18 September 2015
The strong sense of community was celebrated at Government House on Wednesday 16 September following another successful community Open Day.
Over the past year, sixteen organisations helped provide a positive experience by ensuring Government House could be opened to the public including for many Island visitors.
Fifteen open days were made possible by volunteer “sitters” who interacted and guided the visitors while almost 2000 people passed through this significant national historic asset over the past year.
Community groups collected a total of $31,763.59 from their participation in the Government House Open Day events. This equates to an average $2117.57 for each Open Day.
On Wednesday representatives of the organisations gathered to celebrate the success and share in the proceeds they collected.
Lorraine and I acknowledge the generous donation of time by so many people, especially the regular volunteer sitter team led so well by Maurge Jowett OAM. We know Island visitors appreciate the unique opportunity to step back in time by visiting Government House. We also thank all the people who visited Government House for their entry donations which go directly to local charity groups.
Charitable organisations which made a difference in the past year at Government House were Daa Side fe Ucklan/Blue Light Foundation, Quota Club of Norfolk Island, NATIN. NI RSL Women's Auxiliary. Banyan Park Playcentre.NI Hospital Auxiliary, Mental Health Support Group, NI Branch Australian Red Cross, Sunshine Club, Girl Guides Association, Care Norfolk Inc, Royal A & H Society, Foodcare, St Johns Ambulance, and NISEDU.
Government House Open Days are held on a Wednesday each month. Lorraine and I encourage all members of the Norfolk Island community to promote these occasions particularly to Island visitors as they assist Norfolk Island charity groups over the year ahead.
The Hon Gary Hardgrave