After an unprecedented fire season, His Excellency the Honourable Governor General David Hurley AC DSC and his wife Mrs Linda Hurley thanked first responders and the Southern Highlands community for their efforts.
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The Governor General and his wife visited fire affected parts of the Southern Highlands in Wingello and Bundanoon to speak to community members on July 1.
A tree planting ceremony in Balmoral was to be held on July 2.
Wingecarribee Shire Council held an official reception for his Excellency, as well as community leaders, volunteers and service men and women.
Mrs Hurley entertained guests with her original song, 'We Need Rain' and encouraged the crowd with 'You Are My Sunshine'.
Mayor Duncan Gair welcomed the special guest to the Highlands.
"This morning we visited Wingello and had a small and short convoy of two fire tanks with Mrs Hurley in the front," he began with.
"It was interesting to see how much effort and work has been done by the emergency services and Laing O'Rourke in the clearing of the blocks of land.
"The whole area looks different now of course with the 12 -13 inches of rain that we received in late February and early March.
Mayor Gair said that while Wingecarribee Shire Council was on the way to rebuilding, there was still a long way to go and that there were still people who were suffering heartache.
"There are a few people that I would like to acknowledge," Mayor Gair added.
"First is the Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Police Force, Ambulance service, SES and council staff for their front line support.
"As a council we haven't been able to have an official thank you to all the volunteers, it was hoping we could have a street parade or gathering at one of the show grounds but COVID-19 came in to force.
"So tonight is in one way to thank the volunteers and those who gave their time, unfortunately we are restricted on invitations."
His Excellency David Hurley thanked front line workers and community volunteers and explained what he does in his role as the Governor General.
"One of the most important things that Governor General's do is to go out and thank the community and acknowledge to the community the great work they do for the country," he said.
"You being here tonight is my opportunity on behalf of your fellow Australians to say thank you.
"For those who fought on the front line, to the engineers and so forth from the council who kept the water flowing, for those who provided meals, support and set up the relief centres, looked after people, organised emergency accommodation and so on, that list is endless - thank you for what you did."
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
