Ian Riley, Tarrangower Times
The Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, toured the region last week to visit local operations and meet with locals in her role as Head of State, representative of the King.
Between Tuesday 15 and Friday 18 July, Her Excellency traversed towns between Harcourt and Woodend, with visits to Buda Homestead in Castlemaine, Josh’s Eggs in Monegeetta and Hanging Rock. One of her first stops was Tarrengower Prison, in Maldon, where she interacted with prisoners and chatted to staff. The Governor sought to understand the role that Tarrengower Prison undertakes, serving as a model of transition and ‘bridging’ prisoners back into the community. She said a good justice system is foundational to a well-functioning society. “If people do end up in prison, we want to make sure that when they get out, they don’t go back in again,” she said, noting that there needs to be positive outcomes from detention.
Later, in Harcourt, Simon and Vicki from Harcourt Perry and Cider Makers took the Governor on a tour of their business from the beginning of the production cycle, with fragrant crates of applies, sorting and crushing, enormous barrels, tastings and observations. Her Excellency and Simon discussed trade opportunities and markets; achievements and areas needing support.
On Wednesday 16 July, Her Excellency visited the Victoria Goldfields Railway (VGR) Depot in Castlemaine and met with staff of the VGR, including CEO Wil Maylor and President Rob Lee, as well as Mt Alexander Shire Deputy Mayor Councillor Toby Heydon. After a tour of the workshop and sheds, the Governor took a short (100m!) train trip; the steam engine J549 was bright and sparkling after a recent refit. Her Excellency was very impressed with the restored engine and carriages, admiring the lavish levels of decoration and comfort in the saloon cars.
There was a bit of drama during the Governor’s visit when the Vice Regal car was reportedly pulled over by an over enthusiastic member of the police force who hadn’t recognised the distinctive Crown number plate! A Civic Reception was held at Castlemaine Art Museum later in the day to cordially welcome the Governor and hear her official address for this Regional Visit.
As the non-political Head of State, key roles of the Governor include supporting democracy and creating a strong community; encouraging ventures such as volunteering, arts, sports and innovation. Governors of Victoria usually serve terms of five years, endeavouring to spend time in each region of the state during that time. It means undertaking this kind of expedition around three or four times a year to acknowledge the contributions of regional Victorians and engage with local organisations, businesses, leaders and cultural groups. Regional Visits are a chance for the Governor to gauge the overall mood and priorities of the state; no doubt Her Excellency will provide a glowing report of this goldfields region for the King.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 25 July 2025.
