Governor-General visits Moama

By Gregor Mactaggart

Dec 11, 2022

Thank you: Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda with emergency services representatives in Moama on Friday. Photo by Steve Huntley

A rousing rendition of the chorus of You Are My Sunshine capped a visit by Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda to Moama on Friday.

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The Hurleys paid a special visit to the border town as it recovers from October’s flood event.

The Moama trip followed an earlier visit to Echuca and Rochester.

It featured meetings with key Murray River Council officials and a tour of flood-affected areas before a special lunch with emergency service volunteers.

G’day: Governor-General David Hurley, his wife Linda and local residents during his visit to Moama. Photo by Steve Huntley

The lunch, held at Moama Recreation Reserve, featured representatives from a raft of organisations including the Moama SES and Moama RFS.

“From Linda and I, my personal heartfelt thanks to the organisations and individuals who contributed to the community during what was a very stressful time,” the Governor-General told those in attendance.

Greetings: Linda Hurley with members of the Marine Rescue Unit in Moama. Photo by Steve Huntley

“Our job is to get a sense of how the community is progressing and to thank people like you for what you do for your community.

“It is what we at Government House call ‘the richness of spirit’ — you see it in Australians every day of the year.”

All smiles: Governor-General David Hurley with emergency services representatives in Moama on Friday. Photo by Steve Huntley

Mr Hurley’s speech was followed by some words from Mrs Hurley, who then told the crowd “we have a song at Government House, the chorus of You Are My Sunshine”.

Mrs Hurley led the rendition, which certainly lightened the atmosphere.

Murray River Council Mayor Chris Bilkey spent the day with the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, saying it was a significant day for the region.

“We’re delighted to have someone of his stature visit our area to get an understanding on the impacts of the community,” Cr Bilkey said.

“He is a very personable man and his wife is just delightful.”

Meet and greet: Linda Hurley chats to Luke Keogh and Mark Watson. Photo by Steve Huntley

Cr Bilkey said the Hurleys had a busy schedule during their time in Moama.

Hello: Governor-General David Hurley with Moama SES unit commander Bruce Smith. Photo by Steve Huntley

“Council had a meeting with him this morning — Sarah Ryan from the economic development team, Jack Bond from the infrastructure department, (chief executive officer) Terry (Dodds) and myself,” he said.

Thumbs up: Members of Queensland Fire and Rescue helping out in Moama were among those in attendance. Photo by Steve Huntley

“We worked through a number of issues, but one area in particular that we touched on was the delayed access to support funding through the NSW system.

“We then visited Merool Caravan Park, David Grubb’s houseboat business and Riverside Caravan Park before lunch here with the volunteers and one-on-one chats with businesspeople.

“It is a chance for people to share their personal stories with the Governor-General and his wife Linda, and show that the visitor economy has been knocked for six.”

Join the chorus: Linda Hurley leads the crowd in a rendition of *You Are My Sunshine*. Photo by Steve Huntley

Moama SES unit commander Bruce Smith said it was fabulous to have the King’s Australian representative in the region.

“There’s no doubt it helps to keep us going,” he said.

“It is that bit of recognition. I mean, you are not in it for that, but it does mean a lot to have the support of people such as the Governor-General behind you.”