State Visit to Australia Day 2

Ngunnawal elder Auntie Violet Sheridan, the Wiradjuri Echoes and Māori elders Isaac and Trish Cotter were all part of the Welcome to Country ceremony for Dame Patsy and Sir David at Government House in Canberra. A Welcome to Country is a ritual or ceremony intended to recognise the significance of the land to its traditional owners. Australian Governor-General HE General Hon David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley invited Dame Patsy and Sir David to sign the guest book before Auntie Violet spoke.Then the floor was open for a dancer from the Wiradjuri Echoes, accompanied by a didgeridoo player. Māori elders Isaac and Trish Cotter supported Dame Patsy and her party with karanga, mihi and waiata. The planned Ceremonial Welcome was moved indoors due to rain. Following the welcome, Dame Patsy had a meeting with Australian PM Scott Morrison. The afternoon's activities included a visit to the National Arboretum and the New Zealand High Commission, before a State Dinner at Yarralumla in the evening.