour of East Gippsland, during which she made it clear her priority was to listen, learn and celebrate the people of the region.

Throughout the visit to East Gippsland, some other highlights included:

• Speaking with students at Bairnsdale Secondary College, taking the time to hear their hopes, challenges and ideas.

• Visiting the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place to learn about local culture and heritage.

• Meeting with the Gippsland Agriculture Group at the Gippsland Research Farm in the lead-up to the launch of the Gippsland Soil School.

As Patron of National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA), Her Excellency also visited the Bairnsdale Library for a guided tour by Mayor Cr John White and staff. There, she shared a deeply personal story that beautifully captured her lifelong connection to libraries.

Her Excellency recalled how, in 1960s Adelaide, her mother – a librarian – met her father, a young Army man borrowing a book. That chance encounter sparked a lifelong love story and reminded all present that libraries are more than places to read – they are places where life begins to unfold, and stories are shared.

Her Excellency’s visit left a lasting impression – not only for the events she attended, but for the heartfelt care, curiosity and respect she extended to everyone she met, while exploring some of the very best that East Gippsland has to offer.

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