News

A very excellent visit

By Corowa Free Press

Feb 18, 2026

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales (centre) in Corowa with Julieanne Whyte OAM, her daughter Stephanie and Rhonda and Grame Hicks.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria have jointly hosted a Vice Regal Reception in Corowa.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The event on Saturday marked the conclusion of the 50th Anniversary Year of the Australian Honours System with almost 60 recipients of Australian Honours and Awards who live within one hour travelling distance of Corowa invited to attend.

Her Excellency, Professor Gardner said the achievements and the outstanding service recognised by the Order of Australia, Meritorious Awards, and Bravery Decorations crossed all boundary lines and borders.

“It seemed only fitting that we host a dual celebration to honour and celebrate members of both States to mark the end of this 50th anniversary year,” she said.

Almost 60 recipients of Australian Honours and Awards were invited to a Vice Regal rececption with the NSW and Victorias Governors at Corowa Distilling Co on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, the Governors also visited Howlong where they walked the History Trail with members of the Howlong Historical Society and had afternoon tea with members of the 2024 Premier’s Award-winning Howlong Community Emergency Response Team.

Howlong Historical Society secretary, Marion Billing and president Veronica Husted with the Honourable Margaret Beazley (centre).

The Vice Regal Reception also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the official proclamation of the Black-Allan Line, which marks the eastern-most border of NSW and Victoria, the ‘straight line section’ from Cape Howe to the nearest source of the Murray River.