Busy Governor-General Sam Mostyn made a special trip out to Crookwell on Friday and on Saturday will be hosting her first open day at Government House in Canberra.
The open day is on from 10am to 2pm on Saturday and is the first since Ms Mostyn was sworn in as Governor-General in July.
The open day is free and an opportunity to explore the beautiful grounds and learn about the role of the governor-general.
There will be guided tours; bring a picnic or buy food from on-site vendors. No tickets required. Parking will be available along Dunrossil Drive.
But before the big open day, Ms Mostyn headed out to the little village of Crookwell, north of Canberra.
She conducted a special investiture for a pillar of the community, who was unable to travel to Canberra for the usual investiture ceremonies at Government House.
Ms Mostyn presented Richard Kennedy, 93, with his Medal of the Order of Australia, for service to the community of Crookwell.
The honour was originally announced in the King's Birthday 2024 Honours List in June.
Friday's ceremony took place at the Uniting Crookwell residential aged care home, where Mr Kennedy lives with his wife Thelma, 91.
A former farmer, Mr Kennedy was a councillor on the Crookwell Shire Council from 1974 to 1995. He was also president of the shire from 1980 to 1989. The council is now the Upper Lachlan Shire Council. He also served many years with local organisations including the Lions Club, tourism association, frail aged association, historical society and St Mary's Catholic Church.
Mr Kennedy's son Barry said it was very special to have the Governor-General present the honour direct to his father in his hometown, which he had served for so many years.
"I think he was a bit taken aback," Barry said. "I only told him on Thursday she was coming."
Ms Mostyn said she was delighted to invest Mr Kennedy in Crookwell and said it was obvious "how much time, energy and passion he has devoted to his community".
"It was an honour to be able to present his OAM and important to be able to join with those closest to Richard to celebrate his lifetime of service," she said.
