To Australian readers, perhaps the closest thing to this cause has been the fight to return the Governor of New South Wales - the oldest office of public administration in Australia - to their traditional residence, Government House, a beautiful Gothic Revival home pile next to Sydney Harbour.
Well, it appears the fight has, like our Canadian friends, been won!
The present Premier of NSW has announced that Her Excellency Prof. Marie Bashir, and her husband Sir Nicholas Shehadie, will return to Government House before the end of the year - first, to the chalet next to Government House previously used as a residence for the official secretary to the Governor, and then to a wing in the main residence once repair and restoration works are finished.
It has been known widely in Sydney circles for some time that both Prof Bashir and Sir Nick were very keen to return to past practice, although of course they did not voice that publicly. At a function earlier this year at Government House, Sir Nick explained to me in some detail, and with passion, his views on the matter. I was delighted to be in full agreement!
This is great news and helps to restore the lustre and dignity of the office of Governor of New South Wales. The fact that it is happening on the watch of Prof Bashir - governor since 2001 and a widely admired community figure - is doubly satisfying.
Now, if only she could be "Dame Marie"...
Not before time.
ReplyDeleteWonderful News!
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