Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove visited Mount Isa on Friday with a reception at the Civic Centre.
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His visit coincided with the Cloncurry show which he attended on Saturday.
Councillors and officials lined up to welcome Sir Peter, and Virginia Mayo performed Welcome to Country, acknowledging the Kalkutungu people of the region.
Sundowners Kalkatungu Dancers performed a beautiful welcome dance.
The Governor-General honoured the original owners of the land and complimented the Sundowners.
“I get a lot of different welcomes to country and I just loved that one, it was so intriguing and attractive.”
Sir Peter made an apology for Lady Cosgrove’s absence, due to arthritis.
Having once visited many years ago, he referred to our town’s more familiar name.
“This is the Isa, so I’ll occasionally call it the Isa so I can pretend I’m a local,” Sir Peter joked.
After the reception he visited School of the Air, Royal Flying Doctors, and 51st Battalion of North Queensland Regiment.
He acknowledged the mining history of Mount Isa.
“This place is home to some of the richest mineral deposits in the world. That’s what the city was founded on, that’s part of who you are.
“But you don’t have to be here more than a couple of seconds to know that the place is made up of more than lead, copper, and zinc.
He referred to School of the Air which he would visit later that day.
“I think it’s one of the great attributes of Australia; people with their ingenuity and determination can get their kids a good education especially in those early formative years.”
He honoured the Royal Flying Doctor Service which he would also be paying a visit.
The Governor-General encouraged Mount Isa residents to consider outstanding individuals for the Australian Honours list, and particularly women.
“Presently only about 30 per cent of nominations are for Australian women. And they are a very high quality group that gets nominated. It really ought to be 51 per cent of the Australian nominations in a year that achieve the award.”
The Governor-General said he is urging the CEOs and chairpeople of the top ASX 200 companies and the 170 plus charities of which he is patron, to consider the many thousands of women who work for their organisations.
“That’s my commercial,” he said.
Governor-General acknowledged the passing of Queensland Police Officer Brendan Poustie from Mount Isa
Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch said meeting Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove was an item on her bucket list.
“On behalf of the city of Mount Isa we are delighted to welcome you here, and to thank you for taking the time to visit our region.
“Your Excellency, you are known for your willingness and commitment to visiting remote communities such as ours and experiencing life as we live it and connect with us, and we are genuinely appreciative.
“It is an honour and a great pleasure to have your Excellency tour our community, and to visit a number of our very important institutions, including the Royal Flying Doctor Base, School of the Air, and the Mount Isa Multi User Depot Unit Delta Company 51st Battalion, the Far North Queensland Regiment,” Cr. McCulloch said.
